Australiasian Farmers' and Dealers' Journal

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2013

TMA reviews 2012 and forecasts 2013 New law review section – who’s liable?

5,6,7 MARCH 2013

You are invited to

Australia’s premier farming machinery and country lifestyle event Longerenong via Horsham Victoria Australia www.wimmerafielddays.com.au

STEIGER AND QUADTRAC: THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE With unmatched fuel efficiency, even weight and power distribution, and the highest horsepower engines on the market, Steiger and Quadtrac tractors drive productivity.

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OFFER EXTENDED! Talk to your local Case IH dealer today. www.caseih.com

* Applies only to new Steiger and Quadtrac tractors ordered between 1st October 2012 and 30th April 2013, and delivered by 31st July 2013. Case IH Tour of Duty 2013 Steiger Study Trip runs from 21st-29th August 2013.

Each eligible purchase entitles buyer to one ticket. Partner tickets can be purchased in accordance with terms and conditions. Itinerary may be subject to change. See participating Case IH dealer for more information.

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Australasian Farmers’ & Dealers’ Journal Established 1984 Publisher & Manager Editor Hartley Higgins General Manager Elizabeth Bouzoudis Editorial Mandy Parry-Jones Email: edit.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Features Editor Keith Smiley Advertising Manager Sheryl Braden Ph: (07) 5523 9771 Mb: 0438 877 072 Email: s.braden@ryanmediapl.com.au Production Sandra Noke Email: prod.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Circulation Email: admin.adfj@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.adfj@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 PO Box 1523, Surrey Hills North, Victoria 3127 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 arise from any possible inaccuracies.

All rights reserved, none of the contents

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ AND DEALERS’ JOURNAL

From the Editor...

Everyone at Australasian Farmers’ and Dealers’ Journal hopes that you’ve had a good Christmas and New Year but we know for some it’s been difficult.

Weather pundits were correct in predicting a hot dry summer for most of Australia. It has caused the usual amounts of destruction and devastation especially to those who live in rural areas and no state has been spared.

We all know that being prepared is more than half the battle, but the other battle is having the equipment to keep the property and its occupants safe.

This fire fighting equipment is just as important as the equipment used to work the land or tend to animals because without it neither will survive.

However, even the best equipment may not be enough and our magazine would like to take the opportunity to thank the fire fighters who risk their safety to ensure ours.

Another safety issue that looms large on the horizon is quad bike safety. It brings so many different opinions forward that we would like to offer you the opportunity to put yours to the test.

My email address is on this page and I welcome any comments on quad bike safety and what can or should be done to improve it.

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

In this issue...

Regulars

News........................................... 4 TMA News................................ 44

Features

February 2013 Issue 87

What’s New in Sprays and Spraying Equipment.................. 36

Field days.................................. 45

What’s New in Marketing......... 40

Products.................................... 86

Wimmera Field Days................ 54

Farmers have their say.............. 62 N

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2013

TMA reviews 2012 and forecasts 2013 New law review section – who’s liable?

5,6,7 MARCH 2013

may be used in any other media

What’s New in Finance............. 41 What’s New in Fire Fighting..... 67 What’s New in Tillage and Cropping................................... 70 What’s New in Tyres................. 78

without prior consent of the publishers.

You are invited to

Published by Ryan Media Pty Ltd.

In this issue the government, through Senator Shorten, has put forward its view. What’s yours?

As this is the beginning of 2013 it’s time to review the year and predict the future – at least for machinery sales.

Last year broke the records again with more than 11,500 new tractors reported as sold according to the Tractor and Machinery Association (TMA). This was the highest for more than 10 years.

It wasn’t good news for everyone though, the hay market including balers and haytools had its 6th poorest year in a row.

The TMA is approaching the 2013 sales year with cautious optimism. A full report is in this issue.

Getting machinery to market is the challenge and one that is best done through field days.

In this issue we include our comprehensive list of field days for 2013 and a good deal of field days information, commencing on page 45.

The first one is the Wimmera Field Days, which has extensive coverage in the centre of the magazine.

Australia’s premier farming machinery and country lifestyle event Longerenong via Horsham Victoria Australia www.wimmerafielddays.com.au

What’s New in Water and

This issue’s cover: Irrigation................................... 82 This issues cover: rizzly Wimmera Field Days Gpage 54(See also pages 4 & 88)

What’s making News ANZ extra assistance due to bushfires Following an announcement of a package of measures to assist customers impacted by the Tasmanian bushfires, ANZ announced it has extended its assistance package for customers affected by bushfires across Australia.

ANZ will also donate $100,000 to the Australian Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfire appeal to support relief efforts in Tasmania.

“Outside of Tasmania, it appears that the number of homes lost so far has not been as high as it might have been thanks to the tremendous work of the CFA,” said ANZ managing director, retail distribution, Mark Hand.

“However, we are not out of danger yet and we know that many of our customers have already been impacted by this week’s events, whether it is

through lost stock, crops, or property.

We want them to know that we’re ready to provide them with the financial support they need to get back on their feet.”

ANZ encourages any customers whose home, income or business has been affected to make contact if they need financial support. Relief measures available include: • suspending loan repayments; • waiving fees associated with restructuring business loans considered necessary due to bushfire impacts; • considering temporary adjustments to customer lending limits including credit cards to assist them to cope financially with unexpected costs arising from the fires; and

•

waiving fees associated with replacement of damaged business EFTPOS/credit card terminals.

“Our immediate concern will always be for the safety of those in the impacted areas, but we hope our assistance packages provide some financial relief for customers affected by the fires,” Hand said.

Anyone wishing to donate to Tasmanian relief efforts can support the Australian Red Cross appeal at http://redcross.org. au/tasmanian-bushfires-appeal-2013. aspx.

Customers can also contact ANZ’s dedicated financial hardship team 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 13 13 14. ANZ Insurance can be contacted on 13 16 14.

ABARES program for Outlook 2013 conference ABARES has secured key national and international speakers, as well as some of Australia’s leading producers for its annual Outlook conference in 2013.

The conference program for the agricultural, forestry, fisheries and food sectors includes 18 sessions over two days on March 5-6, 2013 in Canberra.

The sessions examine the outlook for national and global economies, provide forecasts for a full range of key commodities and assess industry issues.

In releasing the conference program, Paul Morris, ABARES executive director said the conference was essential for those active in rural industries.

“ABARES releases its medium term (five year) economic and commodity projections at Outlook 2013 to enable businesses to undertake longer term planning and access market leading information,” Morris said.

“Coupled with this, Outlook 2013 presents a unique opportunity to hear 4

from a number of leading international experts at the one event.

“We are also pleased that a range of producers will be speaking at Outlook 2013, giving delegates opportunities to hear directly from those at the forefront of innovative agriculture practices.”

Confirmed speakers at the 2013 conference include: • David Hallam, from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations • Ken Ash, from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development • Ramesh Chand, India’s National Centre for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research • Joe Glauber, of the United States Department of Agriculture • Mark Schipp, the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer • Wim Boonstra, Rabobank Group, the Netherlands

•

Andy Roby, of the Department for International Development, United Kingdom-Ministry of Forestry (Jakarta).

“Outlook 2013 is really a one-stop shop for those committed to our rural industries, where they can hear from almost 80 speakers and chairs over two days and access a great range of professional expertise, opinions and information,” Morris said.

Feature sessions include an economic overview, global food demand and supply 2050, farm performance – managing for variability, who gets the credit in carbon farming?, meat and livestock – animal welfare, and reforming Australia’s biosecurity system.

Key commodities will be reviewed including grains, meat, fibres, dairy, horticulture and forestry - which has a focus this year on illegal logging.

Outlook 2013 inquiries can be emailed to conferences@daff.gov.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

China Moto dealer trip CFMoto Australia concluded a weeklong dealer trip to China to visit the CFMoto factory in Hangzhou, China and participate in the 2012 CFMoto global distributor meeting.

Distributors and dealers from more than 50 countries attended the event, with the primary purpose to give dealers an opportunity to visit the state-of-the-art factory and learn more about the current and future planning for the CFMoto brand, which only arrived in the Australian market place in late 2010.

It also presented a valuable opportunity for dealers to take part in the CFMoto distributor conference and offer feedback first hand to CFMoto engineers about further product improvements for the Australian market.

Key CFMoto dealers and staff from Australia attended and were amazed by the size and professional nature of the CFMoto brand.

“CFMoto is experiencing rapid growth both in Australia and around the world,” said national sales manager Alan Collins.

“It is sometimes difficult to grasp the sheer scope of their operation, the professionalism of their business and the

quality of the manufacturing facilities until you see and experience it firsthand.

“CFMoto is becoming a serious player within the global market with a constant focus on product research and development. And importantly, they are somewhat unique for a Chinese manufacturer as their primary focus is on the export markets of the West rather than the local domestic market.”

At the distributor conference, CFMoto Australia was presented with an award for being one of the top five distributors internationally.

“This is a great recognition for the increase in sales for CFMoto in Australia, and it is pleasing to see our rapid growth matched by the 90% year-on-year growth CFMoto has experienced around the world,” Collins said.

“We are grateful that our product suits our local market, whilst also offering great value for money and supported by a strong warranty and extensive dealer network.”

CFMoto Australia was also awarded the top award for marketing among all

CFMoto global distributors.

The CFMoto conference discussed individual markets and the global vision for the CFMoto brand.

Attendees included representatives from Europe, Russia, New Zealand and Canada.

The CFMoto factory has been producing power driven products globally for over 20 years and has a workforce of 1300. It dedicates more than 25% of its workforce to research and development.

“This was a unique opportunity to give both our staff and dealers first-hand exposure to the CFMoto brand and the people behind it,” said Collins.

At the CFMoto distributor conference, CFMoto launched new models including the Rancher 800 and the new touring styled road bike, the 650TR which will be available early this year.

Agfarm makes BRW Fast 100 list BRW magazine announced the 2012 BRW Fast 100, a ranking of Australia’s fastest growing companies.

Agfarm Pty Ltd made its debut on this list at 57 and was the highest ranked and fastest growing Australian agribusiness.

What makes this achievement even more of an accomplishment is that Agfarm is Australian owned and completely independent. With the reduction in the number of Australian owned grain businesses, Agfarm continues to grow with the support of Australian farmers.

This recognition is not about turnover or profitability, it is purely about growth.

Agfarm, through its Agfarm Advantage programs saw the amount of tonnes transferred to the program in South Australia grow from 50,000 to 400,000 in its first year operating in the state and saw a five-fold increase in the tonnes transferred to the program nationally.

Managing director Bob McKay put this growth down to a simple strategy to which the company is dedicated.

“We make it easy for farmers. In this climate farmers have enough on their plate without making the marketing of their grain confusing and difficult.

We keep this aspect of their operations simple,” he said.

“We listen to growers and we ask them what they want, we get their feedback and we implement their requests, building programs that meet their needs.

“The consistent feedback is that growers are looking for a simple program that provides good returns and consistent cash flow. It’s the cash flow which is a crucial element of the success of their farms and we believe providing regular and reliable cash flow will keep our clients farming for generations to come.

“We are the fastest paying company in the industry and provide flexible payment options depending on the request of the grower and we make sure our staff are dedicated to working hard for growers,” he said.

“Our goal is to come up with better ways to do business so that the farmers we deal with are successful and can spend more time doing what they do best, and that’s farming.”

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

5

DeLaval first commercial auto milker in Europe At EuroTier 2012 DeLaval announced the start-up plans for its first commercial installation of an automatic milking rotary AMR in Europe.

The system will start milking at Laproma Farm in Schlossvippach, Germany during the first quarter of 2013.

Since its unveiling in 2010, AMR has completed more than one million milkings around the globe.

“This is obviously a step forward in our development of AMR, and we look forward to meeting this milestone so we can continue expanding global sales of this game-changing technology,” said Jonas Hällman, director, automatic milking systems for DeLaval International.

Laproma Farm is the second commercial AMR operation and the fifth farm worldwide to install the solution. At start-up, the dairy will milk 360 cows in a batch system and plans to gradually expand its herd size in the coming years.

“This has been a great journey towards automation, and we’re excited to see the technology in full swing,” said Dietrich

Jonas Hällman, director, automatic milking systems for DeLaval International.

Kirchner, managing director at Laproma Farm.

“Not only is this the next step for improving sustainability on our farm, but it’s the right choice for all of the animals and people involved, in addition to the well-being of our business.”

AMR is designed to accelerate the dairy farmer’s transition from milking

management to total farm management.

It can help dairy farmers grow profitably by working smarter to drive greater efficiency, productivity and business sustainability.

AMR performs approximately 2400 milkings each day around the world.

“We strongly believe that the future of high capacity automated milking with AMR will follow a similar trajectory,” said Hallman.

Fewer farmers but more productivity The number of Australian farmers has fallen by more than 100,000 in the three decades since 1981, yet the value of Australian agricultural exports in this time has grown from $8.2 to $32.5 billion, new statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have revealed.

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), said the sector has changed dramatically and while the number of farmers has fallen, agricultural productivity has grown at an average rate of three percent a year over the past 25 years.

“Australian farmers are extremely adaptable, so while the number of farmers has fallen in Australia over the last 30 years, at the same time, our industry has become more technologically-savvy, more innovative, 6

more efficient and ultimately more productive at what we do: growing food and fibre,” NFF president Jock Laurie said.

“I’ve spoken many times about the positive outlook for Australian agriculture and the enormous opportunities for our industry in the future, provided we can overcome the challenges ahead. One of these challenges is to maintain this productivity growth, which needs to be addressed via a continued, strong commitment from Government to agricultural research and development.

“Another of these is the skilled labour shortage that the agricultural industry is currently facing. As the ABS statistics show, the average farmer is aged 53 and working an average of 49 hours a week.

“The ABS data reinforces what we

already know, that the agricultural labour force is ageing, that there are fewer young people entering agriculture, and that drought and other competing industries have had a significant impact on the amount of labour available. Yet the career opportunities available in agriculture are enormous, and there is a surplus of jobs available.

“For Australian agriculture to reach its potential, we must invest in our most valuable resource: our people,” Mr Laurie said.

ABARES released its primary industries exports forecast for 2012-13, which predicts that agricultural export earnings will be around $36 billion, up from $32.5 billion in 2010-11 but slightly lower than the $36.4 billion achieved in 2011-12.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

PRESS WHEEL ASSEMBLIES

LARGE RANGE OF ASSEMBLY OPTIONS: • Plain walking assembly • Swivel arm walking assembly (Pictured) • Twin rocker assembly • Gang assembly with custom PROUDLY row spacings AUSTRALIAN • Wheels pre-greased with MADE bearings fitted • Australian made wheels & tyres • Cast steel dust cap

COULTER ASSEMBLIES • Custom row spacings • Self sharpening design • Simple tension adjustment • Large 20” Discs • Fitted with premium quality bearings • Cast steel dust cap

PRECISION PARTS USING THE LATEST IN MACHINING

PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN MADE

ALL ASSEMBLIES FITTED WITH PREMIUM QUALITY BEARINGS Pivot bearings designed specifically for use with our assemblies

MD & LA SHARMAN PTY LTD | 1 Powerline Rd, Long Plains, SA 5501 Ph: 08 8527 0000 | Fax: 08 8527 0099 | e-mail: sales@sharmans.com.au Pictures for illustration only. E&OE

The Silvan-NPN link will provide significant cost savings.

Silvan joins National Procurement Network Silvan Australia has joined the National Procurement Network (NPN) vendor panel creating a new contractual arrangement for shires and local government agencies in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

The link is particularly relevant for organisations wishing to purchase core maintenance products from sectors where Silvan is a recognised market leader in terms of product choice and quality.

For instance typical product areas are judged as likely to include general hardware, slashers and mulchers to linkage and all types of spraying equipment, which will typically be used for maintenance and capital works projects.

The process is expected to assist councils in particular in managing community assets including open space, parks, gardens, playgrounds and roadsides.

The NPP is a formal purchasing arrangement that exempts councils from 8

having to undertake a formal tender process creating significant savings in cost and time.

The Silvan-NPN link is expected to provide significant cost savings advantages for the local government sector with the provision of special contract pricing that will be valid for two years.

The NPN creates a purchase order or a request for quotation process via the vendor panel system.

Members of the NPN vendor panel are automatically notified of all requirements and projects being posted by councils and generate the opportunity for presentation of a tailored proposal with optional choices for alternative or specific equipment solutions.

The process also provides an electronic audit trail for all quotes and sales.

Silvan Australia’s market development manager Nicola Byrne said that as a supplier Silvan is committed to using its wide national accredited dealer network

to effect deliveries of all items purchased.

“This also addresses the objective of most councils to implement a “Local Buy Contract” process for the majority of their capital equipment and consumable needs.

“Silvan is committed to working under the NPN and our objective is to offer the widest range of maintenance, agricultural, spraying, land management and operational requirements backed by customer service and extensive technical support services.

“Silvan Australia is currently celebrating our fiftieth year since foundation and we believe that our Silvan and Selecta product ranges and tailored value adding services combined with a recognised technical support offering will deliver significant benefits to the local government sector,” Byrne said.

For more information call 1300 SILVAN (1300 745 826) or email info@silvanaust. com for technical support or visit www.silvan.com.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

Agribusiness loan monitor The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Agribusiness Loan Monitor compares the movement in agribusiness loan rates of the major banks and other financial institutions to shed light on bank rates and products.

This tool is designed to help farmers and rural business operators to make decisions regarding banking products.

The objective of the monitor is to track the relative movement in interest rates. The products included in these tables give the best

like for like comparison for this purpose.

The tables are not meant as a comprehensive listing of all products offered by the institution to primary producers.

NFF Agribusiness Loan Monitor: Nov 2012 The Agribusiness Loan Monitor is released each month following The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Agribusiness Loan Monitor compares the movement in agribusiness theloanReserve Bank of Australia rate announcement. rates of the major banks and other financial institutions to shed light on bank rates and products. This tool is designed to help farmers and rural business operators to make decisions regarding banking products.

NFF provides this valuable tool to all Australian farmers in The objective of the monitor is to track the relative movement in interest rates. The products included in these partnership Canstar. tables give the bestwith like for like comparison for this purpose. The tables are not meant as a comprehensive listing of all products offered by the institution to primary producers.

NFF Agribusiness Loan Monitor: Nov 2012

The Agribusiness Loan Monitor is released each month following the Reserve Bank of Australia rate announcement. NFF provides this valuable tool to all Australian farmers in partnership with Canstar.

Average Lending Rates:

Agri Term Loans Company

Product

Change from September to October 2012*

ANZ Agribusiness

Bus Loan Var (Bus Asset)

0.07% decrease

No change

BankWest Agribusiness

Business Low Rate Loan (All Sec)

No change

No change

Commonwealth Bank Agri

Agribusiness Variable Loan

0.20% decrease**

Suncorp Agri

Business Essentials

No change

0.19% decrease

Change from October to November 2012*

12

BankSA Agribusiness

10

Bendigo Bank

8 Rate (%)

AGRI Overdrafts

nab Agribusiness

6

AGRI Term Loans

4

Standard Variable Mortgages

1-Jul-12

1-Oct-12

1-Jan-12

1-Apr-12

1-Jul-11

1-Oct-11

1-Jan-11

1-Apr-11

1-Jul-10

1-Oct-10

1-Jan-10

1-Apr-10

1-Jul-09

1-Oct-09

1-Jan-09

1-Apr-09

1-Jul-08

1-Oct-08

1-Apr-08

1-Jan-08

0

Term Loan

Bus Opts Instal Var Std

0.15% decrease No change

0.20% decrease

No change

0.15% decrease No change No change

Agri Overdrafts

Res-sec Business Loans

2

Agri Bus Loan Variable

Change from October to November 2012*

Company

Product

Change from September to October 2012*

ANZ Agribusiness

Revolving Agri Line

0.20% decrease

No change

AgriOne Overdraft

No change

0.25% decrease#

BankSA Agribusiness

Agri Business Maximiser

Bendigo Bank

Seasonal Overdraft

BankWest Agribusiness

RBA Overnight Cash Rate

No change

Commonwealth Bank Agri

Agribusiness Overdraft

0.20% decrease**

Suncorp Agri

Business O/D

No change

nab Agribusiness

Westpac Agribusiness Source: www.canstar.com.au, base rates used where applicable, risk margins may apply.

0.15% decrease

Farmers Choice OD

Agribusiness Overdraft

0.20% decrease 0.18% decrease

No change

0.15% decrease No change No change

0.20% decrease No change

Source: www.canstar.com.au. October data current as of 18 October; November data current as of 19 November 2012.

Notes to tables: • Each loan has a different set of fees, features and benefits which should be considered in addition to interest rate when choosing a loan.

• *Change from base rate where applicable.

• ** Applicable to residential secured loans • # Rate change effective from 15 October 2012

The voice of Australian farmers

Einboeck Drillbox/Mechanicbox

Feeder Leader Feedout Equipment

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With the DRILLBOX/MECHIANICBOX you can seed 5kg/ha of any intercrop and/or seed mix in a simple oversowing procedure. Suitable for most rotary hoes / power harrows to 4m.

Revolutionary new design. One piece pressed steel for extra strength. Completely covered in floor means no wastage. Feeds out round and square hay bales.

DEALERS WANTED

vin rowe farm machinery 3 Endeavour St, Warragul Vic 3820

For further information contact Graham Rowe on 0418 177045 AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

9

NEWS BRIEFS ADM makes offer for GrainCorp On 22 October 2012, GrainCorp announced it had received an indicative, non-binding proposal from ADM to acquire the outstanding shares in GrainCorp at a price of $11.75 per share in cash.

On 15 November 2012, the GrainCorp Board announced that it had determined that the proposal materially undervalued GrainCorp.

On 4 December 2012, GrainCorp announced that it had received a revised non-binding, conditional proposal from ADM to acquire the outstanding shares in GrainCorp at a price of $12.20 per share in cash.

This proposal was subject to a number of conditions including due diligence, exclusivity, regulatory approvals and approval by the ADM Board. The increase in the proposed price has not changed the Board’s view that ADM’s proposal materially undervalues GrainCorp. GrainCorp has advised ADM accordingly.

Junior Landcarers The Yates Junior Landcare Backyard Challenge winners have been announced, with children sharing their passion for their local environment and flair for photography and filmmaking.

Participants were asked to submit entries that answer the question “How does your backyard grow?” The winning photos and videos included themes of gardening, sustainability, water and drought.

A panel of high-profile judges, including Landcare Ambassadors Catriona Rowntree and Jack Thompson, scored the entries.

PriceGuard Plus for grain growers GrainCorp has announced an improved Pool Product offering for the 12/13 season, developed using grower and industry feedback. The new product includes PriceGuard Plus which is a unique concept to appeal to current cash and pool users, offering certainty, upside participation and superior access to cash flow.

Following detailed grower research and analysis, the characteristics most wanted were price certainty, post-harvest market participation and greater cash flow.

PriceGuard Plus provides cash flow similar to that of a cash sale as the grower receives a guaranteed minimum return paid up front, but they get the added benefit of being able to participate if the grain market rises after harvest.

Information on the PriceGuard Plus is at www.graincorp.com.au.

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Worldwide equipment sales for 2012 The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has reported strong agricultural machinery equipment sales for 2012 as well as strong sales prospects for the coming year.

This is due to current high commodity prices and increased production trends in both developed and developing countries.

There were especially strong sales globally in tractors larger than 100 horsepower.

Global tractor sales were running 10% higher than a year earlier through October of this year.

Combine sales had fallen by 8% however, presumably due to higher sales of combines during the past three years.

The volume of agricultural machinery production in 2012 is expected to total US$110 billion, with expected growth of 5% in 2013.

A press release in 2012 reported that global demand for agricultural equipment was expected to increase 6.7% per year through 2016 when it will reach US$173.5 billion, and that the growth will be driven primarily through sales gains in China, Brazil, and India. Other markets in Thailand, Indonesia, and Argentina will also do well.

Farm tractors comprised 30% of all agricultural machinery sales in 2011. It is expected that plowing and cultivating machinery will be the fastest growing product division from 2011 to 2016, expanding 9.1% per year as farmers in developing nations purchase larger and more complex tilling equipment.

In 2011, the Asia/Pacific area showed twice as much agricultural machinery demand compared with any other region. It is also expected that efficiency gains provided by newer and more technologically sophisticated equipment will drive new sales.

Last year, the United States produced more farm machinery than China, with US$23.1 billion in shipments. It is predicted that in 2016, however, China will overtake this US market with industry shipments more than 70% larger.

The manufacturing of equipment is also expected to grow rapidly in Brazil and India.

Germany and France have experienced record levels of machinery sales in 2012. The previous record sales year for the European Union was 2008, and 2012 is ending up comparable.

One region that did have strong growth in combine sales this year was Brazil.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

COMPLETE HYDRAULIC SOLUTIONS

Adelaide 08 8228 2411 DISTRIBUTOR ENQUIRIES WELCOME

Brisbane 07 3375 4499

Sydney 02 9838 9033

Newcastle 02 4964 2123

Melbourne 03 8551 0500

Laverton 03 9371 9000

Perth 08 9454 9311

Emerald 07 4988 1800

Tasmania 03 6427 0908

Mackay 07 4952 4056

NEWS BRIEFS Management of saltland Farmers and Landcare officers interested in managing waterlogged saltland were impressed by messina research on show at a recent field walk at Darkan, Western Australia.

