Australian Farmers' & Dealers' Journal - Nov/Dec 2015 by Provincial Press Group

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

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J OURNAL AU ST RALASIAN FA R M E R S ’ & D E A LE R S ’

RURAL MACHINERY, IMPLEMENTS, PARTS, VEHICLES AND TECHNOLOGY

INSIDE: ABARES OUTLOOK, MOBILE TECHNOLOGY, FIELD DAYS 2016

Australiaâ€™s own self propelled sprayer just got better

The new G Series Crop Cruiser from Goldacres puts you in a place of your own

goldacres.com.au

NOV EMB ER/DEC EM B E R 2 0 1 5 I N TH IS IS S U E N

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2015

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MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

JOURNAL

24-29 FIELD DAYS GUIDE

Australasian Farmers’ & Dealers’ Journal Established 1984

A U S T R A L A S I A N FA R M E R S ’ & D E A L E R S ’

RURAL MACHINERY, IMPLEMENTS, PARTS, VEHICLES AND TECHNOLOGY

Publisher & Managing Editor Hartley Higgins

FUTURE FARMING

THE DIGITAL AGE IS HERE

ADVERTISER INDEX

General Manager Elizabeth Bouzoudis Editorial Mandy Parry-Jones Email: edit.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au

18 INSIDE: ABARES OUTLOOK, MOBILE TECHNOLOGY, FIELD DAYS 2016

R EG U L A R S 20 TMA UPDATE 46 TYRES

40 PUMPS 48 IRRIGATION

FRO M THE EDI T O R Reports of the recent sale of S Kidman and Co pastoral company to a Chinese investor but thwarted after the intervention of the Treasurer, have not only caused uncertainty for the owners but raised questions for large rural land vendors considering selling to foreign investors. The UK based Kidman properties represent 1.3% of Australia’s land area; the attempted sale follows a trend of over half the agricultural property sales this year going to foreign buyers. Local buyers are also active with many large holdings being sold or listed with agents in what has been estimated at over $3 billion of farming land transfers. Both farms sold and currently on the market this year are reported to cover 18 million hectares. Questions continue to be asked as to why there is not more interest from local financial markets, when foreign investor interest in Australia’s agricultural land to meet growing world food needs is high, particularly from Asia. Agricultural minister Barnaby Joyce, who supported the rejection of the Kidman properties sale, has challenged local investors and super funds to invest more in agriculture. The minister claims the sector will offer stronger returns from increased exports resulting from free trade deals delivering reduced tariffs barriers and the reduction in the dollar. Whether his call is heeded, the government’s move to intervene in the Kidman sale raises a number of questions, along with its decision to lower the Foreign Investment Review Board thresholds for farmland to $15 million and agribusiness to $55 million.

Apart from national security – one of the Kidman stations borders the Woomera military zone – if Australian financial institutions and investors are not investing in agricultural land at current prices, then foreign investors must be considered and given clearer purchasing guidelines; more certain ground rules are also needed for vendors. Australia offers the world a safe jurisdiction to produce and export a wide variety of food commodities. This will require increased investment and offers vital regional development and employment oppertunities. Ultimately the market should decide where this investment will come from, locally and internationally. And as foreign investors continue to buy into large rural properties, there is plenty of precedence; UK and United States investors have for generations owned much of this country’s agricultural land. Now other countries and their pension funds are staking a claim for what they believe is a solid investment and their future food security. It’s up to the local market to respond. Hartley Higgins Publisher and Managing Editor Edit.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au

Merry Xmas to all our readers and our wishes for a safe and prosperous New Year

Advertising Manager Sue Craig Ph: 0407600282 Email: s.craig@ryanmediapl.com.au Creative Services Luke Westle Email: prod.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Circulation Email: admin.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Subscription One year subscription within Australia: $33 (inc GST) for four issues, Overseas: $66 (inc GST) for four issues. Phone Cathy Johnson (03) 9888 4822 or email to subscribe: admin.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Printing Lane Print & Post Adelaide, South Australia Ryan Media Pty Ltd ABN 85 085 551 980 630 Regency Road, Broadview, South Australia 5083 Phone: (08) 8369 9500 Fax: (08) 8369 9501 Email: info@winetitles.com.au Melbourne Office Suite 103, 486 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills, 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 may be used in any other media without prior consent of the publishers. Published by Ryan Media Pty Ltd.