The visits were to two properties where messina trials are being conducted. Dr Phil Nichols, from the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) who organised the field walk, said the annual pasture legume has exciting prospects for winter-wet saltland areas in southern Australia.

“Messina (Melilotus siculus) is from the Mediterranean, and its combined tolerance to salinity and waterlogging ensures it will make a significant contribution to increasing the productivity of Australian saltland,” Dr Nichols said.

Future Farm Industries CRC research director Dr John McGrath said the results on view at the recent field trip were stunning.

The CRC-funded research identified messina as an option for saltland in 2006 but the lack of a suitable salt-tolerant Rhizobium has presented challenges.

More information is at www.futurefarmonline.com.au.

Bruce Highway crisis The Queensland state government’s release of a Bruce Highway Crisis Action Plan and calls for the Federal Government to match the Queensland Government’s $1 billion over the next 10 years to upgrade this crucial truck route are welcomed.

Queensland’s main freight route is absolutely crucial for getting produce to market and it is ridiculous that there was still not an all-weather road from Brisbane to Cairns.

Although the Bruce Highway is a federal responsibility, the Queensland Government has offered $1 billion to fix the problems on the 1677 km road.

Biosecurity Act changes The century-old Act underpinning Australia’s biosecurity system will be replaced after Labor’s introduction of legislation into the Senate.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said the new legislation supports a responsive biosecurity system that intervenes where risk needs to be managed: off shore, at the border and post border.

The Biosecurity Bills, shaped by public consultation, promote effective co-operation between governments, trading partners, industry participants and the community.

The legislation also supports stronger powers for monitoring, controlling and responding to biosecurity risks.

“A statutory Inspector-General of Biosecurity will be established to provide oversight and review of the system for stakeholders such as importers and local industry,” Minister Ludwig said.

For more information visit www.daff.gov.au/bsg/biosecurityreform or email newbiosecuritylegislation@daff.gov.au 12

GrainCorp App gives power to the grower Growers will have market information at their fingertips even when they are literally out in the field, with the launch of GrainCorp’s new iPhone App. GrainCorp general manager, storage and logistics Nigel Hart said the App was available free in the app Store.

“We are determined to make doing business with us as easy and convenient as possible,” Hart said. “GrainCorp’s App puts information and power directly in the hands of growers.

“It gives them instant access to all of the many prices posted at our silos. This helps growers take advantage of the strong competition for their grain in our network.

“The GrainCorp App means that all the information a grower needs to make their most important marketing decisions is instantly available in their pocket, wherever they are.”

The GrainCorp App has a number of features, including: • best cash price displayed, all site comparisons; • site segregations, information, alerts and notifications; • grainCorp contract prices; • site price comparisons; • summary of their deliveries; • direct lines to local sites and for local merchants (for iPhone); • estimated pool returns.

“Smartphone penetration is high in country areas. The feedback from our growers is that they want convenient access to information. We’ll continue to refine and improve the app based on their feedback,” Hart said.

GrainCorp has extended its core systems to allow growers to sell to a cash price from their warehoused inventory and intends that this will be an enabler for growers to make all sales decisions at home or in the paddock.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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National Farmers Federation releases Farm Facts 2012 The National Farmers Federation has released its NFF Farm Facts: 2012 book and says that the Australian Year of the Farmer in 2012 shaped up to be a positive year for Australian farmers.

With improved seasonal conditions across much of the country, favourable commodity prices and a forecast that the value of farm exports is expected to rise some 6%, it was a good time to be an Australian farmer.

The growth in the farm sector over the past 20 years consistently outperformed other sectors, and was a key reason Australia avoided a recession during the global financial crisis.

Agriculture had an enormous uptake of new technology, with thousands of jobs available, and it contributed $32 billion in export income to the economy as well as producing the clean, healthy, fresh food that families enjoy.

The booklet says that prospects for agriculture are huge, with the need to feed, clothe and house a booming world population.

World population growth will continue to expand to over nine billion by 2050, driving demand for both quality and quantity of food and fibre, as well as the availability of arable land and water.

According to the NFF in just eight years time, it is predicted that half of the world’s population will be on Australia’s northern doorstep. The four billion people across Asia, enjoying economic growth of around 10 % per year, represent unparalleled opportunities for Australia’s economy, especially its dynamic farm sector.

Expanding Asian societies need food and fibre like never before and, due to their growing affluence, are demanding produce of the highest quality: a domain where Australian farmers,

because of our clean and natural production systems, have a clear competitive advantage.

We are entering the Asian century - and we are well placed to capitalise on this.

The challenge for Australian agriculture and farmers will be in meeting this booming world need for food and fibre through increasing production – at a time when we have less arable land, less water and less human resources.

The NFF’s 2012 Farm Facts book is designed to bring together the most up-to-date facts and figures about Australian farm activity and its important contribution to the nation, and the global marketplace.

The information in Farm Facts comes from a range of respected sources, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) and the Australian Farm Institute (AFI), among others.

Visit www.nff.org.au.

Rural communities to share $250,000 ANZ and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) announced that 35 communities across regional Australia will share $250,000 as part of the 2012 Seeds of Renewal local grants program.

Now in its 10th year, Seeds of Renewal aims to build thriving regional communities by advancing education and employment opportunities through the provision of local grants.

“ANZ has a long history of supporting people living and working in regional Australia, and through programs like Seeds of Renewal we’re helping local communities to implement local solutions,” said Tania Motton, ANZ’s general manager for regional business banking.

“We have now provided more than $3 million in grants to 635 programs since we began the Seeds of Renewal program with the FRRR 10 years ago.

“We’re proud of the achievements we’ve been able to bring 14

about – from helping students with online learning, to helping establish training programs for unemployed youth.

Regional communities are seeing real change as a result of this program,” Motton said.

“Rural and regional communities are adept at solving their own challenges, because they know what fits their social framework, culture and capacity,” said Alexandra Gartmann, FRRR’s CEO. “It’s great to be able to support projects like Huon Valley Ignite and Grow Project, which will provide local business owners with training to enhance their administration skills, and follow it up with one-on-one coaching to help ensure local businesses remain strong and can keep the community vibrant.”

More information is at www.frrr.org.au/seeds.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

MS1378

Mustering on auto pilot An Australian technology company is close to commercialising the world’s first fully automated system for mustering and managing cattle in the rangelands.

Alice Springs-based Precision Pastoral Pty Ltd has developed the Remote Livestock Management System (RLMS), which can save cattle producers around $68 a head in annual cattle operational costs and help them ensure their businesses have a strong economic future.

The Commonwealth Government has announced it will provide a $350,000 grant to help Precision Pastoral to develop, demonstrate and take its automated management system to the Australian and world markets.

“We’re talking about a technology with potential to revolutionise the way livestock are managed across the world’s arid and semi-arid rangelands,” said Mark Ashley, acting managing director of Ninti One Pty Ltd. “It introduces to graziers and pastoralists the same sort of precision available to dairy and beef farmers on much smaller properties – enabling them to muster, weigh, monitor, draft and hold pastoral cattle for market over large distances.”

It saves time, money, labour and capital by using smart remote technology. It can potentially transform the economics and sustainability of extensive grazing in the Australian rangelands – but also

16

in places like the grasslands of Asia, the Americas and Africa.

The RLMS is a sophisticated combination of hardware and software that uses telemetry to identify, weigh and draft individual animals when they come in for a drink of water, said Tim Driver, the CEO of Precision Pastoral Pty Ltd the company manufacturing the Remote Livestock Management System.

“Cattle are trained to present themselves to the RLMS for recording, then return themselves to the paddock – unless they are ready for market, in which case a drafting gate sends them to a holding paddock to await collection by the stock transporter,” he said.

“It uses solar power to run radiofrequency identification (RFID) readers, which recognise the unique electronic tag in each animal’s ear when it passes a gate. The animal is then automatically weighed and drafted.

“The whole process is overseen by sophisticated software that has been trialled in real-life conditions on Australian cattle stations over the past three years.

“This enables producers to monitor individual cattle whenever they drink and carry out a range of management actions such as mustering, drafting, monitoring calving rates and fertility, controlling access to feed supplements, and tracking animal growth rates to

determine optimum sale times.”

The current prototype RLMS is undergoing field trials and research projects with producers throughout remote Australia.

Even in the harsh conditions, the system has achieved a 92% up-time and a 99% drafting accuracy. In weight tracking tests, it recorded cattle weights with 97% accuracy – arguably better than humans can achieve.

“No other product on the market comes close to providing this level of integration and data analysis,” Driver said.

The RLMS does more than help graziers to monitor and muster cattle ‘hands-off’ and save money as it is potentially part of an even more sophisticated system that helps graziers precisely match grazing pressure to the available pasture, as reported by satellites from space.

“This can help reduce the massive worldwide problem of rangeland degradation by making grazing systems much more sustainable, retaining good cover of native grasses and vegetation – and also locking more carbon,” Driver said.

“The rangelands occupy 40% of the Earth’s land surface. They are the largest area of managed land on the planet, but so far humanity has not managed them that well.

“Precision pastoralism will improve the management of both the rangelands and their animals – as well as preserving the pastoral livelihoods of millions of people. This represents a profound contribution by Australian science and technology to a more sustainable world.”

Precision Pastoral is an IP licensing joint venture company between Ninti One and CAWD Engineering Pty Ltd. The company has operated since 2009 to develop products and licensable IP for remote livestock management.

NintiOne Ltd was established in 2003 to conduct research, training and research application in remote Australia.

It also manages intellectual property from its research and administers the CRC for Remote Economic Participation.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

ZF Services turns 25 Leading supplier of vehicle driveline and chassis technology, ZF Services Australia is celebrating its 25th anniversary of business in Australia.

First established in 1987 at Seven Hills in Sydney’s west, ZF Services launched operations with 20 employees, with all facets of the business expanding significantly since then.

The company’s investment and reputation grew in the Australian market with developments in the passenger car, truck, bus, marine, agriculture and construction equipment segments. The company now employs 69 people and has forecast revenue of $40 million for the 2012 calendar year.

ZF’s involvement as an original equipment supplier to the local industry began with the Holden Commodore VN SS Group A in 1990, with the relationship strengthened in 2007 when a new ZF Lemforder assembly plant opened in Adelaide, supplying corner assemblies and axle systems directly to the Holden factory.

Ford Australia meanwhile started installing ZF transmissions to their Falcon and Territory models in 2005, with the partnership receiving recognition at a global level.

In 2005 Triple Eight Race Engineering commenced distribution of SACHS branded performance shock absorbers and clutches, with the brand now found in 70% of the V8 Supercar field, and other leading Australian motorsport categories.

Components distributed directly by ZF Services Australia today include the SACHS shock absorber and clutch ranges, Boge shock absorbers, Lemforder steering and suspension components, the ZF Parts range of steering racks and pumps, as well as the Stabilus gas lift range.

With the Royal Australian Navy as a major client since 1987, ZF Services Australia also distributes and services ZF’s extensive range of marine products and is also a major supplier in the local bus and coach market.

Throughout the years, ZF Services has significantly increased and expanded its in-field and workshop-based service

offering, which now includes a specialist transmission swing-unit program.

Today the company is headquartered in Arndell Park (Sydney). ZF Services Australia has at its base a remanufacture and service centre and warehousing, which is enhanced by the recently extended branch in Malaga, Western Australia, and an Australia-wide dealer network providing extensive sales, servicing and support for all ZF products.

“ZF Services Australia has experienced significant growth over the past few years, through that growth and an ongoing program of reinvestment and employee development, we have been able to improve our service offering to the Australian market,” said Chris Adcock,

managing director ZF Services Australia.

“Year to date we are exceeding our 2011 sales by 21% and the forecasted annual growth will continue double digit for the next five years.

“Australia is an important market to ZF in Asia Pacific and to the global ZF Group, and we take pride in being able to provide a world-class service to our growing clientele in this region.

“Through the past 25 years of business in Australia the company has established a broad customer base across the automotive, bus, truck and marine markets. We are looking forward to the years to come as a strong partner for our existing and new clients.”

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Grundfos pumps out a new website Grundfos Pumps Australia has launched a new look website with a central hub for all pump and application information.

The website features enhanced search functionality, improved selection tools and access to a variety of case studies from around the world.

The redesign features a new scrolling bar at the top of the page, new branding and more intuitive navigational tools.

Among the new improvements on the site, one favourite tool remains. WebCAPS, Grundfos’ online computer aided product selection tool and technical catalogue remains still a key feature.

The two most significant improvements of the site are the ‘Find Product’ function and ‘Search’ tool, which have both proven popular.

The ‘Find Product’ function allows users to simply and intelligently search for pumps by specifying an industry and application, while the user-friendly ‘Search’ function provides results based on users’ key word searches.

Grundfos Australia’s new website follows the global rollout of an updated website platform, led by Grundfos Headquarters in Denmark.

After the successful launch of the first international website in August 2010, which topped one million visitors in under a year, the new website platform was released to countries all over the world, including Australia.

Grundfos Australia aims to follow their Danish colleagues’

success with 45,000 visits to the site since it was launched in late 2012. This is a 30% increase.

Visit www.grundfos.com.au.

Productivity key for Australian economy The results of CEDA and Business Spectator’s 2012 Big Issues survey have revealed that ensuring Australia is positioned to take advantage from the rise of Asia and the need for continued productivity improvement are the big issues confronting business, with significant implications for the Government’s agenda.

CEDA Chief Executive Professor the Hon. Stephen Martin said the survey, completed by more than 3000 people, provided some interesting results, with productivity again a key issue but previously hot issues, such as industrial relations falling off the radar.

“Enhancing productivity, improving Australia’s competitiveness and encouraging innovation were ranked as the top three priorities for the Federal Government,” he said.

“These factors, along with timely infrastructure delivery were seen as the keys to adjusting to world conditions in 2025.”

Surprisingly some of the areas to rate the lowest in helping Australia adjust were the availability of skilled labour, industrial relations reform and the tax regime, all of which have received significant discussion in the media but appear from this survey to not be as big a concern to the business community.

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“Very clearly respondents see productivity as critical and the keys to improving productivity are innovation and infrastructure delivery,” Professor Martin said.

“In addition, it would also seem that much of the heat has gone out of the climate change debate following the introduction of the carbon tax, with climate change dropping well down the list of influences on the Australian economy to 2025 and ranked last as a priority for the Federal Government after the election next year.”

Professor Martin said more than 70% of people surveyed agreed that the Asian Century would sustain the Australian economy to 2025 and that the Federal Government’s Australia in the Asian Century White Paper was either important or critical to achieving our economic objectives in the Asia Pacific region.

“This would seem to indicate that for the Australian business community, the importance of Governments delivering budget surpluses is a political issue, not an economic one,” he said.

The Big Issues survey aims to capture a snapshot of the business community’s views on the critical policy choices ahead.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

Anti-dumping applauded by NFF The strengthening of Australia’s anti-dumping system is positive news for Australian farmers, said the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF).

NFF president and chair of the NFF trade committee, Jock Laurie, welcomed the announcement by the Federal Government that they would establish an Anti-Dumping Commission to oversee and implement Australia’s anti-dumping system and to reduce the incidents of unfair trading practices.

“Agriculture is one industry that is particularly susceptible to dumping, where foreign products are exported to Australia at a price below cost of production,” Laurie said.

“Australian farmers depend on a rigorous anti-dumping system so we can continue to compete on a level-playing field against foreign produce, while also remaining compliant with the World

Trade Organisation (WTO) trade rules.

“We believe it’s very important that industries with legitimate claims against dumped exports are able to seek a remedy through Australia’s anti-dumping system to ensure unfair trading practices can be challenged – an important role for the new Anti-Dumping Commission.

“Under the reforms, Australian farmers will have access to improved information on whether overseas goods are being brought into Australia at less than the cost of production and unfairly dumped on our market.

“They will also have access to greater resources in the form of additional anti-dumping investigators. Up until now, the time, cost and complexity of launching an anti-dumping action has often been a deterrent to the agricultural sector.

“At the same time, it is essential to Australia’s trading relationships that any anti-dumping claims occur within the WTO guidelines to ensure that the anti-dumping system isn’t simply used as a form of industry protection.

“We firmly believe Australia’s anti-dumping system must be robust and reliable, which is why the NFF has been working closely with the Government, through the International Trade Remedies Forum, on the reform of this system.

“In welcoming the Anti-Dumping Commission and the investment by Government in additional anti-dumping investigators, we also acknowledge the stricter penalties that will be applied against those who deliberately circumvent Australia’s anti-dumping rules,” Laurie said.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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Comfy cows win award At EuroTier 2012, DeLaval barn system controller BSC was awarded the EuroTier silver medal for innovation.

The system integrates barn environment and cow comfort to ensure healthy, productive cows and maximum milk yield.

It’s the only integrated solution for dairy barns available on the market. BSC is an integrated control system to handle all barn applications in one unit.

Barn environment technologies like panels, curtains, circulating fans, illumination, cow cooling, alley cleaning, gutter cleaning, manure separation and manure transfer are all handled in an easy, integrated way contributing to higher efficiency and lower environmental impact.

“Sustainability, user-friendliness and optimal animal welfare have been the three primary objectives throughout our product development phase.

This medal recognizes the importance of these objectives but it also demonstrates that DeLaval is a company committed to improving cow comfort and animal welfare by delivering complete and integrated solutions,” said Emmanuel Geoffroy, business development manager portfolio effluent housing systems at DeLaval.

BSC special features, such as one graphical user for the operator instead of various different ones makes it easy to handle and convenient to operate, especially as an icon-based user interface.

While the controller is handling all

the equipment, interlinked functions are possible to command through one interface.

“DeLaval barn system controller BSC can reduce the investment cost by up to 70% compared to installing one system for each separate function,” said Alfred Kroeger, product manager, ventilation & illumination, portfolio farm supplies at DeLaval.

ABARES shows farm exports and earnings are up The annual update of Australia’s agricultural statistics that shows earning and farm exports are up in 2012.

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), Agricultural Commodity Statistics 2012 provides its annual update of statistics on Australian and world prices, production, consumption, stocks and trade for around 20 commodities.

The report is a valuable resource containing statistics on agricultural

water use and macroeconomic indicators such as economic growth, employment, balance of trade, exchange rates and interest rates.

The value of farm exports increased by around 14.5% in 2011-12 to $36.4 billion and the volume of farm production increased by around 4% in 2011-12, driven by a 10.6% increase in the volume of grains and oilseeds production.

After two years of high production, the value of grains and oilseeds exports

increased by around 31% in 2011-12 to $11.1 billion. This has been a promising recovery for the sector after the difficult seasons of the last decade.

ABARES is forecasting another sound outcome for farmers in 2012-13 in its latest agricultural commodities publication.

For more information visit http://www. daff.gov.au/abares/publications.

Farming is just a game Looking for something to do after a hard day on the land or do you want to brush up on your farming skills before you attempt this year’s work?

Then Farm Machine Championships is the way to go. This is a computer game that features eight events familiar to all farmers, where you compete for the title of World’s Greatest Farmer.

According to some it features the sexiest farm equipment from 2012, including machinery like the Bergmann TSW 20

4190 S spreader or the Lamborghini R4 110 Italia.

You get to make wide sweeps to plant seeds, and till the ground like a champion. You can compete in many different events that require speed and accuracy like harvesting wheat and ploughing the field, bricking the straw and more.

The game has different farming machines: 12 tractors, eight harvesters, plows, balers etc.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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Sharmans range of press wheel options Sharmans offers one of the largest ranges of press wheel assembly options available in Australia. Aiming for quality, Sharmans uses Australian steel in its assemblies and sources its u-bolts and springs from Australian manufacturers.

Both the tyres and hubs on Sharmans’ standard range are also manufactured in Australia. This support of Australian manufacturers is a point of difference with a number of its competitors.

The popular walking wheel assembly is designed so that the row spacing can be adjusted from 5 1/2” to 14”. This adjustment is of great advantage for farmers contemplating altering sowing rows or swapping machines.

The twin rocker is ideal for machines with a row spacing of 200mm or greater, its design means all the wheels are in a single row and its rocker pivot maintains constant pressure on each wheel.

On lighter soils, gang assemblies are still a popular option; they are economically priced, and have a simple design.

Sharmans has re-designed its integral hub wheel, incorporating a steel centre cast into the aluminium hub to carry the bearings. This allows a cast steel dust cap to be used, increasing durability.

Sharmans pioneered the use of deep groove bearings for the major pivot points, the traditional problem associated with pin and bush joints being eliminated.

Constantly looking for ways to reduce maintenance, Sharmans is using a bearing designed specifically for its press wheel application. These bearings utilize the latest in bearing steel quality, double lip seal and superior grease.

Complementing its press wheel assemblies is the Sharman coulter

assembly, using a large 20” disc coulter to maximise wear life and minimise straw pinning.

These are placed in pairs on axles which are custom made to suit the row spacing required. The axle is pre-set with a slight toe-in to produce a self sharpening effect on the disc and give a more positive cutting action to stubble and vine. Tension can be easily adjusted using the coulter tool provided with each set.

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Why the Boss Feeder is the Leader The Boss Feeder Leader has a large heavy frame with centre post to carry weight.

60mm prongs extend through a box plate welded to double clevis linkage pins creating extra strength to carry up to 2 ton of silage. That’s why it’s so good.

It also has a unique sliding top link which makes it easier to connect the bale fork frame to the cradle.

A heavy duty robust locking catch system holds the fork frame and cradle together.

The Boss Feeder Leader is less likely to fall apart with its fixed bottom welded sheet for strength, strong fork frame and long lasting moly bushes.

The shafts are covered-in to eliminate silage wrapping.

It has a 3” roller pitch chain with a breaking strain of 15,000 pounds (7.5 tonnes) and a special chain guide system which means never needing to adjust tension.

The Feeder Leader has box section steel for flat feet which stops the feeder moving around when hooking up.

The main advantages of The Boss Feeder Leader are:

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For further information contact Graham Rowe at Vin Rowe Farm Machinery Warragul on 0418 177 045.

Next big thing in grain quality assessment A New South Wales company, Next Instruments Pty Ltd has been awarded a $208,395 grant to prove the viability of its new grain quality assessment system for Australian grain growers and traders.

Increasingly Australian growers and traders are forming co-operatives and joint ventures to maximise revenues from storage and sales of grains.

To address a market need, Next Instruments has developed a comprehensive quality assessment system, CropNet, to allow accurate determination of grain quality parameters for posting to either an industry or private website.

A $208,395 Early Stage Commercialisation grant from Commercialisation Australia will enable Next Instruments to prove the viability 22

of this system for the grain industry.

CropNet can provide growers a grain quality-testing product that will increase the marketability of grain stored on-farm, as well as the price achieved, by reducing the risk.

It will also give growers the option of selling high quality grain in smaller, silo lots rather than dealing with bulk grain handlers.

The company will use the grant to trial the system during the 2014 harvest.

Commercialisation Australia announced almost $6.9 million in funding to 21 innovative businesses and researchers, two of which are already participating in the program.

That brings the total assistance provided since its inception to $126.5 million, to a total of 322 participants.

“Our dedicated case managers and volunteer business mentors have the knowledge needed to enhance participants’ prospects of commercial success and enrich Australia’s commercialisation ecosystem,” said Commercialisation Australia CEO Doron Ben-Meir.

“This is in keeping with our mission to grow an effective early stage commercialisation ecosystem which feeds on its own success and provides an environment which encourages and supports entrepreneurial endeavour at its grass roots.”

For more information about the program www.commercialisationaustralia.gov.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

2013 HISUN quads & UTVs arrive downunder Parklands Power Products is announced that it has been confirmed as the official sole distributor of the HISUN range of quad bikes and utility terrain vehicles in Australia.

These new distribution rights will come into play from January 2013.

Parklands has been selling the HISUN products for almost two years and is confident that it can continue to expand the HISUN range in Australia for many years to come.

Parklands is looking to build its national dealer network and has some extremely attractive products and pricing available for new dealers looking to sell HISUN equipment.

In 2013 Parklands has committed to increasing HISUN sales by 200%.

Parklands CEO Ron Zacka is confident that this increase a very achievable.

“With such a sensational 2013 range of HISUN products on offer, we aren’t worried about ramping up sales in the slightest,” said Zacka.

“We believe in the quality and the performance of the 2013 HISUN range, and we know that our national dealer network will feel the same way.”

If you are interested in becoming an official HISUN dealer in Australia contact Parklands national sales manager Shaun Penrose on 0418 579 217 or email shaun.penrose@parklands.net.

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Automatic post spray solution DeLaval unveiled its teat spray robot TSR at EuroTier 2012 – an automatic post spray solution offering consistent application, optimal use of teat dip and less labour.

The unique technology is designed to facilitate high capacity milking in rotary parlours while helping to maintain farm profitability.

DeLaval introduced the world’s first automatic milking rotary, AMR at EuroTier 2010.

According to Robert Jensen, business development manager at DeLaval International, DeLaval teat spray robot TSR is a natural spin-off solution from AMR. “Farmers spend several hours a day manually post spraying teats after milking. Some up to 20 hours or more per day. TSR automatically sprays each teat helping to reduce labour at a time when farmers have difficulty hiring skilled employees,” said Jensen.

Another advantage is its consistent operation which can help keep cows calm.

Teat dip consumption and coverage are consistently managed with TSR, which positively contributes to farm profitability.

Consumption per cow depends on the product, its viscosity, and chosen spray pattern, but the system’s accuracy and uniformity will help keep conditions optimal for good udder health.

TSR is a stand alone unit designed for external milking rotaries. The cows are sprayed right after take-off at the end of rotation, not in the exit lane where bottlenecks can occur.

Advanced technology contributes to the robot’s speed and precision – serving up to 400 cows/hour.

DeLaval teat spray robot TSR will be available in limited numbers in 2013 with a full launch in 2014.

Landmark conclusions at Landmark conference According to Landmark, improving returns at the farm gate remains the top priority for it and its network of more than 400 stores nationwide.

Addressing delegates at Landmark’s first national conference managing director Richard Norton emphasized that the company’s national network allowed a focus on improving returns to the farmer.

“We’re focused on growth, but whatever we invest in, it’s got to deliver value at the farm gate,” Norton said.

“Our national network provides an exceptional foundation for future growth.

The network is our strength. It is our link to our clients, it makes sure we stay relevant and allows us to identify opportunities.

“There is no replacement for the face-toface advice and expertise that our people contribute to individual farm businesses across the country.”

The conference attracted representatives from 277 Landmark stores, 195 branches, 40 branded members, 45 franchises, two joint ventures and 60 24

supply companies, across the country.

Together they represented 30-35% of Australia’s total agricultural input market.

Norton said continued growth for Landmark will require constant adaptation and change.

“We’ve undergone significant change since the Agrium purchase. We’ve taken a lot of cost out of the corporate business, and invested instead in more than 100 extra staff in rural and regional Australia.”

“Over the coming months, we welcome the opportunity to review the opportunities that the purchase of Viterra will offer our fertiliser, seed and wool businesses.”

He said in particular fertiliser and retail had been success stories of the past year.

By comparison, livestock has faced some commodity price challenges.

“The livestock side of the business will continue to work to step out of being a player in the supply chain and become a contributor to the value chain. It’s got to be about how we can add value to the farmer.

That is always our goal,” said Norton.

Norton also believes the wool sector will continue to face challenges.

“But Landmark remains committed to contributing to and growing this important sector. We’re not just standing up in auction rooms selling, our brokering and exporting arms mean we are talking with end users, actually selling wool, creating markets,” he said.

Agrium president Mike Wilson also addressed the conference and reiterated the part Landmark would play in the Agrium’s push for growth worldwide.

“We have a significant organic growth in front of us, and we’re strong financially.

Since 2005 the world’s largest agricultural retail company has grown from 2500 employees to around 15,000.

“It has been a time of massive change.

But you don’t work for Agrium if you don’t embrace change,” Wilson said.

“In spite of buying companies, and bringing them into the fold, we’ve worked hard to maintain that resultsoriented culture.”

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 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

SA business secures national distribution deal Clare based spreader business, Techgrow The in-centre spreading system is used for International Pty Ltd has been appointed as the normal in-field work where spreading discs principal importer and national distributor of are rotating towards each other and distribute Bogballe spreaders. fertilizer in four applications. In this way a Managing director Colin Mitchell said: “This ‘4-double overlap’ is achieved which results in is a significant development for Techgrow. a better spread pattern with practical in-field We have been the South Australian Bogballe tolerance. distributors for the last 10 years, but to secure An off-centre system is used for spreading on the importer ship and national distribution of the headlands in trend-shift mode.

Bogballe spreaders means major growth for our Bogballe offer an M-Line and L-line range of business. spreaders.

“We have the full Bogballe range in stock Bogballe M2 and M3 twin-disc machines are ready for dispatch Australia wide for all farming large capacity spreaders with two different industries, as well as a large inventory of parts hopper widths.

Colin Mitchell, managing which can be shipped efficiently anywhere in M series spreaders range in capacity from director of Techgrow Australia.

1250L – 4500L. Spreading widths are International.

“We are looking to expand our dealer network available from 12m to 42m. throughout Australia as well as supporting current The M-line also comes in M2W and M3W dealers.” variations with integrated weigh cells and calibrator for fully automatic rate control. Trailers are available to carry the The spreaders M-series linkage spreaders, making it possible to use a small The Bogballe company first produced fertilizer spreaders in the tractor with a larger spreader.

The L-range of spreaders fill the need for small scale spreading early 1950s. Design, optimum functionality and ease of use applications, with optional two row banding equipment have been developed and evolved over many years of practical experience and in co-operation with farmers all over the world. available for use in vineyards and orchards, with capacity from 700-2050 litres.

Bogballe have high tech production, development and test Bogballe has developed an automatic controlled headland facilities at their disposal as well as one of Europe’s largest and management system based on GPS assisted controllers. This most advanced test halls. system offers automated start/stop at headlands and optimised Bogballe is famous for developing simple solutions to complex spreading into wedge shaped corners. With Calibrator Zurf matters. A good example of this is the Calibrator Zurf. this is all done automatically in a way that is easy for the Combined with the weighing system, it offers fully automatic operator to program and apply. calibration, ensuring that the spreader applies the correct quantity of product with high accuracy even in hilly conditions.

26

For more information on the Bogballe range, contact Techgrow International at 08 8842 1384 or visit www.techgrowag.com.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

· New Headland Management capabilities · Spreading Urea up to 36m* · Linkage or trailed models available · Fully automatic calibration on load cell machines · Capacity ranging from 500-4500L · 4 double overlap spreading pattern *Dependant on quality of product and correct machine settings

Dealer enquiries welcome T 08 8842 1384 W techgrowag.com.au

Australian importers and distributors of Bogballe Spreaders

Case IH signals a bumper year in 2013 Case IH is gearing up for a big year with a number of exciting announcements and new products set to hit the Australian market.

Synonymous with best-in-class power and innovation, Case IH will introduce a new level of technology to Australian farmers in 2013, according to Bruce Healy, Case IHsales and marketing director.

“We’ve received many customer enquiries about the next generation of Case IH machinery and I’m pleased to say that you won’t be disappointed in 2013 with many new products and features being launched,” said Healy.

In harvesting equipment, the new year will see the release of the highly anticipated 2013 model Axial-Flow combines.

The industry leading model boasts a new, spacious cabin which offers greater vision and comfort.

“As well as the new cab, the 2013 AxialFlow Series flagship models are fitted with a longer swivel unload auger and an industry exclusive in-cab controlled pivoting spout enabling bins to be topped off evenly. The flagship models will also have the longest unloading 28

augers in the industry,” Healy said.

This year will be a big year for the Case IH Magnum tractor range.

“The Magnum has long been a customer favourite. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Case IH has produced 150 special edition silver Magnums globally, and we’ve managed to secure a dozen of these machines for Australia,” he said.

All 2013 Magnum tractors will also come with a commemorative 25 year decal on the hood in recognition of this important milestone.

Also making its way to Australia in 2013 is the Rowtrac, which was released at the US Farm Progress Show in 2012 and is receiving great feedback from customers in North America.

“A variation on Case IH’s famous Quadtrac tractor, the Rowtrac features a new undercarriage design, three metre track spacings and narrower tracks, making it perfect for row crop and controlled traffic applications,” said Healy.

At the smaller end of the tractor range, the Farmall name will re-enter the Australian market in 2013.

The new Farmall B and Farmall JX models will range from

23-110 horsepower.

“The Farmall name is well-known around the world. Bringing the name back to Australia in some neat new models is a nod to our legacy,” he said.

“And to wrap it all up, we will have a renewed focus on precision farming in 2013 with many new products, services and support available to Australian farmers under the banner of AFS – Advanced Farming Systems.

“We are especially excited about the recent availability in Australia of the Omnistar/Trimble RTX correction signal. This GPS correction signal delivers an unprecedented level of repeatable accuracy without the need for a base station.

“At Case IH, we understand the need for power, reliability, versatility, efficiency and comfort – and in 2013, we’ll continue to build on our unrivalled range of products and services.

“2013 is set to be an exciting year – I’d encourage you to visit your local dealer and have a look at our range,” said Healy.

For more information see your local Case IH dealer or visit www.caseih.com.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

SoilMapp - real time soil information from CSIRO Australia’s national soil databases can now be accessed in real time online through a new iPad app called SoilMapp.

The new app provides open access to the best and most up-to-date information for soil at any location in the country within a matter of seconds.

Information such as soil depth, acidity, salinity, soil carbon, soil water holding capacity and other attributes will help land managers, farmers and rural advisors make on-the-spot decisions about how to more effectively manage their land.

This mobile device technology will deliver detailed scientific information on soils directly into the hands of farmers, rural consultants, agronomists, and potentially other soil enthusiasts like real estate agents, hobby farmers and keen bushwalkers.

The app was developed by the Australian Collaborative Land Evaluation Program (ACLEP) and CSIRO, with funding from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), because understanding soils is essential for sustaining healthy, natural environments and productive agricultural landscapes.

“There’s a lot of information about Australian soils stored in these two databases and the beautiful thing about SoilMapp is that it provides a user friendly mechanism for accessing that information in real time, on location,” said CSIRO’s Mike Grundy.

“They (soils) sustain food production, biodiversity, water quality and play a key role in human health. Understanding the characteristics of soil allows us to ensure we make decisions about its management to ensure maximum productivity and maintain or improve its health for today and future generations.”

The app taps into soil information from the Australian Soil Resource Information System (ASRIS) and APSoil, the database behind the farming systems model, the Agricultural Production Systems SIMulator (APSIM), which is used worldwide.

Both these databases are stocked with contributions from thousands of individuals and organisations including the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), state and territory agencies responsible for land resource assessment, Geoscience Australia, and soil research and industry groups.

The databases contain information on around 85,000 samples from nearly 15,000 locations, some dating back to the 1950s.

“Although that information is already available through the web, it is now of far more use to famers or consultants working on the land because it can be at your fingertips in the field, and at no cost. Importantly, as our soil agencies improve their data collections, SoilMapp will provide access to later releases,” Grundy said.

Senior Agronomist Steve Richmond from Kerin Landmark Rural said the app would be a welcome addition to his decision making toolkit when speaking with growers.

“By understanding the soil’s characterisation, water holding

capacity and amount of organic carbon, we can make calculations about how much nitrogen to use on certain crops.

This could lead to improvements in fertiliser use efficiency as well helping prevent soil acidification from the overuse of nitrogen. That provides a productivity benefit as well as environmental and economic benefits,” Richmond said.

“Farmers are the custodians of vast tracts of Australia, and the decisions they make daily will impact on the short and long term future of this country’s ability to feed itself, meet growing global demands and to sustain its natural beauty. The more informed we can be when making these decisions, the greater benefit we can deliver for both productivity and environmental health. It’s a win-win.”

While SoilMapp for iPad currently accesses Australian information, other users may soon be able to get the benefit of this technology, with CSIRO exploring the possibility of working with partners in New Zealand, Indonesia and the Pacific Island countries to widen the scope of SoilMapp.

SoilMapp was developed as part of a project called Doing it better, doing it smarter – managing soil water in Australian agriculture.

SoilMapp for iPad will be available from the App Store.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

29

My view Quad bike safety

By Bill Shorten, Federal Member for Maribynong Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Australia has a proud farming heritage.

Generations of Australians have worked and lived on the land, growing the produce and raising the livestock that keep our rural exports strong and put food on our tables every day.

Every day in the news we hear about the devastating effects of the road toll.

Over the years the Government and car manufacturers have taken serious steps to improve automobile safety.

We now have vehicle star ratings, airbags, crumple zones, safety cameras, better roads and better regulation of the trucking industry.

“Tragically in the closing days of 2012 a seven year-old girl was killed in a quad bike accident.

This was just one of the 18 quad bike related deaths in 2012.”

We need this same serious commitment to quad bike safety. Since 2001 more than 150 Australians have died on quad bikes, and around half of these fatalities were due to rollovers.

Tragically in the closing days of 2012 a seven year-old girl was killed in a quad bike accident.

This was just one of the 18 quad bike related deaths in 2012.

There are now more than 300,000 30

quad bikes in Australia and this figure grows by more than 20,000 each year.

In the 30 years since quad bikes have started being used on farms all we’ve really had in place to ensure safety on these vehicles is education and training.

That’s important, but plainly education and training did not prevent last year’s tragedies, or the tragedies that came in the decades before.

In July last year the Gillard Government came together with farming organisations, unions, industry and community groups to discuss quad bike safety and practical measures that could be taken to reduce the unacceptably high number of injuries and deaths each year.

This was followed by a stakeholder forum and the release of a public discussion paper reviewing design and engineering controls for improving quad bike safety.

A dedicated quad bike safety webpage – QuadWatch – has also been established to provide information to farmers and their families on quad bike safety.

Everyone has a responsibility for quad safety, but it has to involve a safer product.

First, the designers and manufacturers of these vehicles must improve the design of quads so they are not prone to roll over and secondly, some form of crush protection device is required to reduce the potential for death and injury as a result of a crush or asphyxiation when they do roll.

The Government is keen to bring manufacturers along with us in this process and it is pleasing to see that since our forum in October some quad bike manufacturers are now playing

Bill Shorten, Federal Member for Maribynong.

a positive role in offering to fit crush protection devices as a safety feature.

Manufacturers already have warnings on the bikes regarding age restriction recommendations, but this needs to be taken further.

We need to ban the use of full size quad bikes in workplaces - including farms - for anyone under the age of 16.

Everyone has a responsibility for quad bike safety.

We simply cannot sit by any longer and watch people being killed by these vehicles.

Wouldn’t it be great to see a fatality free 2013? I think that is something we can all agree on.

Links: QuadWatch website: www. safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/ QuadWatch.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

Keech has designed and manufactured quality components for use across Australia’s agricultural sector for over 70 years, so we know how to make sure the design and quality of our components meet the unique demands of Australian conditions.

Keech is an Australian owned manufacturing company.

‘For more information on Keech’s product range and for details on where to source Keech tillage products, contact Keech Australia on 1300 4 KEECH

Keech’s extensive product range includes: • Minimum tillage points and adaptors • Deep tillage equipment • Sowing systems

Keech Australia

Harvesting youth for rural careers An Australian website has been launched that goes some way to addressing the national crisis in agricultural education by reframing how people view the industry with inspiring information on more than 250 career options.

Australia’s agricultural sector and food dependant economy accounts for 12% of national GDP, 14% of exports, 17% of employment and utilizes almost 60% of Australia’s land mass.

The national skills shortage issue is widespread across the industry and has been highlighted in various senate submissions over the last 12 months as well as in this publication.

Branded as ‘Career Harvest’, the online hub was developed to inspire a new generation of leaders.

An initiative of the Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture (ACDA), redhanded Communications Group and Rimfire Resources, Career Harvest showcases what careers are available and

what skills and education are required for different positions.

Career Harvest also provides links to where students can find more information about education opportunities and share testimonials from people working in their chosen careers.

By highlighting current challenges and opportunities such as feeding the world, adapting to climate change, managing the environment, operating profitable markets, managing future energy sources, and maintaining biodiversity, Career Harvest showcases how a career in agriculture enables students to make meaningful contributions.

The youngest member of the Career Harvest board, emerging professional representative Caspar Roxburgh said Career Harvest changes the conversation about careers in the food and fibre industry to one that young people respond to.

“Every young person is trying to figure out who they are and find their deeper purpose in life, their identity is linked to doing something that will give them that sense of deeper purpose,” Caspar said.

“Career Harvest shows agriculture can give that in a huge range of areas because it links those deeper reasons for why we choose to go to work in the morning with career paths and education options and with people working in those roles.”

Information at www.careerharvest.com.au.

Nine billion world population to feed By 2050, the world population will rise to nearly nine billion people, doubling the demand for food at a time when a changing environment is creating new limits to supply According to DeLaval, meeting this challenge requires looking at food production in a new way.

DeLaval believes it is time to make sustainable food production possible.

“The world is changing which means

we must help farmers embrace a new future,” said Joakim Rosengren, CEO at DeLaval.

“Innovating new solutions to improve farm efficiency, profitability and sustainability will continue to be at the forefront of what we do.”

According to DeLaval, improving the health of the herd with advanced hygiene products and consumables is essential to preserving the dairy business. The social

dimension is important too including reducing the necessity of physically demanding work on the farm.

rodents.

In Adelaide dead snakes, horse meat from Uzbekistan and rose bulbs were the main culprits but in Brisbane officials were faced with Paolo worms, live cactus, smoked bacon in milk chocolate and string bags made of animal hides.

Darwin border control came across paper products made from dung and

in Melbourne the tiger penis and bear gall bladder came into their hands along with turtle meat and a complete crocodile skin.

Perth employees found a framed bat – the animal kind not the sporting kind – and a full set of bird’s wings.

In Sydney there was a whole shark in a jar (one suspects a very large jar), as well as painted chicken feet.

Shark in a jar The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Forestry has a list of the strangest things that residents and visitors to Australia have tried to pass through customs.

Items such as a tiger’s penis, the gall bladder of a bear, skinned frogs and products made from elephant dung were among the suspects that also included a witch doctor’s bag with dead 32

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

Proudly Australian owned since 1944

www.bareco.com.au

Training and delegation Key management skills for business operation

By Peter Cox, Bachelor Fin Admin, CPA, MNIA, AICM I am sure you have all heard the saying your people? Begin by placing them in “the most important asset in the business one of the four boxes below. is the people who staff it”. And it is not How can you move your people who fall just any staff, it is trained and motivated into this last category back to Box C? staff that provide the sustainable Firstly, ask what you can provide them competitive advantage enjoyed by some with in order to increase their interest and businesses. enthusiasm in working for you.

If your business can provide a service The best approach is to schedule at least a that is better than that provided by your half hour every six months to meet with competitors your chances of survival and all staff. Ask what other roles and tasks making increase they would like to do and what training Training profit and delegation immeasurably. It management skills for business operation justKey makes common sense. they think they need. This is known as a

With price being a difficult and dangerous staff appraisal.

By Peter Cox

weapon to use these days, perhaps your The ultimate aim is to progress all staff I am sure you have all heard the saying “the most important asset in the business is the people business needs to provide some other to Box C and keep them there by, who staff it”. And it is not just any staff, it is trained and motivated staff that provide the sustainable competitive advantage enjoyed by some businesses. recognisable competitive advantage. perhaps, delegating some of your roles.

When I visit most ‘high profit’ operations This frees up your own time so that you If your business can provide a service, that is better than that provided by your competitors your survival and making increase t just mmanage akes common it ischances quiteof obvious why theyprofit make highimmeasurably. can Ithen yoursense. department or

profits.

They have well-trained and business better.

Delegation provides With price being a difficult and dangerous weapon to use these days, perhaps your business needs to provide some other working recognisable competitive enthusiastic people for them. advantage. more opportunities for people to learn

This allows the boss to devote more than and prevents boredom. It is a means When I visit most ‘high profit’ operations it is quite obvious why they make high profits. They have enough timeand toeeffectively manage, not ofakeeping staff well-­‐trained nthusiastic people working for them. This llows the byour oss to dhighly evote mcompetent ore than enough time to effectively manage, not only the staff, but also the business. only the staff, but also the business. working for you and not wandering down

How increase effectiveness the broad to tyour competition.

How do do yyou ou increase the ethe ffectiveness of your pof eople? Begin y placing hem in one of the four boxes below.

Know What To Do

Don’t Know What To Do

34

PERFORMING

C

MOTIVATION GOOD

Delegation

Competency High

B

MOTIVATION GOOD

Coaching

Competency Better

By providing training, being aware of where your staff are placed in the four boxes and being prepared to delegate and discuss their roles and tasks, the opportunity to retain your good people and derive greater profits in this industry is immeasurably increased.

Peter Cox’s expertise is bottom-line profitability management in business, backed by industry performance statistics and benchmarks.

For the past 15 years he has assisted companies in Australia and New Zealand to establish and maintain financial control of their businesses. He has special interest in and knowledge of the rural sector.

Visit www.petercox.com.au.

NOT PERFORMING

D MOTIVATION POOR

Appraisal

Competency High

A

MOTIVATION HIGH

Director Method

of Training

Competency Low

Box A: New employees who require close supervision and one-on-one training (generally new members to the team).

Box B: Staff who possess the basic skills to be able to complete their tasks but require further training. Coaching helps in that the employee is left on their own but followed up regularly by the senior people to ensure tasks are being done correctly.

Box C: It would be great if everyone in your operation fell into this box. Staff performing well, however, unless new challenges are provided (by delegation) they could move into Box D. Box D: Have you ever really wondered why staff leave a business? In a lot of cases, it is simply because of boredom and lack of challenges.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

Technical Service

Equipment Processing Centre

Our dedicated Australian facilities provide superior quality and on time delivery across the following services: • Product preparation • Accessorising services • Storage and Inventory management • Build planning

• Post production quality inspection • Repairs (paint and mechanical) • Distribution services • Production visibility • Container un-pack services

As a global company we understand the unique logistics need of the industry. Our expertise can be assured as we operate 11 inland terminals handling more than 3.5 million units per annum.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) spcialise in rolling and static equipment including Agricultural product such as combine harvesters, tractors and farming equipment.

For more information visit www.2wglobal.com or call you nearest WWL Equipment Processing Centre: Port Kembla: +61 2 4252 0600

Brendale: +61 7 3881 0377

Laverton: +61 3 8345 8300

Kewdale: +61 8 9353 6000

What’s new in Sprays and Spraying Equipment The devil’s in the detail for self propelled sprayer Since introducing the Silvan Devil boom range more than 130 units have been sold.

Available in a full range of boom and tank sizes, the Devil boom unit is ideal for small to medium vegetable growers, dairy and beef farmers.

The fully galvanised boom is fitted with independent hydraulic fold and safety break back, making it strong and durable.

The boom is available in 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 metre widths and cross-folds for easy transport and storage. The 12 and 14 metre models have hydraulic levelling to keep the boom level with the ground on terraces and hillsides. An optional hydraulic lift kit is also available with a 1.1 metre lift adjustment.

A stainless steel spray line with non-drip nozzles offers low maintenance and adds to the longevity.

The Devil boom unit comes with a high quality BP 60/20 diaphragm pump, which has a capacity of 58 litres per minute and a maximum pressure of 2000 kilopascals. The larger capacity BP 125/20 diaphragm pump, with a 121L/min capacity, is available where greater agitation is needed for high spray rates or fertiliser applications.

Both pumps come with three and four section control valves with the option of electric controls for in-cab use.

A three stage filtration system keeps nozzles free from blockages and ensures an even distribution and coverage.

Farmers wanting thorough spray coverage without unnecessary and costly overlap could add the 14 litre single-sided or 30 litre double-sided foam marker.

Complete with manual or electronic controls, this feature clearly marks the edge of the spray line and saves time and unnecessary spray wastage.

The Devil boom unit comes with a Bondioli & Pavesi driveshaft with quick release pins and safety cover.

Customers have a choice of 400, 600, 800 and 1000 litre impact-resistant polytuff tanks complete with galvanised tank frames to suit individual needs. The 400, 600 and 800 litre tanks come standard with 15 litre fresh water tanks for hand and eye wash.

Silvan is an Australian owned and operated company, and now also in New Zealand, and has a full range of spraying equipment from the high volume Airblast sprayers to the efficient Turbomiser range and robust Australian-designed Paddock King and Paddock Pak broadacre sprayers.

For more information visit www.silvan.com.au.

Silvan’s TGS sprayers Two Sunraysia table grape growers were the first purchasers of the new Silvan TGS vineyard sprayers.

Requiring a minimum 75hp tractor the new 3000 Litre TGS sprayer has a compact tank and overall profile, which facilitates tight turns at row ends, particularly where there are tight headlands. The sprayer’s length is just under four metres.

The Polytuff impact resistant polyurethane tank with a capacity of 3400 litres is carried in a galvanized steel frame with a tandem axle independent suspension providing a smooth ride.

The tank has a calibrated sightline, a flip top lid, and a 50mm Camlock bottom-fill connection and uses a high capacity venturi chemical induction probe.

Key operator features include a separate 205 litre capacity Polytuff flush tank to clean the pump, filter, spray lines and nozzles after use. There is also a 15-litre Polytuff hand wash tank for operator safety.

The pump is a Silvan oil backed nitrile diaphragm pump with brass heads and manifolds for a long working life. It has a 182 litre per minute capacity at 5000kPa with a standard choice of Geoline electric section valves and master valve with electric pressure adjustment using the in-cabin control box.

36

The gearbox is a two-speed with neutral position oil bath type with the PTO drive being a quality Bondioli & Pavesi constant velocity, wide angle drive with quick release pins, safety covers and 50 hour greasing interval.

The standard fan is a 500mm twin impeller turbine fan which, when coupled with the two-speed gearbox, provides flexibility to match the air output to the application.