NEWS Agricultural outlook shows growth ABARES’ outlook for Australia’s key agricultural commodities in 2015-16 is heartening with low interest rates expected to support business investment throughout the 12 months. Farm production is forecast to grow by 8% during the period, double the amount in 2014-15. Australian outlook Australia’s economic growth was below trend in 2014–15, growing at 2.4% compared with 2.5% in 2013–14. The Reserve Bank of Australia reduced the cash rate to the historical low of 2% in May 2015 and left it unchanged through the September quarter. Low interest rates are expected to continue to support consumer spending and business investment throughout 2015–16. In 2015-16 the gross value of farm production is forecast to increase by 8% in 2015-16 to around $57.1 billion, following an estimated increase of 4% to $52.8 billion in 2014-15. At this forecast level, the gross value of farm production in 2015-16 would be around 16% higher than the average of $49.2 billion over the five years to 2014-15 in nominal terms. Livestock The gross value of livestock production is forecast to increase by around 11% in

2015-16 to $29.1 billion following an estimated increase of 15% in 2014-15. The forecast increase in 2015-16 mainly reflects expected increases in the farmgate prices for beef cattle, lamb, sheep and wool. The forecast increases in farmgate prices are expected to more than offset a forecast decline of 4% in the volume index of livestock production in 2015-16, which mainly reflects an assumption of more favourable seasonal conditions in the latter half of 2015-16 leading to a reduced slaughter as a result of herd and flock rebuilding. Crops The gross value of crop production is forecast to increase by 5% in 2015-16 to $28.1 billion. This reflects an expected increase of 5% in the volume index of crop production. Export earnings from farm commodities are forecast to be around $43.4 billion in 2015-16, following a rise of 6% to an estimated $43.5 billion in 2014-15. At this forecast level, export earnings from farm commodities in 2015-16 would be around 14% higher than the average of $38.2 billion over the five years to 2014-15 in nominal terms. These forecast increases should be offset by forecast falls in export earnings from beef and veal (down 3% to $8.6 billion), dairy (4% to $2.4 billion), lamb (1% to $1.7

billion), sugar (2% to $1.4 billion), live feeder/slaughter cattle (8% to $1.1 billion), cotton (33% to $1.0 billion) and mutton (13% to $0.7 billion). Fisheries Export earnings from fisheries products are forecast to increase by 11% to around $1.6 billion in 2015-16, after increasing by an estimated 10% to $1.4 billion in 2014-15. The index of unit returns for Australian farm exports is forecast to rise by 4% in 2015-16, following an estimated rise of 6% in 2014-15. The forecast increase in 201516 mainly reflects the effect of an assumed decline in the Australian exchange rate, especially against the US dollar. In Australian dollar terms, export prices of beef and veal, wool, wine, lamb, canola, live feeder/slaughter cattle, rock lobster, chickpeas and mutton are forecast to increase in 2015-16. In contrast, export prices of wheat, barley, sugar, cotton and dairy products are forecast to decline. Details www.agriculture.gov.au

Farm machinery road regulation warning FARMERS and grape growers were given warnings on farm transport road regulations at a recent Riverina Grape Growers Marketing Board meeting. Leeton based Transport Roads and Marine Services inspector Allan Macarthur stressed that national and state regulations introduced by governments in recent years in many cases were not being adhered to. These included regulations governing oversize farm vehicles on roads, such as wheat harvesters over 3.7 metre wide. Mr Macarthur stressed that growers 4

must acquaint themselves with regulations including load restraints. “It’s important that producers plan ahead, check out the regulations and keep a copy of conditions of operation in their vehicles,” he said. Mr Macarthur said growers could not provide even occasional third party cartage on a primary producer registration. “If you carry produce for others you need to be commercially registered," he said.