The standard sprayer head is fitted with multiple air assist diffusers and twin spray nozzles with swivel adjustment. Both spray arms have independent hydraulic fold using a twin set of tractor hydraulics and manual width and height adjustment.

Silvan also offers a significant choice of options to match the vineyard layout and application requirements. These are extensive and include a higher capacity pump, automatic rate controller for application rate adjustment on-the-go, hydraulic vertical lift (terracing) and row width adjustment, twin galvanized snorkels, while an on-road kit consisting of signage and lighting and over row work lights are also available where round the clock spraying is sought.

For more information visit www.silvan.com.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

Silvan’S SMaRT FinanCial SOlUTiOnS available nOw LOW DEPOSIT FINANCE

Speak to your SILVaN DeaLer Terms & condiTions apply.

FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS Call 1300 745 826

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Silvan Financial Solutions a division of De Lage Landen Pty Limited ABN 20 101 692 040. *Terms, Fees, Conditions and Lending Criteria Apply. Eligible ABN Holders Only.

Self propelled sprayer Cropland’s new RG series of RoGator self propelled sprayers is already making a strong impression around the country.

“The big winner is the new drive system,” said Jeremy Rennick, Croplands’ self propelled sprayer specialist.

At the core of the new RoGator RG series drive package is an advanced, Tier 4i, 8.4 litre engine with SCR technology and new 7-speed fully integrated drive system.

“We’ve put a lot of work into making sure the whole hydraulic system on the RG series runs cooler and more efficiently, making it a more reliable machine,” said Rennick.

The RoGators flex frame negates the need for traction control.

This in turn means that hydraulic lines can run seamlessly to each individual wheel-motor with the whole system generating significantly less heat.

Couple this to larger hubs, wheel motors and hydrostats and the result is less maintenance, less down time and lower running costs.

According to the latest ‘Boom Times’ guide, released in May 2012 by independent agricultural research specialists Kondinin Group, operators are showing a preference towards machinery systems that handle wider boom configurations.

Credit for the RoGator RG series’ big boom handling capability goes to a well thought out ‘goal post’ or rear mast mounted design, which not only allows the boom to easily slide up and down to adjust height but makes the weight distribution on the unit remarkably better than parallelogram mounted systems. The mast mount design offers extra stability, adjustability and ease of operation to help customers apply their chemical with the highest accuracy, an important feature when coverage and drift concerns are paramount.

Thanks to new chassis design and flexible build specifications, Croplands can offer 24 to 36-metre boom options across all three RoGator RG models.

All three models have extra horsepower and enough torque to easily pull through the toughest of conditions or ride comfortably across firm ground.

Excellent visibility from the dedicated “sprayer” cabin, good layout, precision-turning, smooth airbag suspension and a sleek new hood design on an easy to service machine round out a highly sought after package.

Along with significant reductions in in-cab noise, machine diagnostics and monitoring have also been improved via an “all in one” console.

A range of customisation options make the RoGator RG ideal for operators seeking to improve efficiency and gain all-in-one big machinery reliability.

With branches and dealer locations across Australia, Croplands is able to provide full sales and technical support on machine specifications, delivery, set up and service.

To arrange a demonstration or for more information about Croplands' new RoGator RG Series of self propelled sprayers call 1800 999 162 or visit www.croplands.com.au.

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WEEDit for cost savings Early trial results indicate chemical savings and environmental benefits for farmers using WEEDit selective control technology on pre-emergent regimes in fallow paddocks.

“We are recording up to 80% less chemical use – that’s a huge result,” said Jason Sims, national sales manager Australasia for Croplands Equipment.

WEEDit works by significantly maximising application of concentrated herbicides and drastically reducing the environmental impact of agricultural spraying. Lowering of chemical input costs, particularly on higher value formulations, is seen as a major advantage.

When applied early, the simple spot and spray method is highly effective in targeting persistent pre-emergent weeds.

WEEDit near infrared (NIR) camera sensors operate by automatically detecting chlorophyll in fallow paddocks.

The fast acting sensors, which can operate efficiently under spraying speeds of up to 25 kilometres per hour, activate solenoids and release chemical spray straight to the target.

Set-up involves mounting a series of near infrared camera sensor units at evenly spaced intervals along the boom. Each camera sits inside a weatherproof metal casing with each sensor unit controlling five nozzles.

Depending on soil conditions, sensors can self calibrate by increasing or decreasing chemical flows to the ground.

An in-cab monitor feeds critical information, allowing the user to see if the sensors are working correctly or to detect and precisely locate any solenoid errors.

For upgrades to existing spray machinery, Croplands is also looking at configuration options for retrofit installations.

WEEDit is the ideal set up for targeted pre-emergent spraying and will suit most broadacre farming practices.

For more information contact your local Croplands representative or visit www.croplands.com.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

MORE THE T IN AN MEAN K MORE S THE B IN ANK

4.9% FINANCE OFFER + BIG SAVINGS ON PEGASUS For a limited time,* buy a Pegasus Sprayer and we will deduct the size of the tank off the retail price!

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Buy a Pegasus 5000 and save $5,000! Buy a Pegasus 8000 and save $8,000!

The Pegasus range of trailed sprayers are available with 21 to 36 metre booms featuring the unique parallelogram boom lift and superior hydraulic

accumulator suspension which maximises boom spraying stability, increases spraying accuracy and dramatically improves boom life.

* 4.9% Broadacre Finance Offer conditions: Orders must be placed by 28 February 2013 with delivery by 28 June 2013 or earlier. ¹/³ deposit with ¹/³ payable after 12 months and ¹/³ payable after 24 months. Finance available on all Pegasus models. Dollars Off Pegasus promotion conditions: Orders must be placed by 28 February 2013 with delivery by 28 June 2013 or earlier. Discount is applied to retail pricing, prices are exclusive of GST.

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» Longer service intervals » Flex frame with integrated drive package gives unrivalled performance

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» Air Pro tiered boom system » Great resale value

What’s new in Marketing Simple ways to cut costs for your business in 2013

By Michael Reid Founder SME Savings Group Small business owners are generally good at conducting their core business (or they should be) but they often fall short in other areas like managing their finances, stock and suppliers.

And with Australian farmers and dealers expected to face difficult conditions and ongoing issues with marketing, growth and cash flow throughout 2013, it’s important that agricultural businesses get on top of these things.

Cash flow is the lifeblood of small businesses, and managing it well will help you to thrive in even the worst economic conditions. Here are some ways that you can pump life back into your business and ensure that you’re getting the deals and discounts you’re entitled to.

Tail spend and supplier rebates

Tail spend covers expenditure that doesn’t directly drive your business. Many small business owners ignore these ‘small’ costs because they are so spread out and seemingly insignificant, but as a group tail spend can comprise up to 30% of your business’ total costs.

So, instead of looking for savings and discounts with your main suppliers, why not have a look at your tail spend and get some quick wins in expenditure across a number of smaller suppliers?

Because suppliers are often also small businesses, they are in the same boat as you and with therefore often offer discounts of up to 2.5% for early settlement or on-time payments. When multiplied across all of your suppliers, you will find that this quickly adds up and equates to more money in your pocket.

Many businesses use ‘volume’ to accrue 40

discounts. However, if your order is not sufficient enough to bargain with, you can seek out like-minded SMEs in the agricultural industry and establish a mini buying group or you can even join an established buying group that will do the legwork and negotiating for you!

Non-core services and products

Offering too wide a range of services can be costly and distract you from where your business’ core strength lies.

It may be worth looking at what types of services and products are the most beneficial and focussing on these. Not only will this allow you to focus on what it is that you’re good at, it will also help you to better target your audiences for marketing campaigns, for example to customers on the east coast.

Outsourcing

Small business owners are often strapped for time and have limited resources, which makes outsourcing a cost-effective way of achieving results. If jobs like marketing and bookkeeping are taking up a huge chunk of your time and stopping you from doing what it is that you’re good at – your core business activity – outsourcing might be the best option and your business. Other areas you might consider outsourcing include: reception, PR, legal, and IT. Smart marketing & supplies

Being smart with your marketing initiatives can lead to a huge increase in profits for your business through more frequent patronage, add-ons and even increased prices. Some cheap or even free techniques you might consider include: scheduling follow up calls and reminders when clients need to restock, for example ensuring your clients receive constant

communication and helpful advice so that you are never too far from your customers’ thoughts, and using vouchers and customer referral incentives.

You could even compile a list of businesses that complement your agricultural business, like transport companies, and see if there’s a way you could help each other out.

Here are things to suggest to potential referral partners and strategic alliances: • offering discounts to customers when they use each other’s services; • writing guest posts for each other’s blogs or newsletters; and • including vouchers for each other’s businesses in gift/info packs.

Don’t forget to make the most of other low-cost marketing tactics such as PR, networking and speaking opportunities.

Maintaining the correct stock levels of supplies to be able service your clients well without having stock left over is no easy task, but it is crucial to creating better cash flow.

Try to make sure that you are ordering products at the best possible time in order to take advantage of the credit accounts you have with suppliers. That way you’re only restocking when it’s absolutely necessary.

With many small businesses expected to face continued declines in revenue over the next 12 months, now is the time to give your small business a health check.

About the author: Michael Reid is the founder of SME Savings, a free group buying service exclusively for SMEs. Visit www.smesavings.com.au, call 1300 071 090 or email contactus@smesavings. com.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

What’s new in Finance An opportunity to tailor finances – Asset Finance Mark Bennett, Head of Agribusiness, Regional Business Banking, ANZ Having the right business equipment, vehicles and plant machinery is crucial for the growth of any business. Financing these assets presents an opportunity for a banking solution customised to suit your business needs.

Customers often choose Asset Finance when they are looking for a medium-term funding solution for their asset base, as opposed to outright ownership.

Asset Finance provides customers with the opportunity to: • preserve precious working capital for short term needs • structure repayments to match anticipated future cash flow, taking into consideration the expected working life and depreciation rate • secure up to 100% finance – in most cases without provision of additional security • access potential tax benefits.

There are three main Asset Finance products available; Hire purchase (offer to hire) The customer hires and uses the asset until they have made their last payment – at this point the customer owns the asset outright. Deposit and balloon value are optional.

Chattel mortgage The customer owns the asset, which is then used as security. This often means the financier can offer more competitive terms.

Deposit and balloon value are optional.

Finance lease The financier owns the asset while the customer pays a rental throughout the contract term; the customer has a range of options when the lease term expires. No deposit can be provided and residual values are set in accordance with Australian Tax Office (ATO) guidelines.

It is important to consider there are different GST implications on each Asset Finance product. An accountant can provide further information about tax benefits.

The majority of Asset Finance contracts are funded using a fixed interest rate. There are products available in the market including Rate Lock, designed to protect customers against potentially unfavourable interest rate movements. An example of its use is for imported equipment, with a longer lead-time.

Understanding your cash flow is important when structuring an Asset Finance solution, as it might include monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual, seasonal or irregular payments.

A dedicated, local Asset Finance Specialist can help you find the right solution for you.

ANZ has more than 150 years of experience in Asset Finance, and we have dedicated agribusiness specialists across Australia.

You can find your local Agribusiness Manager at www.anz.com/ small-business/agribusiness.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

41

LAW REVIEW

Injuries caused by use of your farm machinery ... who’s liable?

By Gavin Hanrahan, Managing Partner, Turnbull Hill Lawyers The Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety reported that between 1 January and 30 September 2012, there were 102 “on-farm” injury events reported in Australian print media ... including 37 fatalities.

Of those injury events, nearly a quarter involved mobile farm machinery (not including farm vehicles, motor cycles, ATVs etc.).

It is a timely reminder of the risks that lurk within the many and varied farm machinery used by Australia’s farmers.

Liability to compensate those who are injured may include the importer, manufacturer, distributor, supplier, and farmer, or all of the above.

The legal arguments around where liability rests can be quite complicated.

Suffice it to say the overriding principles at the heart of the obligations on importers, manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and farmers, are similar.

They are all under a duty to exercise reasonable care to prevent a foreseeable risk of injury to people using the machinery.

The manufacturer has an obligation to understand the machinery and eliminate those reasonably foreseeable risks of its use that can be eliminated, and to minimise those risks that can’t be eliminated.

42

We are probably all familiar with a common risk minimisation strategy, namely instructions and signage about the safe use of the machinery.

The importer and/or distributor have an obligation to source the machinery from a reputable manufacturer, understand the product and ensure it is received from the manufacturer intact and distributed to the supplier together with all reasonably necessary information about how to use the machinery safely.

The supplier also has an obligation to understand the machinery; ensure it is received from the manufacturer intact and supplied to the farmer together with all reasonably necessary information about how to use the machinery safely; and not to recommend its use, or supply the machinery, when to do so would expose the user, or others, to an unreasonable risk of injury in the circumstances (for example, to supply machinery to a person whom the supplier has grave doubts as to their capacity to operate the machinery safely).

The farmer also has an obligation to understand the machinery and what is required to use it safely, and to ensure (as far as is reasonably practicable) it is used safely. In addition to ensuring

its operators receive proper training and monitoring, this also includes, amongst other things, maintaining the machinery in a safe operating condition.

Insurance as a part of a farmer’s risk management strategy

Being human comes with inevitable ability to make mistakes ... as simple as a moment’s inattention here and some forgetfulness there. Fortunately, for the most part, such mistakes occur without serious incident. However, a small number of all mistakes have dire consequences such as loss of limbs, paraplegia, quadriplegia or even death.

The compensation payable by the negligent party in these situations is in the millions of dollars. If you don’t have the benefit of an insurance company to indemnify you in such circumstances, responsibility of the resulting legal proceedings will be yours. You will need to find the compensation necessary to satisfy the claim some other way, probably by selling some or all of your assets.

It is also a good risk management strategy to have sufficient personal insurance to assist you and your family with cash flow should you be unable to work due to serious injury or death.

This can include life insurance, total and permanent disability insurance,

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

and income protection insurance.

If you haven’t had your insurance broker undertake a review of your insurance needs for some time, it may be time to do so. It is important to look not only at the types of claims you may be exposed to, but also the potential size of them and therefore the cover required.

What can I do if I’m a farmer and I’ve been seriously injured by a piece of farm machinery?

First thing, get the best treatment and rehabilitation you can. This is your best chance to get yourself back doing as many of your pre-injury activities as you can. No amount of compensation will bring you the pleasure of being able to do what you want, when you want to do it.

If you’re an employee (possibly of your family company), you can make a workers’ compensation claim. This often has the benefit of providing urgent financial assistance in the form of compensation for loss of income, medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses.

If your injury was caused by your negligence alone, you may be limited to making a workers’ compensation claim. Similarly, if your injury was not caused by anyone’s negligence, you may be limited to making a workers’ compensation claim.

If your injury was caused by another’s negligence, including the negligence of the importer, manufacturer, distributor or supplier, you may have the option of making a claim in negligence against the negligent party or parties.

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 one of the larger regional general practice law firms in NSW. It was founded in 1969, has a staff of 50 and is based in the city of Lake Macquarie, near Newcastle, NSW. Gavin Hanrahan is Turnbull Hill Lawyers’ managing partner and the son of farming parents, having been raised on the farm his parents still operate in the Oberon District in the Central West of NSW.

He has worked at Turnbull Hill Lawyers for more than 20 years, during which time his principal areas of practice have been in assisting those suffering catastrophic personal injury to obtain compensation from the insurers of negligent parties, and to obtain total and permanent disability (TPD) payments from their insurers, and assisting business owners to manage their human resources (HR).

For more information call Turnbull Hill Lawyers on freecall 1800 994 279 or direct 02 4904 8000 or visit www.turnbullhill.com.au

What should I do if I’m a supplier and I receive a written notice requesting particulars of the identity of the manufacturer of an allegedly defective piece of machinery that I have supplied?

You should immediately obtain legal advice. If you fail to provide particulars sufficient to identify the manufacturer within 30 days of the request, in certain circumstances you could be deemed to be the manufacturer and liable to be sued as such.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

43

TMA News The year that was and the year that will be

Perhaps the one sector which is yet to really see the fruits of a strong Asian economy is the dairy sector which is doing it tough – perhaps highlighting the poor showing of the hay market sector.

By Richard Lewis, Executive Director

Looking forward to 2013

Tractor & Machinery Association of Australia

So where to for next year? The TMA is executive director approaching the 2013 sales year with of the Tractor cautious optimism. and Machinery All things point to another good year for Association. commodity prices and a constantly high dollar will keep good value in imported machinery, however the caution comes with the build-up in dealers’ yards of trades.

With 25,000 new tractors going into the market over the past two years, there are a lot of used tractors for sale in dealers’ yards, at clearance sales and auction yards, and in the private sellers market.

If demand for the used tractors does not hold up in 2013, a couple of things will happen to slow the market overall.

Firstly, dealers will be reluctant to trade used for new tractors, and secondly those dealers that will trade will be looking to pay less for the trades in order to move them on.

We can already see signs of this in the baler market where there are large numbers of used balers at dealerships with the price coming down all the time.

A dealer will be reluctant to sell any more new balers with trades involved if he already has some used balers in stock.

This is not a new phenomenon to the farm machinery industry and our suppliers and dealers are well versed in the balance between new and used sales.

This is a cycle that occurs every few years and as long as demand for machinery remains strong, we will see this scenario through and go on to future years in good trading shape.

There are still many challenges selling and servicing farm machinery, including OH&S regulations that are inconsistent across the nation, transport rules and regulations that are also inconsistent across the nation and governments that seem preoccupied with everything but agriculture.

We are struggling with huge skills shortages and struggling to attract people to our industry from high-paying industries such as mining, oil and gas.

We are moving into the high tech world of digital marketing to attract prospective buyers.

We have thrown out the challenge to field days across the nation to stay strong and relevant to our market and play an important role in getting farmers through the gates to view our machinery and services.

The industry will toil ahead as we look to the skies and the markets for signs of early season breaks and positive signs for selling in 2013.

Sales for 2012

Throughout this year the Tractor and Machinery Association (TMA) and Agriview have been reporting sales increases of new tractors each month, much to the astonishment of most in the market.

After all, last year was a record and surely this year would see a flattening of sales volumes.

Well, this year has broken the records again with more than 11,500 new tractors reported as sold into Australia – the highest we have seen for over 10 years of reporting.

Therefore if we take into account an estimate of non-reported sales and combine the two years together, there have been around 25,000 new tractors sold into the Australian market over the past two years, which is an excellent result for suppliers and dealers.

In addition to these numbers, we have had more than 2000 new combine harvesters and 10,000 out front mowers sold over the same period, highlighting the health of the Australian ag market and the value of a high dollar in the machinery business.

Conversely, the hay market including balers and haytools has had its 6th poorest year in a row with baler sales hitting all time lows this year at less than 500 units – this is about half the number sold new in 2005.

It shows how difficult the year has been in the hay and silage areas of the country – a distinct lack of spring rain has been the culprit along with lower demand for export hay impacted by the high dollar.

Tillage and seeding products, along with sprayers and slashers, are only collated annually however; most suppliers and dealers have reported healthy sales in these segments with tillage products needing a boost after some poor years.

Government assistance for direct drill seeding products has had a positive effect for local manufacturers with excellent levels of pre-season ordering for factory builds through spring and summer.

A stalwart of the machinery industry once told me “don’t look to the skies for prosperity – just keep an eye on the commodity prices” and I think this year is a great example of this in the farm machinery sector.

It has been a year with inconsistent results around the country but with good prices for most commodities so we have seen a strong sales result.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

Richard Lewis,

2013 FIELD DAYS CALENDAR February 13-15 Sungold Field Days Contact: Louise Thomas Allansford, about 12 km east of Warrnambool Ph: 03 5565 3142 E: sungoldfileddays@wcbf.com.au W: www.sungoldfielddays.com.au 14-15 Beef Expo Hamilton Showgrounds, Hamilton, Vic Ph: 03 5572 2563 E: info@hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au W: www.hamiltonbeefexpo.com 15-17 Seymour Alternative Farming Expo Contact: Colin Stray Goulburn Valley Highway, Seymour, Vic Ph: 03 5799 1211 E: admin@seymor-expo.com W: www.seymour-expo.com 22-24 ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show Contact: Marketing Manager Exhibition Park, Canberra Ph: 02 6241 2478 E: marketing@rncas.org.au W: www.rncas.org.au

MARCH 5 King Island Show Contact: Tanya Arnold Currie Show grounds, Currie, Tas Ph: 03 6462 1346 E: tanya_arnold@bigpond.com W: www.ascti.com.au 13 Tillage & Cropping Demo Day 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

2 7 t h E A S T G I P P S L A N D F I E L D D AY S

5,6,7 MARCH 2013

5-7 Wimmera Machinery Field Days Contact: Murray Wilson Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong near Horsham, Vic Ph: 03 5384 7210 E: info@wimmerafielddays.com.au W: www.wimmerafielddays.com.au 8-9 Wagin Woolorama West Australia Ph: 08 9861 2242 E: tradefair@woolorama.com.au W: www.woolorama.com.au 15-16 South East Field Days Contact: Lyn Crosby Yakka Park, Lincoln, SA Ph: 08 8766 7001 E: sefds@bigpond.com W: www.southeastfielddays.com.au

21-24 Farm World Contact: Mark Cockerell Burnt Store Road, Lardner Park, Warragul, Vic Ph: 03 5626 1373 E: office@lardnerpark.com.au W: www.lardnerpark.com.au

MARCH/April 21-3 Sydney Royal Easter Show Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney, NSW Ph: 02 970 1474 W: www.eastershow.com.au

April 6 The Weekly Times Rural Lifestyle Expo Cnr Creswick Road & Howitt Street, Wendouree, Vic Ph: 03 5338 1877 E: info@rurallifestyleexpo.org.au W: rurallifestyleexpo.org.au

19-20 East Gippsland Field Days Contact: Peter Treasure GROWTH THROUGH Bairnsdale Aerodrome, Bairnsdale, Vic Ph: 03 5153 1398 0427 878 645 E: info@egfielddays.com W: www.egfielddays.com

COMMUNITY

AGRIBUSINESS

MAY 2-3 National Vegetable Expo Contact: Tony Imeson Dairy Road (off Sneydes Road) Werribee, Vic Ph: 03 9687 4707 E: contact@vgavic.org.au W: www.vgavic.org.au

2-4 Agfest Field Days Contact: Carlee Lee Quercus Rural Youth Park, on Oaks Road ComeAPRIL to AGFEST and see20, : 2013 FRIDAY 19 & SATURDAY APRIL between Bracknell, • Equine expo Carrick and • Rural youth feature tent TAS • Dairy pavilionBAIRNSDALE• VICTORIA Fashion parade and ag artwork • Beef expo Ph: 03 6331 6154• Schools kit For a prospectus www.egfielddays.com • Sheep dog trials please visit • Central arena displays Unique tastes pavilion • Craft pavilions E:•• admin@agfest.com.au or telephone (03) 5153 1398 Agricultural demonstrations • Heritage displays track • Plus over 600 exhibitors . . .

W:• Four-wheel www. drive agfest.com.au 3-4 Deni Innovations Expo Contact: Andrew Richardson Murray Valley Industry Park. Off Todd Road, Deniliquin. NSW Ph: 0407 503 978 W: www.deniinnovationsexpo.org.au 3-5 Tocal Field Days Contact: Coral Cairney Tocal Road, Tocal, NSW Ph: 02 4939 8827 E: fielddays@tocal.com W: www.tocalfielddays.com 10-11 Riverina Field Days Contact: Fiona Beverley Griffiths Showground, Griffiths, NSW Ph: 02 6964 8811 E: riverinafielddays@bigpond.com W: www.riverinafielddays.com

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

45

2013 FIELD DAYS CALENDAR 29-30 Cotton Trade Show Contact: Brian O’Connell Moree TAFE Ag Skills Campus on the Newell Highway, 5km north of Moree Ph: 02 6778 3255 E: biranoconnell@bigpond.com W: www.cottontadeshow.com.au 29-30 Rotary FNQ Field Days Contact: Lesa Pershouse Mareeba District Rodeo Assoc, Kerribee Park, Mt Abbott, QLD Ph: 0427 998 203 E: info@fnqfielddays.org.au W: www.fnqfielddays.org.au

JUNE 4-6 Farmfest Field Days Kingsthorpe Park, on the Warrego Highway, 20 kms west of Toowoomba Ph: 02 6768 5800 E: farmfest@ruralpress.com.au W: www.farmfest.com.au 20-22 Primax Primary Industry Exhibition Bruxner Highway, Casino, NSW Ph: 07 5531 4600 E: info@primex.net.au W: www.primex.net.au 12-15 New Zealand National Agric Field Days Mystery Creek Events Centre, 125 Mystery Creek Road, Hamilton, North Island, New Zealand Ph: +64 7 843 4499 W: www.fieldays.co.nz

JULY 4 BCG Grains Research Expo Birchip P12 School, Campbell St. Birchip Ph: 03 5492 2787 E: info@bcq.org.au W: bcq.org.au 9-11 Ag-Grow Charters Towers Field Days Charters Towers, Qld Ph: 07 4982 4244 E: admin@aggrow.com.au W: www.charterstowersfielddays.com.au 13-14 Mudgee Small Farm Field Days Mudgee, NSW Ph: 02 6372 3899 W: www.arec.com.au

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– F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

15-17 Winetech Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Drive, Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW W: www.winetechexpo.com.au 19-21 Australian Wool and Sheep Show Contact: Andrew Ternouth Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Holmes Road, Bendigo, Vic Ph: 03 5439 5094 E: secretary@sheepshow.com W: www.sheepshow.com 19-21 Farm Fantastic Outdoor Expo Contact: Lance Biatchford 530 Punicestone Rd, Caboolture, Qld Ph: 0418 153 394 E: admin@goexpo.com.au W: www.goexpo.com.au

JULY/August 31-1 Mallee Machinery Field Days Contact: Andrew McLean 2 km south of Speed on the Sunraysia Hwy, VIC Ph: 03 5084 1320 E: mmfd@bigpond.com W: www.mmfd.com.au

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

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 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 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

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

2013 FIELD DAYS CALENDAR

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 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 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

– F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

28-5 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

19-20 Murrumbateman Field Days Contact: Kim Williams Murrumbateman, NSW Ph: 02 6227 5895 E: admin@mfdays.com W: www.mfdays.com

October

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

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

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 24-26 Australian National Field Days 563 Borenore Road, Borenore, NSW Ph: 02 6362 1588 E: info@anfd.com.au W: www.anfd.com.au

Up-to-date comprehensive Field Days Events Calendar now available at www.afdj.com.au.

DON’T MISS THIS EVENT!

Co m

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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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

Prospectus NOW available

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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Planning is well underway for the next three-day Yorke Peninsula Field Days event to be held from September 24 – 26, 2013.

The committee of the Yorke Peninsula Field Days is confident that this event will meet expectations as one of the major field days in Australia and the largest in South Australia.

The event has been twice honoured by Advantage SA; as winner of the 2012 Community Group Award for Yorke & Mid North Region, and also as the State’s 2012 Overall Winner in this category.

This achievement reflects the commitment of the nine local branches of the Agricultural Bureau of SA whose members form the governing body, and the Yorke Peninsula Field Days’ personnel who all provide guidance and volunteer time and energy to ensure the success and prestige of both the organization and the event.

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The support received from many volunteers, both individuals and from local community organizations, provides a multitude of valuable services during the event, and contributes to ensuring the success of the field days.

The high interest from new and existing agricultural exhibitors continues to provide an excellent indication of the value and benefit placed on exhibiting at this prestigious field days event.

All exhibitors are provided with excellent opportunities for face-to-face communication with target audiences as well as marketing potential and generation of future business.

With over 750 exhibitors on site and attracting an attendance of up 35,000

At the presentation the 2012 Community Group Overall Winner Award to Yorke Peninsula Field Days were: (L – R) Garry Pamment, Elaine Bussenschutt OAM (Administrator) Rob Kerin (Chairman of Regional Development South Australia) Paul Browning (President) Rosalie Pearce (Committee).

visitors the Yorke Peninsula Field Days, at Paskeville, South Australia, is an event not to be missed!

Applications for site space will only be accepted on the exhibitor site application form contained within the 2013 Prospectus.

Prospective exhibitors who wish to receive the prospectus are invited to contact the YP Field Days’ administrator Elaine Bussenschutt OAM as soon as possible.

For more information visit www.ypfielddays.com.au.

East Gippsland Field Days The East Gippsland Field Days event was started in 1987 by members of the Lindenow Lions Club and for the first two years the new East Gippsland Field Days took place on the Mitchell River flats at Lindenow and then transferred to Walpa on the western side of Lindenow. It started with just 83 exhibitors.

Here it ran for a further five years and grew to having 120 exhibitor sites. Severe floods in 1990 forced the cancellation of the event with all sites under water, and when the lease ran out on the site an alternative location was sought.

In 1993 the Bairnsdale aerodrome was selected as a suitable site to run the 48

event and the Field Days moved to its current home on land leased from the East Gippsland Shire.

The aerodrome is located only seven kilometres from the regional city of Bairnsdale and has been developed into a dedicated event site.

Over the years, the East Gippsland Field Days Committee has invested many thousands of dollars back into the site to improve exhibitor facilities and infrastructure such as roads and drainage, power, water, hard surfaced areas and undercover sites.

In 2011, the event’s 25th year, some 8000 visitors came through the gate.

With more than 300 dedicated exhibitor sites the East Gippsland Field Days

has grown to be one of the most iconic events within the East Gippsland Shire.

This year the event will be held from April 27-28.

For more information visit www.egfielddays.com.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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

Farm World on in March Farm World in 2013 will be held from March 21-24 at Lardner Park in Gippsland.

This will be its 51st year, and the event is one of the biggest field days in Australia attracting visitors from throughout Victoria, southeast of South Australia and Tasmania.

It has grown to be one of Victoria’s largest regional agricultural events with more than 650 exhibitors and 50,000 people through the gates over the four days.

The theme for 2013 is Agricultural Sustainability with a focus on how farmers can use resources more efficiently and responsibly - with the aim of improving farm profitability and achieving positive environmental outcomes.

Following the success of the inaugural ‘Ladies Day - Women in Agriculture’ last year, the first day of Farm World (Thursday 21st March) will recognise and celebrate the important role women play in agriculture.

A special “Women In Agriculture’ luncheon will be held from 12pm to 1.30pm in the Lardner Park Exhibition Centre. The program includes lunch followed by an interesting program of speakers telling their own unique stories.

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For more information visit www.lardnerpark.com.au.

Heritage Ag Show in Queensland The 2013 Heritage Bank Ag Show will be held on September 3-5 at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.

It is one of the most popular field days in Queensland due to its vast array of machinery and agricultural equipment displays.

More than 650 exhibitors representing more than 2000 companies attended the event in 2012.

The event is now in its 21st year and has a reputatiion for high quality exhibits and for attracting the farming and grazing communities from an area of around six hours from Toowoomba.

Following the retirement of Peter Erwin after 20 years, the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland will take over the mangement of the Ag Show for 2013. The RASQ has promoted the advancement of agricultural exchellence and education.

The 2013 Heritage Bank Ag show will invite a number of strategic government agribusiness and educational partners to become actively involved.

Current 2012 site fees will be held for the next two years making it an affordable show to attend.

Sponsorships are available that include the naming rights to the Australasian Farms & Dealers Journal Best New Machinery Release for the year, recognition as a strategic business partner including acknowledgements on the AgShow website, the official program and show prospectus, daily broadcast information, invitations to special events, passes and signage.

For more information visit www.agshow.com.au.

FRIDAY APRIL 19 & SATURDAY APRIL 20, 2013 BAIRNSDALE VICTORIA For a prospectus please visit www.egfielddays.com or telephone (03) 5153 1398

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

Deni expo for innovation The Deni Innovation Expo, which was formerly the Farm Innovation and Technology Expo, is on again.

It will be held over two days from May 3-4, 2013 at the Murray Valley Industry Park (MVIP), Todd’s Road, Deniliquin.

Partnered by Deniliquin Council, Conargo Shire Council, Regional Development Australia Murray, Murray Now Limited and Murray Catchment Management Authority, the Expo will be the place to see innovative agricultural products, services and technologies for farming and rural living in the future.

The 2013 Deni Innovation Expo will highlight the following themes: • solar and alternate energy technologies • precision technologies and farming demonstrations • inventions and Sustainable gardens • irrigation efficiency, carbon farming and biodiversity • livestock equipment and management • education and career opportunities in agriculture.

There will be high calibre exhibitors showcasing the best of agricultural, irrigation and energy products and solutions and more.

Farm machinery and irrigation companies with the latest technologies will demonstrate on site for the farmer who likes see the products in action.

There will be the inventor’s competition and for the first time the expo will feature sustainable gardening for the home gardener with workshops and exhibitions giving participants the knowledge to ensure their garden is water efficient and right for the local soils and climate.

Now farmers can read Australasia’s leading farm dealers and products magazine

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

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Expert guest speakers will convey their knowledge on specific subjects, highlighting the issues and solutions that attendees need to know.

The Expo will host the networking jazz night sponsored by Deniliquin RSL Club. To be held in the Waring Gardens, the evening is an opportunity for sponsors, exhibitors and the local community to come together and celebrate future opportunities in Deniliquin and enjoy locally produced food and wines.

For further information call 03 5881 3010 or visit www. deniinnovationexpo.org.au.

South East Field Days for South Australia The South East Field Days are an annual two-day event held at Yakka Park, Lucindale, South Australia, in the third week of March.

More than 600 exhibitors regularly display their products, demonstrate their services, or showcase a new item or invention at the event.

The event caters for all sorts of exhibitors, from multinational companies, right down to the cottage industry, where ordinary people display their products and enjoy the company of like exhibitors.

It is this great diversity of exhibitors that helps to make the event so successful. The South East Field Days have been running for 34 years and attract between 22,000 and 25,000 people each year.

The South East Field Days is a project of the Lucindale Lions Club, which has donated well over a million dollars to various groups and charities during the lifetime of the the field days, as all profits are either donated or ploughed back into Yakka Park.

The club members have purchased parcels of land to develop and improve the site, progressively building up Yakka Park to where it is today.

Underground services, power and water have been added over the years to ensure that the 45-hectare site is continually improved and maintained to the benefit of both exhibitors and patrons.

For more information visit www.southeastfielddays.com.au.

INCREASED BUSINESS

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ Visit www.afdj.com.au today to view your copy online JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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

Agfest Tasmania run by spirit of youth The first Agfest was held in May 1983 at Symmons Plains, Tasmania and attracted a total of 111 exhibitors and 9000 patrons and was a 2-day event.

Agfest became a 3-day event in 1984 and the field days grew in popularity so by 1986 it had outgrown the site. The organisers purchased just under 200 acres at Carrick. The first Agfest there was in 1987 with 203 exhibitors and 23,000 patrons.

This year it will be held from May 2-4.

The Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania runs the event and it not only provides obvious benefits for the agricultural community, but it also provides a unique opportunity for personal growth and leadership training for those involved.

The Agfest Field Days is gaining more strength and

momentum each year and is now recognised as being one of the top three field days in Australia.

The event won the “Major Events & Festivals” category of the Tasmanian Tourism Awards in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002 and 2003 and Best Region category for Agfest 2000 and 2001.

A volunteer committee of 30 young Rural Youth members and ex-members with an average age of 24 years runs the event and the sole motivation for these young people is the desire to make a significant contribution to agriculture by staging the best possible event. It is an exhausting commitment, but one which provides immense satisfaction and a sense of pride.

Visit www.agfest.com.au.

75th anniversary for SIMA SIMA-SIMAGENA is planning to make its 75th event even more international in 2013.

The SIMA, Paris International Agri-Business Show, will be taking place from February 24-28 in 2013 at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in France.

International exhibitor registrations are up by an additional 12%, with more than 41 countries already represented.

Buoyed by positive market conditions, foreign visitor numbers are also on the rise, with people from more than 120 countries expected at the show.

The 2013 event will provide an opportunity for everyone to exchange ideas and make valuable contacts in international markets.

Activities for visitors and exhibitors include an International Forum, technical talks and practical workshops, open shows, the UBIFRANCE forum, and Climmar Meetings.

Aware of the benefits offered by SIMA-SIMAGENA, numerous exhibitors have already signaled their intention to 52

showcase their agricultural equipment at the show.

Many companies will be attending SIMA-SIMAGENA for the first time in 2013 include Soucy (Canada), Irtec (Italy) and Agromaster (Finland).

Also among the newcomers are Portuguese manufacturer Herculano Alfaias Agricolas that produces a wide range of agricultural equipment, including agricultural and forestry trailers, water and slurry tankers, manure spreaders, front loaders, and disc harrows, many of which will be showcased at the event.

Visitors from Australia and New Zealand will be able to take advantage of the personalised welcome service and guided tours of the show thanks to the International Business Club (1st floor – hall 5a).

And to make life easier for everyone, especially international exhibitors and visitors – the entire www.en.simaonline.com website is available in French and English.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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

EverGraze at Euroa The Euroa demonstration site field day demonstrates the value of productive perennials for whole farm grazing strategies.

Over 80 people attended to hear a combination of specialists provide

information on the production, persistence and payback of the five perennial pasture species on site.

The site was established to provide local farmers with the information they need to apply the EverGraze principle - ‘put the Right Plant, in the Right Place, for the Right Purpose, with the Right Management.’

“We found the biggest area of interest was the dramatic increase in clover percentage

this year, with an increase from 6% in late winter 2011 to 22% in late winter 2012,” said Alison Desmond DPI Victoria.

“There was consistently high performance of the tall fescue over the course of the demonstration site, especially in the number of grazing days and kilograms of beef/ha it was able to produce.

For more information at www.evergraze. com.au.

Riverina Field Days in May

Tocal Field Days in Paterson

Riverina Field Days evolved from a field day previously held at Yanco from 1988 to 2006. The event is on this year from May 10-11 at the Griffith Showgrounds.

There is a great deal of infrastructure in place at the Griffith Showgrounds such as permanent toilet facilities, sealed roads in many areas as well as seating and trees for shade.

There is a permanent bar as well as three buildings to provide exhibitors with undercover areas saving them marquee hire.

The Tocal Field Days are held every year in Paterson, New South Wales on the first weekend in May for people on the land looking for the latest innovations and just a great day out.

Whether you enjoy piglet races, great food and wine, fencing demonstrations or the a parade you can be sure the event will not disappoint.

Tocal Field Days is a non profit incorporated association with three staff members and an enthusiastic band of volunteers who work throughout the year to ensure that the event runs smoothly for both exhibitors and visitors.

For more information visit www.riverinafielddays.com.au.

For more information visit www.tocalfielddays.com.au.

Genuine Grizzly discs proven performers Swan Hill based disc machinery manufacturer Grizzly Engineering is continuing to build its presence in the spare th parts disc and coulter market in Australia; and the farmers that have purchased the FDN (Forges De Niaux) discs could not be May 2013 happier.

Quercus Rural Youth Come to AGFEST andPark, seeCARRICK : The FDN disc is a French made disc with many features over • Equine expo • Rural youth feature tent the competition, including better wearing characteristics, • Dairy pavilion • Fashion parade and ag artwork better resistance to solid obstacles such as rock and timber and • Beef expo • Schools kit • Sheep dog trials • Central arena displays better penetration due to a hot rolled bevel.

• Unique tastes pavilion • Craft pavilions Come to AGFEST and see: There are many stages that a disc or coulter goes through • Agricultural demonstrations • Heritage displays Central Displays . . .

• Equine Expo drive track • Four-wheel 600 exhibitors ••Plus overArena before being ready to go in the ground and FDN has perfected • Craft Pavilion • Dairy Pavilion the art over its 70 year history.

Come to AGFEST and see : • Heritage Displays • Sheep Dog Trials It all starts with using the best boron steel. Discs are then • Equine expo • Rural youth feature • Quercus Makerstent Market – Unique Tastes Pavilion processed to the particular diameter and pattern and finished • Dairy•pavilion • FashionTasmanian parade and ag artwork Arts and Crafts – • Agricultural Demonstrations with the most precise quenching process.

• Beef expo • SchoolsNEW kit to 2013 Four-Wheel • Sheep• dog trials Drive Track • Central arena displays Because Grizzly imports FDN direct from the factory the • KAAP – Kids Agricultural • Unique tastes pavilion • Craft pavilions Awareness Program – NEW to 2013 • Rural Youth Feature Tent company has built a great relationship with FDN and it • Agricultural demonstrations • Heritage • Plusdisplays over 600 exhibitors • Ag Artwear Display means you can have a high quality product at a better than • Four-wheel drive track • Plus over 600 exhibitors . . . competitive price.

Grizzly is an expert in discs, so don’t take a chance on getting 1300 AGFEST (243 378) high quality discs.

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by the Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N 5,6,7 MARCH 2013

Wimmera Fields Days The Wimmera Machinery Field Days will be held in the first week of March at Longerenong outside Horsham and promises to be one of the biggest field days since 1963.

The regional harvest this season is bringing renewed optimism from exhibitors with a very large number of new enquiries for sites and many other key agricultural companies seeking larger sites to display more products.

More than 700 exhibitors including close to 80 new companies from around Australia will be at the event with close to 1000 sites booked. This number of exhibitors means the event will fill the 16-hectare display site to capacity.

The Country Lifestyle Square is experiencing a popularity not seen for a number of years.

The Country Gourmet Pavilion has some interesting new exhibitors joining in as well as TV celebrity chef Janelle Bloom from Ready Steady Cook fame, who will be holding highly entertaining cooking shows each day in the adjoining auditorium.

Plenty of hard work over the last 12 months will mean that the entire site is transformed for week turning it into a satellite city and one of the busiest places in the western Victoria. More than 300 volunteers from sporting and community groups all over the region will assist.

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Wimmera Field Days’ committee is proud to host what it considers Australia’s biggest and best display of agricultural machinery and equipment.

Opening day is Tuesday March 5 and you may need to set aside a few days to enjoy the region's biggest event for 2013, the 51st annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days – it’s got everything.

Disca*Mate The Disca*Mate Seeding System is one of the best cost effective methods of disc seeding available in Australia. If you have stony ground, heavy trash, melon etc, or wish to tickle in a few oats in pasture for feed, the Disca*Mate is for you.

Australian designed, developed and manufactured, it will fit most wide line cultivators with two bolt holed tynes and 57mm or 44.5 centers.

Designed by Tony Mitchell, the developer of the Acre*Mate tillage points, farmers and dealers can be assured of a rugged quality product backed up by the friendly efficient service from Mitchtip Agriculture.

One of the most important matters to consider today is to keep costs down, keep inputs to the essentials and maximize returns through every step of the way.

Dedicated wide line disc seeders can cost up to $6500 per disc module. This equates to $350,000.00 for a 50 disc machine. Disca*Mates can be fitted for a fraction of the cost.

Important points to remember: • most farmers already own a wide line tyned machine which is used for all operations, irrespective of stone, rock and trash. The Disca*Mate has been designed for the very purpose of enabling the farmer to convert the existing wide line bar into an efficient disc seeder.

• by fitting your existing wide line cultivator with Disca*Mates you can have the best of both worlds.

• according to Disca*Mate apart from handling stone and trash you can expect to nearly halve your fuel bill. If the conditions are not conducive to discs you can remove the Disca*Mates and refit points to the tynes.

• the purchasing of Disca*Mate Systems can also be financed through Credit Line, a finance provider.

Contact your dealer or Mitchtip Agriculture to find out more.

Contact Mitchtip Agriculture on 0407 321 480, or mitchtip@ iprimus.com.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N 5,6,7 MARCH 2013

What are the Wimmera Machinery Field Days?

This very special event has been held each year since 1963 and is in the first week of March at Longerenong near Horsham in western Victoria. It is one of Australia’s largest agricultural and agribusiness trade and industry shows.

As the first major field day on the rural Australian calendar as well as Victoria’s oldest it is also Australia’s largest broadacre agricultural machinery focussed event.

A volunteer committee consisting of farmers and regional agribusiness representatives combine to manage the not-forprofit event each year.

The event acts as a barometer for social, economic and agricultural prosperity and growth in the entire greater Wimmera region.

The Wimmera Machinery Field Days is a modern showcase of the latest developments in machinery equipment technology and services and the committee has maintained a long-term charter to foster innovation and development in primary production and agribusiness.

The Wimmera Field Days is nationally recognised as Victoria and southern Australia’s premier broadacre and agricultural machinery event. It attracts tens of thousands of patrons as well as exhibitors from across the country and overseas. It generates millions of dollars in trade across a broad cross section of agricultural industry and rural business.

Eastern States Distributor for:

Wimmera Field Days provides organisations and the public the chance to make strong and vital connections as it is a proven successful method of direct marketing.

Being part of the event will ensure that the largest number of potential buyers reviews products and services in the shortest possible time. It’s direct and personal and it connects industry with customers and clients. It is face-to-face business that works.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N 5,6,7 MARCH 2013

How it all began

Supporting the entire Region

Members of the Wimmera-based Agricultural Society launched the Wimmera Machinery Field Days in 1963.

The initial concept was for farmers to have an opportunity to see a variety of machinery and agricultural equipment at one central Wimmera location including comparative demonstrations.

The Wimmera Machinery Field Days celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012 and has expanded to offer an event that is not only relevant and important to agriculture but an event that also provides attractions and special features for families, nonfarmers and the overall regional population.

With more than 1000 sites occupied by over 700 exhibitors each year and an annual attendance of up to 25,000 people over three days it is renowned as one of Australia’s biggest and best rural events.

The Wimmera Field Days provides significant economic benefits to the greater Wimmera, where agriculture is the dominant industry injecting millions of dollars directly into the region’s economy each year.

Economic benefits continue well beyond the three-day event in sales enquiries and business.

The Wimmera Field Days places Horsham and the surrounding region on the national and international stage.

More than $200 million in machinery, equipment and materials find a home at the event. Conservative estimates suggest the three days generate well over $50 million in direct trade.

Wimmera Field Days provides a special forum for people to gather and discuss farm-technology developments, create networks, socialise, rekindle friendships and business relationships and to stay in touch with industry advances.

Country Lifestyle at the Wimmera Field Days

The Wimmera Machinery Field Days has a long and proud history of being able to offer an alternative for visitors who may be looking for more than the latest machine or agricultural innovation at our event.

Wimmera Field Days President’s Message

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Hello and welcome to the 2013 Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Held in the first week of March the timing of our field days are ideal for planning, researching and purchasing for all farming businesses and also gives agribusiness professionals a great venue to promote their products and to prepare and plan for the next 12 months.

Our event in 2012 attracted exhibitors and patrons from every state and territory of Australia, as well as international visitors and many media organisations, all keen to see first-hand the latest and greatest in agricultural technology and new innovations.

The truly great thing about our purpose-built field day venue is that there is a site for everyone. Whether you are selling the largest of tractors or promoting a backyard business in a shed, or if you want to be under a tree - with the assistance of our manager and staff, a site to suit your business can be easily arranged.

There are many industry specific locations if you want a site among your competitors, or you may opt for a site that’s in a unique location to highlight your business attributes.

The Wimmera Machinery Field Days is unique in its diversity of exhibitors and the products they promote. No longer is the event just for farmers but instead the whole family can attend and be entertained by the variety of products available to suit the unique lifestyles of each and every family.

It is certainly a rural atmosphere, which means it’s a great place to catch up with long term clients and to also to create opportunities with new customers.

On behalf of the committee and staff, I welcome you to join us in March 2013, to enjoy three days of social interaction and business productivity and being a part of this major farming industry event.

Andrew Bell President

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

50 Years Pavilion

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The evolving nature of Australian regional culture will be on show at Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

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In 1963 a partnership was formed with the regional Country Women’s Association (CWA) who offered ‘something for the farmers wives’ which then led to development of the Field Days Ladies Committee.

In 1978 it resulted in the construction of one of Australia’s first purpose built and at the time one of Australia’s largest ‘Ladies Pavilions’ at a field day.

This committee transformed into the General Interest Committee that saw Wimmera Field Days launch its long running Farm Sculpture competition as well as Australia’s first Farm Art design competition.

The modern era has seen the transformation of this area into the Country Lifestyle Precinct that it is today. We can offer a genuine opportunity for all visitors to embrace our event that really has ‘something for everyone’.

The increasingly popular Country Gourmet Pavilion was launched in 2009 and it also makes the auditorium home to our celebrity chefs as well as the very popular fashion parades each year.

The Country Lifestyle area has its own marketing campaign targeting women, families, the non-farmer, retirees, and people from our regional towns not directly involved in agriculture. It generates its own media coverage both pre and post Field Days across regional Victoria.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

Head Office | 11/493 South Street, Toowoomba, QLD 4350

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rural society with major lifestyle and regional showcase exhibitions.

Field Days manager Murray Wilson said farming remained the key focus but a push into rural culture was a natural progression in understanding and acknowledging the different types of people who made up country life.

“Farming machinery and agribusiness remain our key focus each year but rural society has diverse interests,” said Wilson.

“We’re always looking at ways of keeping the event fresh and alive and of course recognising the change and diversity of rural lifestyle in the region.”

The hub of the event is in the popular Country Lifestyle Square.

“Along with our colourful outdoor sites and al-fresco café we have a massive clear span marquee that is fully airconditioned with close to 50 sites offering everyone a unique shopping experience and a chance to grab some great bargains,” said Wilson.

There is always plenty of colour and life as there is art, craft, jewellery, health products, furniture, home wares, clothing, kitchenware as well as lively and highly entertaining demonstrations.

“There will be the popular lunchtime fashion shows each day and plenty of free entertainment for the entire family,” he said.

Times and dates Wimmera Machinery Field Days is on March 5-7, 2013 Open from 8.30am to 5.00pm daily Adults $18, 12-18 years $5, Under 12s free, No discounts FREE Courier Service for purchased goods Want to buy something big but can't carry it out? Use the free courier service. Your item will be picked up and taken to the depot for you to collect later on when you are ready to head home. Ask the exhibitor where you are purchasing your item to arrange it for you with the appropriate forms.

Scooter Hire Scooters will be available for hire at Gate 2 and can be hired hourly, half day or full day to enable easy access around the site.

FREE Site Explorer Bus Want get around the whole Field Days site in air-conditioned comfort instead of walking?