 Planning is needed to comply with road transport regulations for farm machinery.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

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NEWS More tech savvy farmers needed RESEARCH from the Commonwealth Bank has found that the agribusiness sector will offer more sophisticated career paths for Australian farm workers as operations become more automated. The research is part of Commonwealth Bank’s bi-annual Agri Insights survey, which also shows farmers are keen to invest in a range of areas, from acquiring more land to updating plant and equipment. More than half of the farmers surveyed, a total of 1600, (55%) say they still need just as much labour as they ever did, even as on-farm technology evolves. In the labour-intensive dairy industry, two thirds of surveyed farmers (67%) say their employee needs have not been reduced by new technology. Geoff Wearne, Executive General Manager Regional and Agribusiness Banking, Commonwealth Bank, says the survey results show the type of work available in Australia’s farming operations will shift over time. “The agriculture sector has always been a major employer and our survey results confirm farmers will continue to provide work opportunities in regional Australia,” he said. “What has been changing and will continue to change is the type of work available. As technology like GPS and even driverless tractors becomes more common, farmers will be looking for more highly skilled and specialised employees. “This is good news for workers looking to build a career in the farming sector, as the available roles become more skewed towards professional and specialist positions.” The survey results show farmers are particularly interested in workers with good animal husbandry and livestock management skills. Overall, 21% of those interviewed rank it as the skill they would most like to see more of in the agricultural workforce. About one in four Western Australian and South Australian farmers say they

Key findings:

 Mr Geoff Wearne, Executive General Manager Regional and Agribusiness Banking, Commonwealth Bank

expect to see robotic tractors in their fields in the future (26% and 25% respectively). In Western Australia, farmers are the most likely to say they are keen for employees with machinery operation and maintenance skills (23% and 16% respectively). “As farm machinery becomes more sophisticated, there’ll be a corresponding need for workers who can operate and maintain complex machines,” Mr Wearne said. “While there may be less opportunity over time for people to drive machines, there will certainly be a need for people to help farmers optimise their significant capital investments. Demand for employees who can keep complex equipment up and running, and analyse the data future equipment will be able to provide is likely to rise.” The latest survey shows farmers are looking to boost productivity in the year ahead, with 20% planning to increase investment in plant and equipment, more than in any previous Agri Insights survey. This time last year, 16% said they would increase plant and equipment investment. More farmers are also looking to secure

• 11% of farmers will increase their use of contractors and advisers this year, compared with four per cent this time last year. • 15% of farmers say driverless tractors will be among the new technology seen on farms in the future. • 55% of farmers say they continue to need as much labour as they ever did, even with new technology changing the way they operate. • 6% of farmers say they will increase their landholdings this year, compared with 2% this time last year.

additional land (6% compared with 2% this time last year). “This positive result reflects strong conditions in several commodity sectors and continuing optimism about the future of the agribusiness sector,” Mr Wearne said. “The proportion of farmers planning to buy more land has tripled since this time last year. “My team is seeing an increase in applications for land purchases, but we’re also hearing demand for land is outstripping availability in a number of regions. “Of course the flow-on effect as farmers scale up is they are investing more in equipment and in people. All this adds up to a robust outlook for the sector.” Across the commodities, results were positive for all sectors except summer grain, and were particularly strong in beef, with 13% of beef producers intending to scale up their operations this year. The lower intentions in summer grain probably reflect a return to cotton, with 6% of cotton growers planning to increase production this year. This time last year, 51% of cotton growers said they would reduce production.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

NEWS Cuts to jobs despite growing ag machinery market CATERPILLAR has cut both its 2015 revenue forecast as well as 10,000 jobs which would be hived off through to 2018 mainly off the back of a mining and energy downturn in the US. Shares of the company fell to a five year low. Deere & Co had already announced staff reductions of more than 900 early in 2015 as lower grain prices decreased demand for its farm machinery. On the other hand Caterpillar raised its profit forecast mid year but overall the company expects revenue to fall in 2015, three years in a row. However, the company had indicated that it would cut around 5000 jobs by the end of 2016 and has reduced its workforce by more than 31,000 since 2013. Now the company employs around 114,000 people according to Thomson Reuters. There is also the expectation that Caterpillar may consolidate its worldwide operations.

This is despite a recent report (Global Agricultural and Forestry Machinery Market Outlook - Trends, Forecast, and Opportunity Assessment (20142022) that has the global agricultural machinery market valued at US$152 billion in 2014 and is expected to reach US$267 billion by 2022 growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.3% between 2014 and 2022. The factors such as rising demand for advanced machinery, increasing mechanization of farming operations, and technological advancements are driving the market growth. Moreover, the increasing demand for food led by the growing population across the globe is another key factor fueling the agriculture and farm machinery market across the globe. Furthermore, increased per capita income of farmers in developed and developing economies is anticipated to boost the sale of farm machinery globally.