Hop onto the free Site Explorer Bus which travels around the entire Field Days site making numerous stops along the way where you can simply hop on or hop off anytime.

Runs throughout the day from 9am-4pm.

Field Days Management Office Head to the Field Days Management Office in the centre of the site and chat to the friendly staff and Field Days committee who can assist with almost everything.

This year will see the event’s Country Gourmet Pavilion play host to the celebrity chef Janelle Bloom and many exciting gourmet delights from food to

Banking & EFTPOS. Withdraw & deposit Westpac Bank is again providing banking services along with EFTPOS for money withdrawal. They are located at the south end of the Field Days office. Opening hours are 9.30am-4.30pm.

First Aid St Johns will have qualified First Aid trained staff and a fully equipped bus located near the management office each day.

Parents and Babies A well equipped family and kids marquee is situated in Field Days Square behind the office offering a place to go for little ones to get changed, have a play and there are private feeding areas available.

Toilets Plenty of toilet blocks are located around the site. See the site map in the centre of this program for locations. Disabled access toilets and/or toilets suited to prams are located in the Alan Heard Pavilion, the male and female toilet blocks in the Country Lifestyle Square and the toilet block near the Field Days Kiosk on H Row. Food & Drink There are plenty of options to keep you refreshed and satisfied from ice cold drinks to hot gourmet coffee, bbq’s and german sausages, fresh sandwiches, ice creams, hot takeaway food, baked potatoes, corn on the cob and more.

boutique beer and wine available in the pavilion “There is simply so much to see and so much to do,” Wilson said. cont. next page.>

See Australia’s number one wood splitters at Wimmera 2013 Family owned country Victorian company Whitlands Engineering is the name you need to know when it comes to wood splitters and firewood processing equipment.

Led by head designer and CEO David Burder, the team produces some of Australia’s leading brands – Superaxe, Aussie Chopper and Rex. Burder was awarded ‘Farm Inventor of the Year’ in 2003. Since 1995 his company has grown to employ 16 people – showing that rural businesses can prosper in difficult economic conditions.

Australian designed and Australian built, the philosophy is simple: ergonomic design, built to last, productive and 58

efficient. Burder said that his company is an industry leader for a very good reason – it builds the best machines for the best price.

Both the Superaxe and Aussie Chopper will be demonstrated at Wimmera this year.

The Superaxe range – featuring the unique pivoting blade – has been the market leader for over 15 years. The Superaxe is available in three sizes (300/400 & 450) and has been proven to split the toughest Australian hard wood year after year.

The Aussie Chopper features a vertical action sliding blade, with the range featuring smaller options perfect for domestic use.

Both the Aussie Chopper and Superaxe machines feature a vertical splitting action where the blocked firewood is placed on a bench height worktable for splitting.

In addition to the heavy-duty construction, a back saving log lifter and innovative safety features – all of which is backed by a 2-year warranty.

The Aussie Chopper and Superaxe will be demonstrated at Wimmera field days.

Come down and say g’day to the team and see Australia’s number one wood splitters in action.

Or for more information, call 1800 702 701 or see the website www.superaxe.com.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N 5,6,7 MARCH 2013

“This is an event for everyone and if you have never been or it's been a few years now is the time to get involved and have a day out,” he said.

“It’s the perfect outing for families, there are plenty of free activities for kids, we offer some of the best shopping around and it’s a great chance to catch up with friends for a coffee, a gourmet lunch and soak up the atmosphere of the regions biggest annual event.”

The Wimmera Field Days Committee of Management Executive committee President: Andrew Bell Senior vice president: David Jochinke Junior vice president: Peter Moore Chief steward: Paul Petering Site steward: Luke Milgate

Email: info@wimmerafielddays. com.au Web: www.wimmerafielddays. com.au

Management Manager: Murray Wilson Office manager: Annie Mintern Events assistant: Amanda Hernon Phone: 03 5384 7210 Fax: 03 5384 7276

Management office Wimmera: Events Centre 37 Field Days Road Longerenong via Horsham 3401

Postal address: PO Box 272, Horsham Vic, 3402

WE’RE SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR FIREWOOD

Australia’s Toughest Hydraulic Wood Splitter

Setting new Standards in Safety, Designing & Performance.

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www.superaxe.com.au / 1800 702 701 60

Transforming the site

Drawing exhibitors from across the country the site at the Wimmera Events Centre is transformed for a two week period into the largest mass gathering of agricultural machinery, farming equipment and regional business in southern Australia.

With over $300 million dollars of brand new agricultural machinery on site, the Wimmera Machinery Field Days becomes the economic hot spot in the Wimmera.

Estimates of up to $50 million in trade are predicted to be conducted over three days, and several million dollars injected directly into the regional economy as a result.

Along with this there are hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of large marquees and exhibition equipment and the Wimmera site boasts nearly 1.5 acres of modern purpose-built undercover air conditioned pavilions.

“During Field Days week our site is fast becoming known as the second largest ‘city; in the region,” said Wimmera Machinery Field Day’s manager Murray Wilson.

“It is fantastic to have such a massive event in this part of Victoria, the benefits are outstanding and it is now one of Australia’s major agricultural Field Days.”

Lucas Mill goes EFI The largest two of the Lucas Mill Swing Blades have been upgraded from a Kohler carburettor engine to a Kohler Command Pro V-Twin closed loop electronic fuel injection (EFI) engine.

Benefits of this new engine are: • more consistence power • easy and reliable start in all weather conditions • up to 25% saving on fuel consumption • computerised system to easily identify an issue with the engine • reduced maintenance costs • automatically adjusts for altitude.

For over 18 years, Lucas Mill has been producing high quality, affordable, portable sawmills.

Manufactured in Australia, these machines have become well recognised in over 100 countries around the world, and to date in excess of 13,000 machines have been sold worldwide.

The products are known for their versatility, light operating weight and excellent portability.

For a free information pack including a DVD, brochure with pricing and a field day listing write to 265 Wardens Lane, Wooragee, Victoria, 3747.

For more information visit www.lucasmill.com or call (03) 5728 7283.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

Farmers have their say

By Keith Smiley

With another horrific battle with nature behind us, record temperatures and nerves to the brink, autumn poses relief. From the sandy shores of South Australia to the verdant climes of Eastern Victoria and central ‘Wales, farmers plod on and tell us why.

Home stays success Brian Anderson, Lower Sylvia Vale, Binda, NSW When Brian Anderson speaks of home stays he means he stays home all year round and makes a holiday of it. He loves a shot at humour and draws the gullible into believing everything he says.

Brian is an expert with sheep, and 7000 bleating ewes, wethers and lambs attest to his ability to farm well on 2100 acres at the halfway point near Crookwell between Goulburn and Cowra, a district noted for its hot dry summers and cool winters. The area has plenty of snakes and other reptiles, while the land has been developed to produce excellent pasture, cultivated and nurtured by Brian.

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“We sow pasture using a helicopter which works well for us.

The surrounding hills are undulating – but mostly steep, and if there is a flat piece, I haven’t found it yet,” Brian says wryly.

“This is God’s country, granite country.”

Brian prefers sheep because of its market value and because the area is too cold for cattle, which he says, “you spend half your year feeding them and all spring cutting the crop.”

They buy in their hay, lupins, triticale or barley, and their wethers are sold through the live sheep trade. While Brian is unhappy about the cruelty shown to animals at disembarkation, Brian remonstrates that there is also cruelty

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

to animals in Australia and even more to people, which many disregard.

“They worry about animal cruelty but they leave an old guy lying in the gutter and they’d walk past him. And they still put out rat bait to slowly poison rats.”

At age 57, Brian Anderson has no plans to stop what he is doing but has in the back of his mind that someday one or all of his four children might want to continue the enterprise.

Eldest son Ben, an environmental scientist, is ‘digging holes in Queensland’ but has gained an insight into more inhospitable countryside with a stint in Mongolia sorting out mining issues in the Gobi desert. Jessica is a town planner in Dubbo while sibling Stephanie turns her hand at writing as a journalist, with Emily having ‘environmental prospects’ after she graduates at university.

“You educate them and they’re gone but they don’t desert us either,” says Brian, who is a great believer in education. He has confined most of his learning with an ear to the ground, through experience and making his own mistakes by ‘trial and error’ – the best teacher according to this first generation Binda grazier.

“You can go to uni but the school of hard knocks is the best teacher.”

In the middle of the drought they lost 2000 ewes ‘off the shears’ with a quick, unexpected very cold snap. Now Brian has learnt to wrap his charge in Thermoskin. It is a spray-on based lanolin product that puts a film over the freshly-shorn sheep’s skin, thereby providing a consistent body temperature in the first three or four weeks after shearing. He also believes it is better to buy the best product because you end up paying for it in labour.

They continually breed sheepdog pups for ‘working purposes’ so the place is yapping - to the delight of everyone, in season.

Although there is little to do in Binda with a pub and two churches, a mere 25kms away, Brian captains the local fire brigade, often being called out to road accidents – which sadly, brings him face to face with an injured neighbour.

“I don’t mind helping others, somebody’s got to do it,” Brian imparts.

As hobbies and interests go, Brian’s only relaxation is to tend his wife’s garden, moving and moving again, the same trees, as the garden grows in depth and width. Describing himself, albeit tongue in cheek, he says he is old and worn out, unstressed, taking it as it comes and always seeing the funny side.”

“My wife is beautiful and I wouldn’t garden with her otherwise. I play Santa Claus at her school where she has taught for 30 years, travelling the 20kms of dirt to Crookwell each day.”

The Andersons have renovated the house many times and now sport a glass wall to see across their piece of heaven, while sitting in a hipbath. Even after three decades of living there, Brian says the recognition still goes to the original owner – so you are never a local until you die.

As a ‘do-as-I’m-a-tolda’, Brian has generated a good income for his family and treated the land with respect and the animals with care, and there is still plenty of life left in this early morning riser.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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Bridles valley Ken and Margaret Bridle, Genoa, Victoria A generous rainfall even in bad times, and positioned between two major forests, Bridle’s valley is a rich retreat.

Similar to the start of the movie ‘Gladiator’, in the deep dark forest, Ken Bridle will strongly defend his 200 head of Poll Hereford cattle against the ferocious wild dogs that inhabit the beyond. They come down from the hills, attacking and killing his cattle, so a single shot may be all it takes.

The Genoa River runs through the centre of this Eastern Gippsland region, close to the NSW border on the Princes Highway. The town is an important access point to the Croajingolong National Park, close to the Bridle property.

Describing himself as a conservationist, he and other farmers alike keep their small valley a tight-knit community, with Ken wearing a few hats - the East Gippsland Fire Task Force, the town committee and organiser of the hall.

“As farmers we try to work with the environment without raping and pillaging. If we don’t look after the land, it won’t look after you,” he says with conviction.

Ken is a fourth generation owner of this land and would be happy if his son Robert or daughter Melanie continued that attachment.

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The original Williams cropped maize and fattened pigs but the farm has since turned to beef and breeding programs.

While not cropping, they produce feed of silage and hay, the latter of which is preferred during the winter months, and for storage reasons.

“I carve through winter so I prefer the hay and alternate with spring silage for the milk,” says Ken. The valley is not threatened by disease and weeds.

“It is probably the best thing I did by introducing rotational grazing, and no more open paddocks” As a relative youngster, Ken went off-farm to pursue a job with Transfield, driving loaders and other machinery, but wanting to raise a family in the country. He went back to what he loved the best – farm life. Although admitting ‘costs knock you about’, Ken is a firm believer in treating the land with respect and with a relatively taut land mass for 200 cattle, Ken has been rotating his paddocks to maximise their feed.

“What you put in is what you get out of it. It is probably the best thing I did by introducing rotational grazing. No more open paddocks,” he said. “We use a series of paddocks for eight to 16 weeks of regrowth.”

Over three properties and 320 acres, they are fortunate to run much of it on the river flats but the process is still intense with this cattle ratio. If they had larger blocks, Ken would continue to rotate.

“We also introduced dung beetles to break down the manure, reducing fly bacteria,” said Ken.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

Sibling team a winner Carolyn Mudge, Wirrulla, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

R to L: Ken, Margaret, Robert and Melanie Bridle.

Reducing pink-eye in his cattle by this method shows foresight and good farming acumen.

Getting out on the motorbike provides Ken with a release. In bygone days this competition-winner competed in motocross, a physically demanding sport held in all-weather conditions.

Indulging in another off-road race, the Williams daredevil turned his hand at enduro motorcycling, consisting of many different obstacles and challenges. He and a few locals still ride the range with son Robert, a keen exponent of the sport.

As long as he enjoys farming, he’ll keep doing it because he is ‘tied to the lifestyle’.

“I appreciate what we’ve got. Have no regrets,” he said.

Although Margaret came from the city, she quickly adapted to the life and wouldn’t have it any other way, says Ken, who is obviously content with his lot in life.

Although sparse and distant, living in Wirrulla is about a good and sociable group of families. Siblings Carolyn and Darren Mudge innovate and maintain what is profitable sticking with bread and butter activities.

Wirrulla, on the Eyre Peninsula is a wheat belt town servicing the surrounding cereal, cattle and sheep farmers. Located 360 km from Port Augusta and 674 km from Adelaide, the tiny hamlet is populated by about 60 people. Aboriginal for ‘fast’, the town has grown up around the railhead and is still driven by its grain handling facilities.

The two-person team grows wheat grain varieties of mace, gladius and lincoln. Seasonally, they plant barley, canola and oats on a well-mechanised stretch of land 60 kilometres from Streaky Bay on the Ceduna side of Wirrulla. It’s a hot climate with a reasonable winter but the property is mains watered.

Carolyn grew up on her parent’s farm with two sisters and her brother, professing a great passion for the country air. She studied at Roseworthy Campus of the University of Adelaide, a renowned centre for excellence in dry-land agriculture, natural resource management and animal production, the latter of which is Carolyn’s speciality. She makes frequent visits to Adelaide catching up with family too.

“We’re quite a resilient bunch over here ...”

Three droughts in a row stretched their limits but the last two years have been good enough for the Mudges to invest in new headers, a seeding bar and larger sprayer, while the leaks are being dealt with and new pipes laid.

“We’re improving the piping, fixing the leaks and doing a lot of sensing work. We don’t crop and the cattle are on the rest of it (property),” said Carolyn.

“Dad was very proactive and involved in ag research projects such as the Minnipa Research Centre which was funded by the Grains Research Corporation.” This enabled the Mudges to have a clearer focus on soil enrichment, wheat varieties, diseases, fodder, cereal and other broadacre issues.

The grain they produce supports four hundred Poll Hereford cattle, used mainly for stud purposes.

Carolyn applies fluid fertilisers for distribution in their grain rather than using granular treatments. The Mudges also use no-till to the ground because ‘it suits them’, although other local farmers have ‘gone back to the old days’ arguing a case for better disease control and averting problem grasses.

Carolyn believes they have these under control.

Responsibilities are shared but Darren concentrates on the seeding and tractor work while Carolyn looks after the cattle and some of the crop spraying — so, while Darren harvests, Carolyn is in the truck. Fortunately for everyone, the pair gets on very well and they get over any tiffs quickly.

“We complement each other and have our specialised areas.”

Carolyn loves to travel and spent a year backpacking across the world and still manages a trip when she can. The future looks bright in this neck of the woods: Darren has a new girlfriend, and Carolyn has plans of her own.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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Grey imports are not worth the risk Australian equipment purchasers may find themselves stuck with unusable equipment, risking their livelihoods and reputations, and with no legal recourse, due to so-called ‘grey market’ imports, according to the Construction and Mining Equipment Industry Group (CMEIG).

CMEIG has advised that equipment purchased other than from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) could be a ‘grey import’ machine, making it unlikely to be able to be used in Australia because it will not comply with Australian standards.

JCB Construction Equipment Australia (JCB CEA) national telehandler manager Greg Sealey said telehandlers are particularly popular with grey market importers and the issue is a serious one that affects around 100 JCB customers every year.

“JCB telehandlers are popular amongst grey importers because we have a reputation for quality. Around 100 people buy these grey market telehandlers each year, thinking they’ve purchased a genuine JCB product with all the benefits that entails, and the truth is, they haven’t,” Sealey said.

“These grey importers bring in telehandlers from overseas and sell them as ‘new’, ‘unused’ or ‘low-hour’ machines, which might be true. But what they’re not telling their customers is that the cheap telehandler they’re buying will never be able to be used legally in this country.

“This means owners of grey market machines may be refused entry to job sites, their insurance may be invalid and they will be personally liable for any incidents or accidents.

“When you consider the risk this poses to your livelihood and professional reputation, it’s hard to understand why anyone would choose to purchase grey market equipment. Sure you might save on the initial purchase price, but it will cost you a lot more in the long run.”

Greg said the reason these machines can’t legally be used in Australia is because they have been brought in from overseas markets where the specifications and standards are different.

“Australia has some of the most stringent safety standards in the world,” he said.

“Features like ROPS, hose burst protection, and state-ofthe-art engine and hydraulic systems are pretty standard on telehandlers manufactured for the Australian market. In other countries, machines simply don’t have these features, putting the machine operator at risk.”

The importers usually tell customers to see the OEM to obtain a certificate of compliance. This instruction often gives peace of mind that the machine will eventually be able to be used 66

legally. However, Sealey said this is not the case.

“We can’t make the machines compliant and we therefore can’t issue a certificate of compliance. This leaves the customer with a machine they can’t use,” he said.

Another problem encountered by people who have purchased grey market machines is a lack of readily available parts, which can cause significant problems if the machine breaks down and when it needs to be serviced.

“Often the machines either use outdated technology or parts that were never available in Australia. The owners come to JCB dealerships looking for parts and repairs but we literally cannot help them, which can be distressing for everyone involved,” he said.

Another key issue for customers is their legal standing if the telehandler is involved in an accident.

“Put simply, the owner of the machine bears full responsibility.

There is no legal recourse for you if you have one of these machines in operation. The importer bears no legal responsibility and insurance companies may not cover you.

You may be fully liable both legally and financially if there is an accident. That’s an awfully big risk to take,” Sealey said.

His advice to anyone looking to purchase a telehandler is to look closely at the compliance plate.

“Every machine has a compliance plate. Make sure it says the machine complies with AS1418-19. If it doesn’t, walk away before you spend your money on a machine that is likely to cause you significant problems.”

“Possibly the most important feature of the JCB Loadall telehandler range, particularly where grey market customers are concerned, is the low total cost of ownership. These machines are reliable, productive and efficient. Their long service intervals and high residual value make them a smart investment. And when customers purchase from an accredited JCB dealership, they get fast access to genuine parts and servicing to maximise their uptime – something you don’t get with a grey market machine.

“Buying a grey market machine may save you a few thousand dollars in the initial purchase transaction, but the overall value of the machine – not to mention the possible negative effects on your business and reputation – simply doesn’t match up when you consider the benefits of purchasing a legitimate JCB telehandler from an authorised dealer,” Sealey said.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

What’s new in Fire Fighting Fire Chief is fire ready This is one of the worst fire seasons in decades and it’s not over so property owners should still be fully prepared and one way is to purchase good quality fire fighting equipment.

“It is a decision that could save your life, your animals and your livelihood,” said Aussie Pumps product manager Brad Farrugia.

“We have heard horror stories about third world pumps, sometimes masquerading under popularly advertised brands, which simply won’t prime in an emergency,” he said.

Aussie Pumps is known for its range Quik Prime pumps that prime first time, every time.

The Aussie Fire Chief is a simple, robust, high performance engine drive self-priming pump. It is available in either single or twin impeller versions.

The pumps can produce 450 litres per minute maximum flow and offer delivery head in the standard version of up to 75 metres which is 100psi.

“There is no wonder why the country’s fire fighting authorities are using the Aussie Chief,” said Farrugia.

Fire Chief can be powered with either petrol or diesel drive engines.

The standard petrol drive is a 5.5HP Honda engine with low oil protection. The pumps are also available with both Yanmar and Kubota diesels.

The heart of the pump is a seven inch, one-piece, closed style impeller, superbly balanced for maximum performance. The impeller is matched to a heavy-duty volute that produces outstanding hydraulic characteristics.

The pump primes through a record vertical suction lift of 7.6 metres. Many Chinese copy products will only lift three metres,” said Farrugia.

“The ability to draught water from creeks, streams or wells is imperative for fire fighting. If the pump won’t prime in an emergency it’s useless.”

Fire Chief also features a two inch suction flange as standard equipment, which can be removed for easy servicing of the check valve.

Other features include steel skids with anti vibration mounts that provide a secure base for the pump to operate from, and a conveniently located carry handle for ease of movement.

It uses more material and by virtue of its size, big belly body, and huge impeller, it allows more water through the pump, providing excellent flow/pressure characteristics.

It comes with a five-year pump end warranty.

L to R: Aurelie Knight, Banjo Lorenz, Felix Knight and Oscar Lorenz with an Aussie Fire Chief.

Further information on is available on the Australian Pump website www.aussiepumps.com.au and from Aussie Pump distributors throughout Australia.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

67

Protection is paramount Australian summers are notorious for producing bushfires that wipe out bushland, farmland, farm animals and buildings, at their worst they take a toll of human life.

Making sure a property is adequately prepared is critical all year round, this includes the equipment used to prevent fire outbreaks and protect property.

While it is imperative that the tools used to prepare the physical surroundings of the property are reliable and of the best quality it is just as important to ensure the household has a water pump to offer protection in the worst case scenario.

While often overlooked, the water pump is a critical piece of equipment especially if there is an electrical failure during a bushfire.

It is important to ensure any property has a fully functional water pump ready to go and part of the bushfire action plan.

Parklands has its Tanaka TCP-25B water pump, which is lightweight and provides power and efficient use.

It can pump up to 110 litres of water per minute and operates via a two-stroke engine which features a stress relieved, chrome plated cylinder, a metal impeller for engine longevity and performance.

The unit weighs around five kilograms and has a carry handle for easy transportation and maneuverability.

Here are some top tips for minimizing risk and preparing property against bushfires and ember attacks.

First, the condition of your roof and remove leaves, twigs and

Clearways stop fires With much of Australia facing the difficult bushfire conditions, land and vegetation clearing is a must to create much-needed firebreaks.

While back burning is the preferred method, it’s not always possible, making Digga Australia’s Mulcher an ideal alternative.

The Digga Mulcher is a hydraulically driven attachment suitable for use with high flow skid steer loaders and excavators up to 20 tonnes. It can clear tall weeds, heavy brush and hardwood trees up to 20 cm in diameter.

“Back burning is only undertaken by the Rural Fire Service or the Fire Brigade and requires a special permit. It also takes considerable advance planning, particularly around residential areas,” said Lionel Smitka, Digga Australia’s marketing manager.

“For local councils looking to minimise the risk of bush fires for residents well ahead of any planned back burning or in hazardous areas, the Mulcher is ideal. In fact, it’s suitable for anyone needing to clear land quickly, from builders to landscapers.”

With its ability to mulch the debris back into the soil for faster decomposition, the Digga Mulcher is also widely used for park and forestry trail maintenance works.

“The process of mulching debris is achieved in two passes,” Smitka said. “The first, forward driven pass cuts and breaks down the material into small chips via four rows of teeth, with each row of teeth positioned at a 90 degree angle to the next row. The teeth are designed to cut across the entire length of the rotor resulting in less drag and reduced horsepower consumption.

“The second reverse pass picks up the cut material and breaks it down to the optimum size, throwing it back into the ground for faster decomposition. With adjustable skid plates, the amount of hammer to ground impact during mulching operations can be reduced as required.

“By lowering the skid shoes to reduce the hammer to ground impact, the life of the double sided tungsten cutting hammers 68

is increased.”

To prevent the skid steer or excavator overheating in heavy operations, the Mulcher features an integrated hydraulic oil system.

“The Mulcher is actually tuned to the host machine on delivery to optimise the drum rotation at 2000 rpm. This increases production by preventing the downtime associated with overheating,” he said.

“We’ve also positioned an on-board pressure gauge in clear site of the operator, enabling them to keep an eye on things to avoid too much pressure being placed on the host machine.”

The Digga Mulcher is designed for long life, with a push type adaptor sleeve protecting the rotor shaft from coming loose in the event of a heavy shock or unintended axial load.

“The Mulcher’s improved shaft and bearing design prevents bearing and rotor drift while keeping the lubricant in and the dirt out of the bearings – a common cause of bearing failure on other designs,” Smitka said.

With three models in the Digga Mulcher range, operators are able to choose the most suitable option for their equipment.

There is a model exclusively for use on skid steer loaders, one for excavators and one which is suitable for both,.

The skid steer loader model is designed to attach via the toolbar/quick attach mechanism, while the excavator model comes with a mounting kit for easy installation.

For more information visit www.digga.com.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

Villiers diesel water pump debris from gutters and downpipes. Ensure that your water pump is fully operations and its hoses are long enough with the ability to reach all the important parts of your property.

You should always cut back overhanging trees and clear off dry shrubs and bush removing deadwood and cuttings completely.

Any wood should be stockpiled well away from the house and other major structures and any grass should be maintained at a low level with mulch well away from buildings.