Lack of information about farming equipment and its efficiencies among farmers is inhibiting the market growth. Cultivating machinery is expected to be the fastest growing product type during the forecast period. Europe is leading the market, accounting for a share of more than 30% of the global market. The Asia Pacific region led by India and China is expected to be the fastest growing region. The high demand can be attributed to the rising food consumption for servicing the rising population in these countries. Governments all over the world are focusing on investing in mechanized agriculture and so this market has expanded in terms of technology and productivity. The agricultural and forestry machinery market is segmented by product, and geography. Depending on the various products, the market is segmented into agricultural sprays, agriculture and forestry tractors, cultivation machinery, fodder and straw balers, hay and lawn mowers, milking machines, poultrykeeping machinery, threshing machinery and others. Based on geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-PaciVc and Rest of the World. Based on geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. The key players include AGCO Group, Mahindra Group, AGROSTROJ Pelhrimov a.s, Kubota Corp, Same Deutz-Fahr Group, Hubei Machinery and Equipment, Boneng Transmission Co., Kuhn Group, John Deere and Weifang Euroking Machinery. Details www.marketresearch.store.com

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERSâ€™ & DEALERSâ€™ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

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NEWS Trans-Pacific Partnership provides improved market access for farmers THE TRANS-PACIFIC Partnership (TPP)has been negotiated and signed by Australia's goverment with the blessing of the opposition. The TPP trade deal will remove 98% of the tariffs on beef, dairy, rice, sugar and horticulture and will provide improved market access to Australian farmers. Australia’s beef and livestock industry gain the most benefit from the deal and will see a significant boost to export opportunities. However, the deal fell short of the expectations of Australia’s sugar industry, which gained less than 40% of the sought after increase in access to the United States' market. The TPP trade and investment agreement, which represents an estimated 40% of the global economy, marks the conclusion of seven years of negotiations. The Ministers involved announced in a press release that the deal is expected to promote economic growth, support jobs and enhance productivity and competitiveness. There are positive outcomes for Australia’s agricultural industries and it will boost exports to some of the world’s biggest economies. Australia’s export to TPP countries is estimated at $15 billion in 2014 and represents one-third of total agricultural exports, it is set to expand further once member countries ratify the deal. The protection of the sugar market in the US and the dairy market in Canada brought disappointment. Australia will be able to increase its export of sugar to the United States from 107,000 tonnes to 207,000 tonnes a year but it falls significantly short of the 700,000 tonnes wanted. However , this makes Australia now

 Australian goods and services exports under the new TPP

equal to Brazil as the second largest sugar supplier to the US. The dairy sector was disappointed with the trade agreements with Canada, as only 3.25% of annual production will be allocated to foreign dairy products imported into Canada. A more positive outcome for dairy was achieved with Japan. Australian farmers will also benefit from increased access to Japan’s beef and rice sectors. Japan will now increase its rice imports from Australia by 6000 tonnes per year, increasing to 8400 tonnes. Japan will reduce beef tariffs from 38.5% to 9% over the next 15 years. In 2014, beef exports to Japan were worth $1.6 billion, making it Australia’s largest agricultural export to Japan. Beef tariffs into Mexico, Canada and Peru have also been eliminated, making the TPP deal a big win for Australian beef.

 Australian goods market access under the TPP.

Japan will also remove tariffs on red meat and live cattle over the next 15 years. Australian grain exports are also set to gain as exports to Japan are currently worth more than $500 million on average and are set to increase as Japan expands its wheat, barley and malt imports. Tariffs for wheat and barley export will also be eliminated in Mexico and Peru, while Canada will eliminate tariffs on all grains upon ratification of the agreement. Overall the TPP deal will eliminate an estimated $9 billion of import taxes from Australian trade. The deal achieved trade agreements with countries with which Australia previously had no bilateral free trade agreements, these were Canada, Mexico and Peru. The complete details of the deal are yet to be released and will need to be ratified by member countries before being implemented.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

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NEWS NEWS BRIEFS Apps aplenty for agriculture Herdwatch is an Irish mobile app, one of many apps now entering the agriculture sphere. This one allows farmers to monitor their herds via smartphone, tablet or computer. It helps reduce paperwork and farm compliance and offers a full breeding cycle manager, quick weight recording, calf registration and more. Map Your Meal is another app which is under development for farmers and consumers in Europe. It will scan food products and display where the products came from at every stage from production to sale as well as providing socioeconomic and environment impact information.

Mitsubishi Mahindra Agricultural Machinery Mitsubishi Agricultural Machinery and Mahindra entered into an agreement which sees a new company name enter into the machinery business – Mitsubishi Mahindra Agricultural Machinery Co Ltd. Mr Katsumi Tottori is CEO and president while Mr Sudhir Jaiswal is CFO and senior executive vice president. The company has its sights set on global expansion.

Flexi-Coil co-founder dies Kenneth Summach the co-rounder of seeding tech company Flexi-Coil died in Canada aged 91. Flexicoil is a major player in broad acre agriculture in Australia and continues to provide industryleading products in air seeding systems. Emerson Summach, his brother and co-founder died in 1964.

Supply chain essential for rural merchandisers A SUCCESSFUL Australian agribusiness sector relies on every part of the supply chain flourishing, according to Will Keen from Virbac Australia, who says that profitable rural merchandisers are good news for the industry at large. “Rural merchandisers provide a high level of professional advice to growers and producers, performing a vital function beyond supplying the products that farmers need,” said Mr Keen. “Quality advice is always essential, but producers are especially looking to make informed choices and investments when the industry is doing well." According to Mr Keen, Meat and Livestock Australia has predicted that the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator is likely to reach 600c/kg carcass weight this year. This is the highest in real terms since the early '80s. Lamb is also forecasted by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics to increase by 8% during the same period he added. “These positive indicators for the industry means that there will be increased investment and a great opportunity for everyone,” he said. The agribusiness sector is like its own ecosystem, with vibrant resellers supporting vibrant local rural communities, which in turn support the whole industry from manufacturers to research and development, and transport companies. Because of this, Mr Keen says it’s important that rural retailers are well supported and successful in their businesses. “Many rural retailers are their region’s only source of high quality expertise. In plenty of places, the demise of the local store would mean the exit of the only local source of professional animal husbandry advice," he said.

 Will Keen of Virbac Australia. “Quality advice is not just important for producers – it’s essential for sustainable property management, through thick and thin.” Mr Keen says that this kind of advice is highly valued by producers, especially at a time when profitability is returning to many aspects of the industry. “We know that farmers seek expert advice to help them plan their businesses and manage challenges when they arise. “Research has shown that demand for support is going up, not down. “Ensuring good, broad access to this kind of advice is really important to all farmers, but it has a knock-on effect across the rest of the industry.” Focussed manufacturers like Virbac Australia work with resellers to ensure thriving Australian rural businesses remain so. This can take the form of a close partnership working on key measures, whether they be capital costs, stock turn, operating expenses or something more specific to their business needs. “In some industries we’re seeing a pricedriven race to the bottom,” said Mr Keen. “This is a really short-term approach and we would prefer to see a greater focus on productivity, because our resellers offer more than a just shed and we provide more than just products to put into that shed.”

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

NEWS Rocky River Services Flexi-Coil Dealer of the Year ROB DINGLE and his team at Rocky River Ag Services have been awarded the Flexi-Coil Dealer of the Year for the second year in a row, from a field of 50 Flexi-Coil dealers. Rocky River Ag Services in Crystal Brook, South Australia, has been working in partnership with FlexiCoil since 2000 and Mr Dingle says his competitive advantage comes from first-rate customer service and detailed product knowledge. “My team is customer-focused and passionate about what they do. They take the time to understand customer’s needs and can match customers with the equipment they need to achieve productivity and efficiency,” he said. “Flexi-Coil is ahead of the times and at the forefront of technology, so they are a great brand to work with. The name is synonymous with innovation, yet they don’t overcomplicate things. "Customers get best-in-industry technology yet they also get simplicity.” Flexi-Coil Australia brand leader,