Non-combustible fences should be used around the perimeter of the house and property if that is possible.

For more information about Parklands products call 1800 671 471 or visit www.parklands.net.

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The Villiers F400DE/ PPHP200B diesel water pump unit is very versatile.

It can be used to move large quantities of water, run sprinkler systems, drive travelling irrigators and as a fire pump mounted on a truck or trailer with a poly tank.

Popular with contractors installing Bushfire Protection Systems, the pump can easily provide water to a number of sprinklers to protect homes and sheds.

On large homes, factories and sheds the pump sets and sprinklers can be installed in multiple units and with multiple tanks to suit specific needs.

The pump is a diesel unit fitted with both electric and recoil start, mounted in a compact frame fitted with a long-range fuel tank.

Contractors installing these sprinkler systems can also supply kits that have remote or automatic start and stop which is controlled by a temperature sensor.

For further information www.villiersaustralia.com.au.

a name you can trust

Petrol Fire Pumps Twin & single impeller

4 Stroke Pump Lightweight, One inch

7KVA Diesel silent pack generator

Diesel Fire Pumps

WHIRLYBIRD

DIY WATER CURTAINS “It’s Curtains for Bushfires” ü EASY TO INSTALL ü FREE TECHNICAL ADVICE ü COVER MORE THAN 100M2 OF WALL AND ROOF AREA FOR LESS THAN $1500

Diesel Pumps 10KVA Petrol twin cylinder in Low pressure high volume full roll frame (4 wheels incl.)

Recoil and electric start heavy duty generators avail in 4KVA & 7KVA petrol

Petrol engine pressure cleaners

Diesel Pumps High pressure high volume

For your nearest dealer contact

NSW: Stan 0403 115 352 www.villiersaustralia.com.au

NOT JUST A SPRINKLER SYSTEM “IT’S A CLOUDBURST ON DEMAND !”

PH 0457 802 202 diybushfiresprinklers.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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What’s new in Tillage and Cropping Investment for growth Kelly Engineering in South Australia’s mid north is showing a confidence that many in the business community are not feeling.

An $800,000 development to improve the working conditions, business capacity and productivity is already paying dividends.

Kelly Engineering produce the popular Kelly Diamond Harrow or Disc Chain as it is referred to. The machine is an efficient integrated weed management and seedbed preparation tool.

Commencing in April this year, construction of a new office building and staff facilities including a paved outdoor and BBQ area, paint shed extension and assembly canopy is nearing completion. The final stage, concrete hard stand throughout the complex will be completed in January.

Managing director Shane Kelly says that quality is the companies major focus and the new facilities will promote and encourage staff to adhere to the company philosophy.

“Having a clean and efficient work environment makes everyone feel a part of the quality journey and provides an incentive to do a good job.

“Market demand is a driver for

continuous improvement in all areas including our capacity” Kelly said.

“The extensions will allow us to increase our production by around 50% to help meet our increasing Australian demand and our expanding export business.”

2012 has seen new business for the Booleroo Centre company expand into Central America.

“It has been an interesting discovery for me to realise that many of the developing agricultural nations are likely to leapfrog the established producers. Developing cropping regions, like the niche areas in Costa Rica, are not constrained by generations of evolving practices. They are roaming the globe for best practice ideas and implementing them to great effect. It won’t take generations to catch up to us at all,” Kelly said.

“This has also been a great year for us in Canada and the US despite the severe drought. Canadian farmers are seeing great benefit in the fast and efficient seedbed preparation, especially given their extremely tight window for crop production. US public support for the farming industry does have it’s upside. The crop insurance programme

provides confidence and cash-flow.

Businesses like machinery dealerships are not pricing for risk as their repayments are assured. Predictions for machinery sales in the US are stronger than for the 12 months preceding the drought.

The importance of integrated weed management cannot be overstated, herbicide resistance is well and truly established in Australia. The disc chain offers an ideal solution in a reduced tillage regime. Weed management and moisture management are the specialist areas for the Kelly Diamond Harrow.

For any further information regarding this article contact Shane Kelly 08 8667 2253 or Shane@kellyengineering.com.au.

Cropping sector in good shape Australia’s cropping sector is in positive shape despite dry seasonal conditions, the Australian Crop Report has found.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, welcomed the report that was released by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES).

“Total winter crop production is forecast

by ABARES to be around 14% higher than the average achieved over the

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five years to 2010–11,” said Minister Ludwig.

The Australian Crop Report also forecast a strong summer crop, with production to remain largely unchanged from last season at around 5.5 million tonnes.

Minister Ludwig said the area planted to summer crops is estimated to be just below 1.6 million hectares, with the area planted to grain sorghum forecast to increase by around 16% to 762,000 hectares.

“Favourable grains prices and falling cotton prices have made grain sorghum a more attractive option to producers than dryland cotton,” Minister Ludwig said.

“The area planted to rice is also forecast to rise, reflecting plentiful supplies of irrigation water in southern New South Wales.”

The Australian Crop Report is available at www.daff.gov.au/abares/publications.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

PRODUCT CELEBRATION DAYS st E C I AL SP

Friday, March 1 , 2013

N O I T A T I V IN

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REFRESH-

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Come Join us for a special celebration and witness the release of the next generation of Poettinger products and discover what makes the Pottinger difference Murray Valley Hwy

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Rotary tiller from Grillo More and more small property owners, hobby growers and cultivators of unique specialty crops are finding that a walkbehind style of two-wheel tractor as a rotary cultivator or tiller is the right equipment choice for breaking up or forming a soil bed, incorporating organic matter, or simply converting unproductive plots of land into a productive unit.

Grillo’s new G45 rotary tiller is one of the most popular aids to small area soil cultivation. It is powered by a Kohler 5.5 horsepower overhead valve air cooled four stroke petrol engine with a recoil start.

The engine provides the forward motion at a comfortable walking pace and drives the tyne cultivators of the unit via an oil filled gearbox transmission, which is more reliable than a belt or pulley drive.

With a working width of 50 cm the Grillo G45 has one forward and one reverse speed but most importantly the tiller works counter to the forward motion of the machine.

This is important as with the tynes turning in direct opposition to the driving wheels the machine hugs the ground and breaks up the soil profile aggressively.

This drive feature is especially important in working in heavily compacted or tightly structured soil, or areas where there is a strong growth of vegetable matter including old lawned or grassed areas.

The counter rotating tynes also increase the stability and ease of operation, as the machine will dig itself into the soil profile rather than bounce along the surface.

Other operator features include the adjustable height handlebars, a front balance weight for even weight distribution, while the machine also uses fully pneumatic tyres and wheels for excellent traction.

All the controls are mounted on the handlebars and the all-up weight of the machine is approximately 82 kilograms.

The depth of cultivation, which is important in breaking up soil pans or increasing water or moisture penetration, is adjustable at either 13 or 26 cm in depth.

The recommended retail price is $2190 plus GST ex-Brisbane with Australia-wide delivery and dealer support readily available.

For more information contact Grillo’s Australian distributors Agrigarden on 1800 182 383 or visit www.agrigarden.com.au.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2013

TMA reviews 2012 and forecasts 2013 New law review section – who’s liable?

Protection is paramount Australian summers are notorious for producing bushfires that wipe out bushland, farmland, farm animals and buildings, at their worst they take a toll of human life.

Making sure a property is adequately prepared is critical all year round, this includes the equipment used to prevent fire outbreaks and protect property.

While it is imperative that the tools used to prepare the physical surroundings of the property are reliable and of the best quality it is just as important to ensure the household has a water pump to offer protection in the worst case scenario.

While often overlooked, the water pump is a critical piece of equipment especially if there is an electrical failure during a bushfire.

Villiers diesel water pump It is important to ensure any property has a fully functional water pump ready to go and part of the bushfire action plan.

Parklands has its Tanaka TCP-25B water pump, which is lightweight and provides power and efficient use.

It can pump up to 110 litres of water per minute and operates via a two-stroke engine which features a stress relieved, chrome plated cylinder, a metal impeller for engine longevity and performance.

The unit weighs around five kilograms and has a carry handle for easy transportation and maneuverability.

Here are some top tips for minimizing risk and preparing property against bushfires and ember attacks.

First, the condition of your roof and remove leaves, twigs and

debris from gutters and downpipes. Ensure that your water pump is fully operations and its hoses are long enough with the ability to reach all the important parts of your property.

You should always cut back overhanging trees and clear off dry shrubs and bush removing deadwood and cuttings completely.

Any wood should be stockpiled well away from the house and other major structures and any grass should be maintained at a low level with mulch well away from buildings.

Non-combustible fences should be used around the perimeter of the house and property if that is possible.

For more information about Parklands products call 1800 671 471 or visit www.parklands.net.

Clearways stop fires With much of Australia facing the difficult bushfire conditions, land and vegetation clearing is a must to create much-needed firebreaks.

While back burning is the preferred method, it’s not always possible, making Digga Australia’s Mulcher an ideal alternative.

The Digga Mulcher is a hydraulically driven attachment suitable for use with high flow skid steer loaders and excavators up to 20 tonnes. It can clear tall weeds, heavy brush and hardwood trees up to 20 cm in diameter.

“Back burning is only undertaken by the Rural Fire Service or the Fire Brigade and requires a special permit. It also takes considerable advance planning, particularly around residential areas,” said Lionel Smitka, Digga Australia’s marketing manager.

“For local councils looking to minimise the risk of bush fires for residents well ahead of any planned back burning or in hazardous areas, the Mulcher is ideal. In fact, it’s suitable for anyone needing to clear land quickly, from builders to landscapers.”

With its ability to mulch the debris back into the soil for faster decomposition, the Digga Mulcher is also widely used for park and forestry trail maintenance works.

“The process of mulching debris is achieved in two passes,” Smitka said. “The first, forward driven pass cuts and breaks down the material into small chips via four rows of teeth, with each row of teeth positioned at a 90 degree angle to the next row. The teeth are designed to cut across the entire length of the rotor resulting in less drag and reduced horsepower consumption.

“The second reverse pass picks up the cut material and breaks it down to the optimum size, throwing it back into the ground for faster decomposition. With adjustable skid plates, the amount of hammer to ground impact during mulching operations can be reduced as required.

“By lowering the skid shoes to reduce the hammer to ground impact, the life of the double sided tungsten cutting hammers

5,6,7 MARCH 2013

You are invited to

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FDVT Villiers:Layout 1

30/8/12

10:27 AM

Page 1

The Villiers F400DE/ PPHP200B diesel water pump unit is very versatile.

It can be used to move large quantities of water, run sprinkler systems, drive travelling irrigators and as a fire pump mounted on a truck or trailer with a poly tank.

Popular with contractors installing Bushfire Protection Systems, the pump can easily provide water to a number of sprinklers to protect homes and sheds.

On large homes, factories and sheds the pump sets and sprinklers can be installed in multiple units and with multiple tanks to suit specific needs.

The pump is a diesel unit fitted with both electric and recoil start, mounted in a compact frame fitted with a long-range fuel tank.

Contractors installing these sprinkler systems can also supply kits that have remote or automatic start and stop which is controlled by a temperature sensor.

For further information www.villiersaustralia.com.au.

is increased.”

To prevent the skid steer or excavator overheating in heavy operations, the Mulcher features an integrated hydraulic oil system.

“The Mulcher is actually tuned to the host machine on delivery to optimise the drum rotation at 2000 rpm. This increases production by preventing the downtime associated with overheating,” he said.

“We’ve also positioned an on-board pressure gauge in clear site of the operator, enabling them to keep an eye on things to avoid too much pressure being placed on the host machine.”

The Digga Mulcher is designed for long life, with a push type adaptor sleeve protecting the rotor shaft from coming loose in the event of a heavy shock or unintended axial load.

“The Mulcher’s improved shaft and bearing design prevents bearing and rotor drift while keeping the lubricant in and the dirt out of the bearings – a common cause of bearing failure on other designs,” Smitka said.

With three models in the Digga Mulcher range, operators are able to choose the most suitable option for their equipment.

There is a model exclusively for use on skid steer loaders, one for excavators and one which is suitable for both,.

The skid steer loader model is designed to attach via the toolbar/quick attach mechanism, while the excavator model comes with a mounting kit for easy installation.

For more information visit www.digga.com.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

a name you can trust

Petrol Fire Pumps Twin & single impeller

4 Stroke Pump Lightweight, One inch

7KVA Diesel silent pack generator

Diesel Fire Pumps

WHIRLYBIRD

DIY WATER CURTAINS “It’s Curtains for Bushfires” ü EASY TO INSTALL ü FREE TECHNICAL ADVICE ü COVER MORE THAN 100M2 OF WALL AND ROOF AREA FOR LESS THAN $1500

Diesel Pumps 10KVA Petrol twin cylinder in Low pressure high volume full roll frame (4 wheels incl.)

Recoil and electric start heavy duty generators avail in 4KVA & 7KVA petrol

Petrol engine pressure cleaners

Diesel Pumps High pressure high volume

For your nearest dealer contact

NSW: Stan 0403 115 352 www.villiersaustralia.com.au

NOT JUST A SPRINKLER SYSTEM “IT’S A CLOUDBURST ON DEMAND !”

PH 0457 802 202 diybushfiresprinklers.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

69

Australia’s premier farming machinery and country lifestyle event Longerenong via Horsham Victoria Australia www.wimmerafielddays.com.au

The same industry-leading news, views and ad’s you’re reading in this issue are now available on-line as well. While we know print is the most convenient form for reading in the cab, lunchroom or highlighting an important point for the next reader, we also know that many of our readers want to go straight to websites or send emails from the articles and ad’s they’re reading.

INDEPENDENT & AUSTRALIAN OWNED

72

Now available ONLINE

Visit www.afdj.com.au today to view your copy online AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

94

Unit 2, 204 Stickland Road East Bendigo Victoria 3550

Tillage and cropping demo day at Elmore A popular Demonstration Day devoted to tillage and cropping machinery will be held on the Elmore Events Centre on Wednesday, 13 March, commencing at 9.30 am.

The 2013 Demonstration Day will attract farmers, grain growers and cropping operators from rural districts of north central Victoria and the southern Riverina.

Elmore Field Days president David Trewick said the objective of the specialized equipment and technology event is to assist cropping and cultivation based farmers to evaluate their forward capital investment plans for tillage, sowing and spraying equipment for the following cropping season.

“The emphasis will be on working demonstrations in the field with each machine allocated adequate time for an

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explanation of its features and its role in a cropping enterprise, followed by a test run of the equipment,” he said.

“The day also has a focus on stubble management, spray rigs and accessories, fertilizer spreaders, tillage equipment, seeders and planters, seed and fertilizer handling and GPS and technology developments.

“This is an opportunity for cropping operators to see the evolution of equipment and watch a number of new releases demonstrated,” Trewick said.

Participating exhibitors will also be available to give working demonstrations of their equipment to interested farmers on request.

At the conclusion each machine will also be on show in the static display area for inspection and further discussions.

Static display sites will also be

showing complementary products and components including guidance and monitoring systems, seeds, spray tips and holders, spray monitoring systems, soil openers, points and discs and point and disc hardening systems.

Entries are open to equipment manufacturers, industry suppliers and machinery dealers seeking to participate.

Applications for sites will close on Friday, 1 February and contact should be made with the Elmore Field Days office on 03 5432 6176 during business hours for a copy of the information pack which can also be downloaded from www.elmorefielddays.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

Equipment choice saves Toowoomba grower three weeks in busy planting season Grower Wayne Ziesemer has been able to significantly improve his operation since moving to the new Orthman 1tRIPr strip till system which is built to place fertiliser and prepare the seed bed in the one pass.

Ziesemer runs a 1500-hectare cropping operation spread across two properties at Bongeen, 55 km west of Toowoomba with his wife Leanne and parents, Peter and Daph Ziesemer.

His summer cropping operation includes a rotation of 500 hectares of sorghum with either 500 hectares of corn or cotton depending on seasonal conditions.

His decision to move to the Orthman 1tRIPr six months ago was based on the machine’s ability to combine strip till and nutrient placement at two depths in the one pass.

The Orthman 1tRIPr, distributed through Muddy River Agricultural, is built to perform in the heaviest of stubble, with its ability to cut the soil surface and subsurface residue, while ensuring consistent depth due to its parallel linkages.

By comparison, conventional till systems can lead to soil compaction due to the increased number of passes required to plough or till the soil prior to fertiliser application.

“We were impressed by the fact that the machine has been tried and tested in the United States with operators finding it can deliver up to 15 to 20% yield increases, which makes it an appealing choice for our operation” said Ziesemer.

Potential fuel savings were also appealing.

“Fewer passes translates to lower fuel costs which adds to our overall profitability,” said Ziesemer.

“Using the Orthman, we had a beautiful plant line to follow and we were exceptionally pleased with the consistency of the seed bed. A good seed bed means good yields so we’re looking forward to a promising season ahead.”

Ziesemer’s machine has been modified to ensure it can meet the varied fertiliser requirements for both his irrigated and non-irrigated land.

“We ordered the 18.28m model but had it modified so that it can fold to 9.14m when working on our irrigated property, which requires smaller equipment due to the heavier soil.

Being able to space the machine accordingly gives us a lot of flexibility and saved us having to buy two pieces of equipment,” he said.

Two one tonne Anhydrous fertiliser tanks are attached to either side of the tractor during fertilising operations along with a 6000 litre Simplicity air cart which is towed by a John Deere 8360RT. “We planted our corn crops in early January as we got the rains on time. We were pleased with the strike and emergence rate of our corn which we put down to the previous working of the Orthman 1 tRIPr,” said Ziesemer.

For more information on the Orthman 1tRIPr and Muddy River Agriculture’s range of equipment, go to www.muddyriver.com.au.

Brandt

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

There are 2 models to choose from:

7500 HP

5200 EX

Big capacity 200 ton/hr

PILE DRIVER ATTACHMENT Unique to the 5200 EX Model

Clean up grain off the ground while in the tractor seat

GERONIMO FARM EQUIPMENT Ring David or Ashley on 1800 242 432 or 0427 423 641

COWRA Pridham St (02) 6341 3369

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MOREE Frome St (02) 6752 8388

WALGETT Walgett Tyre & Machinery Fox Street (02) 6828 1500

W: www.geronimo.com.au E: sales@geronimo.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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Trashcutter and Speedtiller The K-LINE Trashcutter System has been extensively developed by K-Line Industries in conjunction with agronomists and farmers who want a better system for stubble management.

Farmers realize the proven benefits of traditional tillage methods and mulching stubble as opposed to removing or burning.

Increased microbial activity results in reduced fertilizer requirements, the increased carbon content of soil and retention of moisture are some of the advantages of mulching and retaining stubble.

K-Line’s Trashcutter is patented in Australia and internationally. The advanced design lays the stubble to one side and then slices the stubble and bruises with selfsharpening discs, into short lengths.

The angle of aggression and operating depth can be hydraulically adjusted to vary effectiveness for weed control and the mulching of the trash.

K-Line’s Speedtiller is being demonstrated Australia-wide and marketed as ‘The 3Es’ as it covers a range of applications that includes efficient seedbed preparation, effective weed control and excellent stubble incorporation.

With the growing problem of fleabane in many regions of Australia, now is the time to tee up a trial of the Speedtiller to

help combat the effects of the summer weed.

The Speedtiller, which is sometimes mistaken for an offset disc, is vastly superior and used for a lot more applications than the traditional offset disc.

It has been trialed in mature fleabane, wheat stubble, corn, cereals, melons and as put by one mixed broadacre farmer and vege grower, he is still counting the savings the machine has brought in time, fuel and other costs.

Before owning the Speedtiller the same farmer said he used to go over a paddock as many as three times with offsets and a rotary hoe.

With the Speedtiller he can do the job in one pass instead of three and travel at speeds of 12-15km/hr. In fact Speedtiller achieves the best results at higher speeds.

It’s not often farmers and producers get the opportunity to trial a machine like the Speedtiller before purchase so contact K-Line Industries on 1800 194 131 to organise a free trial.

Offset components from GWT Great Western Tillage is a market leader in the supply of high quality components for the popular IHC3-4 and IHC3-5 and Napier 690 offsets.

Its comprehensive range includes the spools, bearing blocks and other castings, bearings and rubbers, Boron steel mudscraper blades and gang bolts.

The castings are sourced through foundry affiliates in China and produced using lost wax and fine sand casting procedures ensuring that only superior products are made.

The gang bolts are manufactured by Great Western Manufacturing at its Toowoomba factory using high quality imported steel.

GWT products are available from local GWT dealers.

For for information call GWT sales offices at Toowoomba on 07 4636 9150 or Bendigo on 1800 087971.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

What’s new in Tyres New Year brings new release for BKT Tyres BKT Tyres has expanded its product range for the Australian market with the recent release of 12 new sizes.

BKT’s Agrimax Row Crop series now includes the 380/90 R50 BKT RT945 (151A8/B) TL and 320/90 R54 BKT RT945 (155A8/B) TL sizes. These high speed radial tyres are built with a tough nylon casing and rigid polyester belt.

The specially designed narrow tread with rounded shoulders help to protect valuable crops and soft soil from damage.

BKT’s Multimax 495/70 R24 MP513 (155G) TL suitable for JCB Fastrack applications has also been recently launched. The MP513 has a strong nylon casing with steel belts which allow it to carry heavy loads at high speed.

The durable and flexible carcass aids in providing excellent driving comfort for the operator whilst the tread pattern is designed for traction and good self

cleaning properties on soft soil.

BKT continues to live up to its reputation of ‘Growing Together’ with their customers by offering one of the largest ranges of tyres in the world, with over 2000 tyres from the smallest 5” Go Kart tyre to large radial earthmoving tyres.

To learn more about the full range of BKT tyres, visit BKT’s stand at the following scheduled Field Days for 2013: Farmworld and Elmore (VIC), Agfest (TAS), Agquip and Henty (NSW), Farmfest and Richmond (QLD) and Yorke Peninsula (SA).

BKT Field Day visitors will receive a cash discount voucher towards their next BKT tyre purchase (conditions apply).

For more information on BKT Tyres or to find your nearest BKT Dealer, call 1800 982 466.

Petlas doubles production of ag tyres

App for ag tyres

Petlas Tire Corporation, the company that produces the Petlas and Starmaxx brands of tyres has announced that it will make the investment needed to expand its agricultural radial tyre production capacity.

Growing demand from the US and European Union nations has led the company to increase production to 300,000 radial agricultural tyres per year, double its previous levels.

The decision to double the capacity of its Petlas Tire Industry and Trade Co factory in Turkey will also lead to significant increases in output. Overall the company expects to increase production quickly.

Petlas’ Turkey plant employs around 2300 people and production at that site began in 1975.

Investments will offer the company the option to also expand its range with larger and wider tyres also on the horizon.

Currently the largest tyre produced by the company has a width of 900 mm and a total diameter of two metres.

In the wide world of new apps, Armstrong Tyres has introduced an iPhone App that can calculate the correct tyre pressure and carrying capacity.

Using the app, you can find the correct tyre pressure quickly and easily with a touch of screen button.

Features include an up-to-date list of Continental and Mitas range of agricultural tyres, a search function to find a specific tyre size, offline access for low or no reception areas and the info lab allows you to call Armstrong Tyres.

For more information visit www.petlas.com.

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For more information call 1800 037 091 or find the app in the Apple App store under Armstrong Tyres.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

Soybean foundation for ag tyres Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (Bridgestone Americas) revealed a new concept tyre containing more than 10% soybean oil.

The farm tyre is marketed under the Firestone brand of agricultural tyres and contains approximately 41 kilograms of soy oil.

The typical application for the 800/70R38 Radial Deep Tread 23 inch tyres is on large four-wheel drive tractors where eight are used.

“The soybean oil has replaced all the different petroleumbased processing oils used in the tyre’s compounds,” said Tom Rodgers, director of sales and marketing at Bridgestone Americas.

“Engineers and compounders from our Americas Technology Center, and also the company’s Des Moines agricultural tyre plant, have been working on this concept tyre project for several months.

“Based on the progress of the project, we expect to begin incorporating soy oil into some of our agricultural tyres by early 2013. Our goal is to have soy oil as a component in all of our agriculture tyres by the end of 2013.

“Any opportunity to enhance the value of the commodities our customers produce is a win for the industry. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to be a customer of our customers, and we are confident that the innovation of using soy oil in our tyres is a positive for the global food market.”

Through soybean processing, one bushel of soybeans yields approximately five kilos of soy oil. The concept tyre used roughly eight bushels of soybeans to yield the 41 kilos of soy oil.

Tractor tyres need love too Tractor tyres are just as important for safety as they are for keeping your tractor out in the field and working rather than broken down in the shed or barn.

Without the proper care or maintenance, you’ll find yourself replacing your tractor tyres a lot more often.

Make sure you know the load on your tractor and be sure to adjust your tyre inflation appropriately.

This is especially important at the beginning of the season when your tractor may have been used less over the winter.

Having the proper inflation on your tractor tyres will ensure not only that you get the traction you need, but also the best

performance possible. You don’t use as much fuel when your tyres are inflated properly.

It’s also important to remember that the specific tractor tyres you have are not what make your tractor especially efficient. It’s all about the fine details associated with how much air pressure you have inside of your tyres.

If it’s just right, you’ll be able to be much more productive and get your work done much faster than you would imagine.

The correct tyre inflation will change from activity to activity, so find out from the experts exactly which tyre inflation you should be using for each activity.

With tractor tyres, unlike car tyres, the proper air pressure to use is not necessarily what’s printed on the sidewall of the tyre.

If you’re still experiencing difficulties with your tractor tyres not giving you the performance you need, you should consider ballasting your tractor to help solve minor problems that can make a big difference in the overall performance of your tractor.

Most manufacturers offer information on the best way to ballast their particular tractor, so it’s important to find out what works with the specific tractor you have.

Caring for tractor tyres is an exact science that can’t be learn overnight, so it helps to have an expert you can rely on to explain the finer points of how to get the best performance out of your tractor.

Source: Wealden Tyres.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

SMF-18

IMP-80

star quality maxx value Established in 1976, Starmaxx is based in Turkey supplying OEM’s globally and exporting to approximately 100 countries world wide.

The Starmaxx brand is built up upon experience, quality products, advances in technology and superior production. It’s these qualities that set our tyres apart and make Starmaxx the best choice for your agricultural application.

Call 1800 453 121 for your nearest authorised dealer

the best choice

TR-120

TR-20

TR110 TRACTOR RADIAL Features and Benefits

TR-110

LUG TO CASING REINFORCEMENT • Extends tyre life • Exceptional strength and performance

EXTRA SHOULDER THICKNESS

HIGH NATURAL RUBBER COMPOUND

• Long lasting tyre life

• Increased protection against foreign objects

• Great for row crop applications

MUD DEFLECTORS • Outstanding self cleaning ability

Tractor Radial & Cross Ply Multipurpose & Industrial

• Ultra high cut and chip resistance

SUPERIOR LUG DESIGN • Curved design for excellent traction and ride comfort

Front Tractor Rib Implement & Flotation Grader, Earthmover & Diamond

What’s new in Water and Irrigation Water use that will a-Maze you Maze has an extensive knowledge of irrigation from dealing with a diverse range of plants from all around the world, from huge agricultural fields and plantations to award winning gardens and sports fields.

The most important feature of this technology is the drippers themselves.

Drip irrigation has been around for almost a century, used predominantly

in advanced farming systems to irrigate all types of crops from fruit, vegetables, wheat, cotton and more.

Farmers have adapted this technology to allow them to control the water being used in the most efficient manner.

They can guarantee that each plant will receive an exact amount of water at a controlled rate.

This uniformity ensures that the crops are receiving the optimal amount of

KY General Engineering Manufacturers of

Serving the rural area for over 30 years!

David Blake Graeme Elliott

Directors 13 Crichton Rd Kyabram 3620 Ph: 03 5852 1589 Fax: 03 5852 3873 Mob: David 0407 745 329 Graeme 0417 327 103

water. Too much water can harm the plants as much as too little water.

Maze offers the option of pressure compensated (PC) drippers that release the same amount of water from each dripper.

This is instead of non-PC drippers that can have variations in the amount of water depending on length of the tube and slope.

With a PC dripper there are no worries with regards to various plants or crops missing out on enough water while others are being over watered.

Drip irrigation not only controls and ensures precise watering of plants, it is the most efficient way to use a precious and increasingly expensive resource.

Maze DRIP can use over 50% less water than some sprays.

This is achieved by avoiding water loss as a result of wind blowing it into other areas, a significant reduction in evaporation and run-off water by releasing the water slowly and not letting it accumulate, and it does not waste water on weeds in a large spray radius.

The Maze DRIP minimises the risk of plant fungal and insect problems by only wetting the soil around the plants roots, not the leaves and causes less erosion and soil compaction.

Finally, it can be used to apply liquid fertiliser.

The flexible piping is easily laid and suitable for most environments.

Maze DRIP is the perfect solution for a garden or large farm.

Maze has a Coil Kit available, which contains 25m of tubing with fixed drippers and more than 80 pressure compensated drippers. Alternatively you can buy all parts separately and tubes at various lengths.

For stockist details call Maze on 1300 449 107 or go to www.mazeproducts.com.au.

Email: kypumps@iinet.net.au

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

Reclaim water supplies Recently established water treatment and water products company Water Equipment Plus has increased its range of specialist solutions and product choices by signing an agreement with AqSep of Denmark.

It will act as exclusive distributor and supplier of their WaterCube and Watermaker reverse osmosis systems in Australia and New Zealand.

The units offer the ability to produce from 4800 litres of water per day for the WaterCube2 unit or in the range from 4000 to 17,000 litres per day for the larger Watermaker unit.

Announcing the new link Colin Nash, general manager of Water Equipment Plus said that AqSep was keen to link with the company because of its extensive market distribution channels and understanding of the Australasian market for water treatment products.

“The AqSep range of products is a premium product offering and as a business the Danish company has a

focus on research and development to produce superior, energy efficient water treatment products,” he said.

One of the key AqSep products is the WaterCube2 a compact and reliable reverse osmosis system for residential, small commercial and industrial applications, especially for the treatment of sea water or brackish water supplies.

The WaterCube2 unit is compact and smaller in size than a domestic washing machine. With such a small footprint shipping and installation costs are reduced.

The AqSep Watermaker has a capacity of up to 17,000 litres per day to meet larger water demands.

Each unit uses high quality components without the need for chemical additions or lubricants with a highly efficient pump and an optional energy recovery device that reduces the energy requirements to reduce the unit’s carbon footprint.

Installation is simple and operation is

fully automatic so little intervention is required once the installation is complete.

“We have already commenced building up stocks in the Water Equipment Plus warehouse in Melbourne and we will carry any spare parts needs to ensure a prompt supply and service backup,” said Nash.

For more information call 03 9336 6900 or visit www.waterequipmentplus.com.au.

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Dejan Dakovic (Case IH) checks out the Aussie Scud pressure cleaner for farm equipment wash down.

The Scud, a missile for wash downs Time poor farmers and contractors are always looking for effective, quality blasters to wash down their equipment fast.

The Aussie Pumps Scud AB40 engine drive pressure cleaner has proven itself within the farming community as it offers a cost effective, efficient cleaning solution with minimal environmental impact.

“It’s essential to clean down harvesters or farm plant thoroughly before you move it off site or service it and an Aussie Scud is the way to go,” said Aussie Pumps product manager Adam Scully.

“It delivers pressures of 4000 psi that blasts off crop debris, mud, dirt and even caked on dust in seconds,” he said.

Cheap hardware store style machines don’t offer the flow or the pressure required for large equipment wash down. The Aussie Scud dramatically cuts cleaning times for farmers, as well as providing genuine quality.

“Once farmers buy a pressure washer they find loads of other on-farm cleaning tasks,” said Scully. “They end up using it on trucks, cars, sheds and anything else they can find around the farm that needs to be clean, so it’s worth investing in a blaster that will perform well and save you time.”

The heart of the machine is a “Big Berty” Bertolini triplex piston pump backed by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Aussie Pumps has partnered with Honda and used its GX series industrial petrol engine, backed with a three-year 84

international Honda warranty and global dealer network.

The Scuds’ registered design was developed by Aussie Pump over a number of years of research and development. The design includes an easy hose reel mounting to accommodate extra length hoses for added user convenience and safety.

All Aussie machines are supplied with professional accessories including a 4000 psi gun, 10 metres of double wire braid hose, stainless steel double lance and integrated detergent injection.

The Scud features a perfectly balanced, hot dipped steel frame for extra protection of the pump. It also has big 10 inch off road style pneumatic tyres, which make the machine extremely easy to move around the farmyard.

“The Scud AB40 is packed with great value features,” said Scully. “It’s a truly versatile and reliable product for farm equipment wash down.”

Other accessories that boost performance, save time, fuel and water usage include horizontal and vertical rotary flat surface cleaners, sand blast kits and Aussie turbo lances that boast the blaster performance to 6485 psi.

Aussie Pumps has reduced prices of the Scud AB40 by 20%, offering an efficient cleaning solution with huge savings for farmers.

For more information visit www.aussiepumps.com.au or Aussie Pump distributors throughout Australia.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

Portable wash down stops weeds Strict legislation helps prevent the spread of noxious weeds throughout Australia but it means vehicles that visit a site where these weeds are present may require a full wash down to prevent the spread of seeds.

However, sometimes wash down facilities are few and far between and could involve long trips to wash down a vehicle.

Rapid Spray quickly got to work creating a specially designed wash down and reclaim trailer that would not only satisfy the stringent government legislation, but also improve daily productivity.

Equipped with two powerful pressure-cleaning units and a 1500 litre tank, the task is finished very quickly.

In remote areas, the ability to recycle water is a key feature of this wash down and reclaim trailer, which is fitted with a stainless steel dirty water separator that drains to a 50-litre sludge and oil tank.

Additional secure storage space on the trailer means a portable wash down containment bund, tarps and covers can easily be transported along with any other equipment needed in a sturdy storage cage.

The galvanized steel cage and four corner jack stands are there for leveling and stability make this wash down and reclaim trailer a practical and time saving piece of equipment. www.rapidspray.com.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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PRODUCTS

What’s new in Products - General Equipment Bunding tank from Silvan Australia Diesel fuel spills and the resulting difficult clean up is an infuriating experience in most situations.

Silvan Australia has added to its range of diesel tankage and transfer products with a release of a bunding tank for its 400 litre Diesel Pro transfer tank. It is a popular unit for farmers, contractors, resource companies, earth movers and civil engineering businesses as it fits comfortably on the tray of a utility, truck or similar service vehicle.

In accordance with the relevant standard (AS 1940-2004) the bunding tank has a 440 litre capacity or 110% of the unit it houses.

In the event that the 400 litre capacity tank is penetrated or subject to an overfill or accidental spillage the volume will be immediately captured and retained in the bund. The need for a clean-up or collection and repair of any damage is therefore avoided.

With dimensions of 1800 mm in length by 960mm in width and a height of 470 mm the bunding tank is manufactured from impact resistant UV stabilised polyethylene.

While specifically designed to suit the Selecta 400 litre capacity DieselPro transfer tank the bunding tank will also suit a number of original low profile Selecta diesel tanks.

Silvan Selecta spokesman Greg Everett said that the clean-up of a diesel spillage, not to mention the value of fuel which can

be lost or contaminated, is always a problem regardless of the strategies that are in place to prevent such an incident.

“By simply having a 400 litre Selecta DieselPro within a bunding tank means that most of the problems in dealing with a fuel spillage can be avoided.

“Our recommendation is that the bunding tank should be secured by the use of ratchet straps over the top of the unit and another strap to secure both the DieselPro and the bunding tank to a vehicle tray or similar surface” Everett said.

For more information visit www.silvan.com.au or call 1300 SILVAN on 1300 745 826 .

TRAX tools for farmer’s shed TRAX Kawasaki Australia, a family owned and operated import and wholesale company based in Melbourne, Victoria has a comprehensive range of good quality tools from Taiwan and Japan to suit Australian rural and farming industries.

The company, which has been established for 27 years, offers excellent service to the rural sector via its 500 plus stockists and outlets throughout the country.

All products are guaranteed and backed by a comprehensive spare parts backup as well as quick delivery and 99% stock holdings.

Products are diverse, from bearing removal tools, specialised Japanese lock nut shifters, stainless combination pliers, speciality pliers and hammers, and pneumatic tools.

A catalogue of products is available and can be obtained by sending a request to Airtex Pty Ltd, PO Box 2719 Seaford BC Seaford Vic 3198.

The catalogue includes the addresses of stockists and distributors. Refer to the company’s advertisement in this magazine for a sample of range of products.

For more information call 1800 686 657.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

PRODUCTS

Land levelling taken to a new level New developments with the LevelGuide software program used for land levelling and contour generation have added to its simplicity, enhancing its suitability for agricultural contractors.

LevelGuide is integrated within a wider AgGuide mapping and guidance program that offers auto-steer, implement guidance, variable rate control and spray control, including boom section switching.

FarmscanAG business manager John Chalmers said land levelling was intensifying and expanding. The changes are being driven by efficiency and productivity requirements and environmental regulations.

“There is an increasing need to use and manage water more effectively,’’ Chalmers said. “Users are looking to either control it or ensure they are maximising the value of every drop.’’

There is also increased responsibility for potentially contaminated run-off from agricultural lands.

Chalmers said the LevelGuide software program would soon incorporate crosslevelling control, allowing operators to tilt buckets during cut and fill.

Supplier Steve Hanlon of Landform Survey and Design, said further development with LevelGuide to create curved surfaces was a major boost.

“Particularly suitable for dryland

situations, the ability to make a curved surface will provide for better drainage,’’ said Hanlon, who is an agricultural engineer and has been involved with land levelling and irrigation and dam design since the 1990s.

“One of the big frontiers in precision agriculture is to get drainage right, not just on irrigated land, but also in dryland crops, and this will be a big step towards achieving that.’’

He said LevelGuide was suitable for all earthmoving contractors and operators had been impressed with the simplicity and easy-to-follow screen layout with the system compared with alternatives.

“LevelGuide was designed to have a similar look and feel to laser levelling technology. With laser bucket control, users would set a plane, decide the height for the bucket and go to work.

They could also use a survey to cut up a paddock into simple planes and then set

the bucket up and adjust the blade each time for each plane,” said Hanlon.

“In LevelGuide, the operator can collect one, two or three GPS points and the software calculates the bearing and the grade between the points. Operators can also manipulate the grade and the height like they do with a laser to allow for field conditions. If they want to build a drain it is simple to adjust.

“The LevelGuide program also easily utilises multi-section designs and users can automate the GPS to follow the multiple planes. They can go from plane to plane and it will automatically set the grade as they go. And they can autosteer and level at the same time.

“LevelGuide can utilise designs from various design software packages, but we find the Ezigrade software to be the most comprehensive.’’

When constructing dams, designs can be imported ready to go.

Full multi-plane cut-fill designs can be generated and imported, including onscreen colouring and cross-section views.

Freehand contour banks are also easy.

Hanlon said operators also could use their existing GPS units as long as they were satisfied with the vertical accuracy and reliability of their equipment.

For more information contact FarmscanAG, on 07 4634 9612.

Ride on the Murray The 2013 Parklands Murray ride on mower range takes performance to the next level with optimum high quality parts and Briggs and Stratton engines to ensure confidence in power and performance.

Features include an all steel construction, a heavy-duty twin beam power frame and a double powder coat finish, adding to the strength and durability of the machines.

This range is one of the most comprehensive on the market covering cutting decks from 30” (76.2cm) to 52” (132cm) and tailored to suit any job no matter how big or small. Models have either rear or side discharge, with bagging or mulching capabilities.

Attention to detail makes the Murray ride on mowers stand out with dual response steering, lumbar support seating, fender mount cut-height control, fingertip seat adjustment, and a quick stall safety switch.

For more information visit www.parklands.net or contact 1800 671 417 for your nearest dealer.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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PRODUCTS

Parklander expands mower range The Parklander walk-behind mower range has been expanded with the addition of four new models.

Parklander is now utilising the Honda four-stroke engine for the first time in its walk-behind mower range.

“The Parklander brand has always been associated with value-for-money and reliability, since we first introduced the brand to Australia over 30 years ago,” said Parklands managing director, Ron Zacka.

A Honda GXV160 series 160 cc engine with a tough 19” fabricated alloy deck powers the PMAS6040H. The engine is powerful with 4.1 kW (5.5 hp) and can tackle tough Australian conditions with ease.

The other Honda-powered unit is the PMAS6060H, the largest of the four new mowers. It has the GXV160 series 160 cc engine, this self-propelled unit boasts a larger 22” fabricated alloy deck. The

wider deck gives the user a greater cut to cover larger lawns faster and more easily.

The P3S6040C has an 18” steel deck and is powered by a 190cc Briggs and Stratton 625 series engine, this three-inone mower gives the user the option of mulching, catching or side discharging grass clippings. The unit is one of the two self-propelled models that have just joined the range.

The PMCA6040 boasts a 19” fabricated alloy deck and is powered by a 190cc Briggs and Stratton 625 series engine.

Like the other Briggs & Stratton powered unit, this mower also gives the user the option of mulching or catching grass clippings.

All the mowers feature ergonomic comfort-grip handles for more comfortable mowing, especially during prolonged periods.

Zone-start provides easy starting – with

the throttle cable high up on the handle.

High lift swing blades provide a safe, clean cut every time and eight position steel height adjusters give the user a great choice of mowing heights.

There are now 11 models in the range to choose from.

All the Parklander mowers come with a two-year homeowner warranty and are covered by Parklands’ nationwide dealer network.

For more information visit www.parklands. net or contact 1800 671 417 for your nearest dealer.

Tanaka power products range The latest Tanaka range by Parklands Power Products highlights the company’s innovative vision and focus on quality in terms of performance, power and durability.

Each product is specifically designed to be lightweight and well balanced, with a particular focus on reliability. This focus translates into less downtime, increasing productivity and ultimately, profitability.

At the forefront of Tanaka’s innovative products is the Tanaka SUM-500DX. The SUM-500DX is a unique backpackstyle brushcutter that uses a flexi/straight shaft design and incorporates a single or D-handle for manoeuvrability in tight spots and the ability to trim at any angle required.

The brushcutter also accepts brain, spool and cut-cord head systems.

The Tanaka TBL-4600EX is the ultimate backpack blower, allowing for maximum performance with minimum fuss. It is a heavy-duty unit with a comfortable frame, complete with trigger control and swivel/flexi-tube. The 2.3hp low emission two-stroke engine features a stress relieved, chrome plated cylinder, creating a longer engine life with higher air velocity and volume.

When it comes to chainsaw performance, the Tanaka TCS3401 has been specifically designed to suit professional tree-service operators. The innovative air filtration system removes more particles from the air intake system for increased performance and engine life. The excellent power-to-weight ratio provides outstanding cutting, reduced kickback and lowers the level of operator fatigue.

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The Tanaka THT-210SB is a hedge trimmer perfected for medium to large hedges and shrubs, ideal for contractors and serious home gardeners. Featuring the SmartStart starting recoil system, which reduces pulling force by 50%, as well as longer blades, the THT-210SB is a stand out hedge trimmer.

The trimmer includes the 180 degree Quick-Twist swivel handle, drastically improving manoeuvrability and comfort for the user.

The Tanaka range includes a number of other fantastic products with innovative design for all job types. All Tanaka products in Australia come with full spare parts back-up from Parklands Power Products as well as an exceptionally reassuring five-year domestic and one-year commercial warranty.

For more information visit www.parklands.net or call 1800 671 417 for your nearest dealer.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

PRODUCTS

Automated agriculture Australia’s potential to become the ‘food bowl’ of Asia has triggered a drive to develop robots for use in farming and agriculture and University of Sydney mechatronics experts are leading the way.

Professor of Robotics and Intelligent Systems Salah Sukkarieh at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies leads a team developing robotic devices with the ability to autonomously sense, analyse and respond to their surroundings.

With the Asia-Pacific region’s lack of arable land, water and infrastructure, countries in the region are looking to Australia for farming and agriculture solutions.

“There is a big drive at the moment to conceptualise the future of Australian agriculture in terms of a ‘food bowl’ supplying the vast Asian market,” said Sukkarieh But he also said that labour costs and technology would restrict Australia’s ability to meet the increase in demand for fresh produce.

“This is where automation can help.

We can use it to increase efficiency and yield, by having many of the manual tasks of farming performed by specially designed agricultural robotic devices,”

he said.

Sukkarieh is leading a three-phase program with the first stage using autonomous perception to enable robotic devices to read and understand their surroundings. He said the devices should be commercially available to farmers within the next couple of years.

With the support of Horticulture Australia, his team developed robotic systems, sensors and intelligent devices trialed on an almond farm in Mildura.

The robots can move through an orchard gathering data and developing a comprehensive in-ground and out-ofground model of the entire orchard.

“Traditionally it has been necessary for someone to actually walk through the orchard, taking and analysing soil and other samples and making decisions on the health and yield quality of the plants,” said Sukkarieh.

“The devices we’ve developed can collect, analyse and present this information autonomously, so a major part of the farmer’s job can be done automatically.”

The second stage, which the team will commence in the new year, involves applying this technology to standard farm tractors, so that as well as being able to perceive their environment and identify any operations required,

they will also be able to perform many of these operations themselves, such as applying fertilisers and pesticides, watering, sweeping and mowing.

The third and most complex stage will be to enable the devices to carry out harvesting.

The devices we’ve developed already can identify each individual fruit on the tree and its degree of ripeness, which is about 80 percent of the job done. But being able to harvest them is our ultimate goal.

Get your own Sidekick If you’ve ever wanted your very own loyal sidekick like the superheros in comics, you’ll be please to know that Leatherman has developed one.

Leatherman’s Sidekick comes complete with 15-tools-in-1, which is guaranteed to get you out of any sticky situation.

It has all the features you need including a knife, saw, screwdrivers, bottle/can opener, pliers, wire cutters and file.

Its handy, outside-accessible blades mean you can open the knife with just one hand and the rounded handles make getting a grip around on the new springaction jaws easy and very comfortable.

The Sidekick weighs just 198.4 grams and folds to a compact 9.7cms, so you carry it easily.

This Sidekick has been created using high quality stainless steel components and is backed by a 25-year warranty. The recommended retail is $86.95.

• 420HC serrated knife • medium screwdriver • 420HC knife • bottle opener • can opener • phillips screwdriver • ruler (1 in/2.54 cm) • saw • small screwdriver • spring-action needlenose pliers • spring-action regular pliers • spring-action wire cutters • wood/metal file

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

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MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE AgFest Field Days.................................................................53 www.agfest.com.au Airtex Pty Ltd.......................................................................41 www.traxtools.com.au Australian Pump Industries..................................................67 www.aussiepumps.com.au Bare-Co...................................................................... 33 & 91 www.bareco.com.au BPW Transpec Pty Ltd.........................................................43 www.bpwtranspec.com.au Brown Brothers Engineers Aust. Pty Ltd............................. 25 www.brownbros.com.au Burder Industries..................................................................51 www.burder.com.au BYPY Transmissions.............................................................15 www.bypy.com.au Case IH..................................................................................2 www.caseih.com Croplands............................................................................39 www.croplands.com.au Eastern Spreaders Pty Ltd.....................................................55 East Gippsland Field Days....................................................49 www.egfielddays.com Farmscan Ag Pty Ltd ...........................................................57 www.farmscanag.com Geronimo Farm Equipment Pty Ltd ...................................75 www.geronimo.com.au Great Western Tillage...........................................................73 www.gwtillage.com.au IB International....................................................................85 www.ibinternational.com.au Keech Castings.....................................................................31 www.keech.com.au Kelly Engineering.................................................................74 www.kellyengineering.com.au K-Line Industries ................................................................76 www.k-line.net.au Kuhn Farm Machinery Pty Ltd............................................59 www.kuhn.com.au KY General Engineering.......................................................82 LK Diesel Service Pty Ltd.....................................................17 www.lkdiesel.com.au Lucas Mill Pty Ltd................................................................56 www.lucasmill.com MacDon...............................................................................92 www.macdon.com 90

Manutec Pty Ltd..................................................................77 www.manutec.com.au McDougall Weldments........................................................63 www.mcdougallweldments.com.au MD & LA Sharman Pty Ltd..................................................7 www.sharmans.com.au Mirco Bros Pty Ltd...............................................................19 www.mircobros.com.au Mitchtip Agriculture Pty Ltd................................................54 www.mitchtip.com Neil’s Parts............................................................................61 www.neils.com.au Parklands Power Products Pty Ltd........................................23 www.parklands.net Poettinger Australia Pty Ltd..................................................71 www.poettinger.com.au Power Equipment Pty Ltd....................................................13 www.powerequipment.com.au Powerlite Generators............................................................21 www.powerlite.com.au Richard Barrington..............................................................69 www.bushfiresprinklersdiy Silvan Australia Pty Ltd........................................................37 www.silvan.com.au Southcott Hydraulics............................................................11 www.southcott.com.au Starmaxx..............................................................................81 Techgrow Agriculture...........................................................27 www.techgrowag.com.au Tradefaire International........................................................79 www.tradefaire.com.au Trailco Irrigation..................................................................83 www.trailco.com.au Villiers .................................................................................69 www.villiersaustralia.com.au Vin Rowe...............................................................................9 www.vinrowe.com.au Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics...........................................35 www.2wglobal.com Whitlands Engineering.........................................................60 www.superaxe.com.au Wimmera Machinery Field Days............................................1 www.wimmerafielddays.com.au Yamaha Motor Australia.......................................................29 www.yamaha-motor.com.au Yorke Peninsula Field Days...................................................47 www.ypfielddays.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2013

The additional features that no one else can provide!

• Bare-Co patent lever release safety guards for ‘hands on’ safe shaft fitting • Direct access to seven grease nipples on wide angle joints • Direct external access grease nipple to mid-point of drive tubes on all shafts 8 series upwards

• All forged yokes with long life triple lip seal cross bearings • Your life protected by safety guards tested and certified to AS1121.4 and ISO 5674 standards

www.bareco.com.au Leading the world in PTO technology

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