Steve Mulder, said Mr Dingle and his Rocky River Ag team were at the top of their game and were to be congratulated on their efforts in winning Dealer of the Year again. “Rocky River Ag has done an outstanding job across the board for sales, service and support of Flexi-Coil seeding and tillage equipment.” he said. “To ensure dealership staff are knowledgeable about the latest FlexiCoil equipment they have ongoing product and service training. The Flexi-Coil awards recognise all of those going the extra mile.” Rocky River Ag has been supplying and servicing machinery to South Australian farmers for two decades. The business has grown from employing a handful of people to 30 employees and it’s their passion for the industry that keeps them going strong year after year. Flexi-Coil also presented an award to Codemo Machinery Services Griffith, New South Wales for outstanding

 Dealer of the year Rob Dingle customer service and acknowledged AW Vater Kadina, South Australia with a dealer achievement award. The awards were presented in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, where Flexi-Coil’s all new 60 series air cart was unveiled at an exclusive preview for dealers.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

NEWS Ground support for responsive customer service TECHNOLOGY IS playing a major part in JLG’s commitment to upgrading its customer service and support. One example is JLG's Online Express, an online parts ordering system that makes parts ordering faster and easier. By registering with Online Express and downloading the app to smart phones, tablets or logging-in on a computer, customers can view interactive parts manuals and machine specifications. They can look at parts availability 24/7 with pricing, and order the parts they need for delivery anywhere in Australia. Another advance is JLG’s ClearSky system which allows customers to monitor the location, status and service requirements of equipment in the field. ClearSky is designed to maximise equipment returns while minimising downtime and expenses. It combines GPS technology with data reporting via the mobile phone network in an easily accessible web-based management system providing real-time equipment position and operational reporting. This includes fault reporting alerts via email that allow online diagnosis, and the dispatch of service personnel with the right parts to get the machine back to work quickly. The app has been designed to suit Apple, Blackberry and Android smartphones and devices. ClearSky allows customers access to critical information on-the-move and offers preventative maintenance alerts, geo-fencing and the ability to map assets locally, regionally or nationally. JLG also has field service coverage that meets repair, parts, refurbishment and inspection needs from capital cities to the most remote regional work sites, with every service technician factory trained to deliver the right solution – not only on JLG machines but also most other major equipment brands. An increasing number of fully-fledged branches are helping to maximise customer reach and JLG’s service and 14

parts supply capabilities, while the number of technicians is increasing. JLG technicians are well equipped in the field, travelling in a fleet of specialised service vehicles using advanced wireless In-Van-Technology which gives them real-time access to equipment service records and job status, parts ordering, and up-to-date service histories that optimise service efficiencies. “Ground Support is all about JLG being responsive to customer needs, wherever our customers may be, so we have been focusing on infrastructure to ensure we are where our customers need us to be, when they need us, with the quality service, parts and support they require," Rob Branch, JLG Director of Ground Support Australia & NZ said. JLG also offers back-up through its National Technical Support Centre, with expert technical information and advice to customers and service technicians. Customers can use JLG technical support for simple enquiries regarding machine specifications or characteristics to in-depth fault finding over the phone.

Recommendations after coronial quad bikes inquest RECOMMENDATIONS were handed down at a coronial inquest into quad bike related deaths after the coroner investigated the circumstances surrounding nine deaths which occurred on farms or in rural areas between 2009 and 2014 and considered four additional quad bike related deaths in the same period. Quad bikes are the leading cause of death on Australian farms. More than 200 people have died in quad bike incidents in Australia since 2001, with almost two thirds occurring in rural communities and 18 lives lost in 2015. Eight recommendations were made including the establishment of a safety star rating scheme, the creation of an Australian Standard for quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles, helmets, rider training, use of seatbelts in side-by-side vehicles and no under 16 riders on adult sized quad bikes.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

NEWS A case for 50 years of manufacturing CASE IH celebrates an important milestone this year, marking 50 years of operations at its Grand Island plant in Nebraska, United States. The plant manufactures two Case IH combine harvester model families for the Australian market at the site: the Axial-Flow 140 Series and the Axial-Flow 240 Series, as well as Case IH self-propelled windrowers and disc mower conditioner fronts. Since opening, the facility has tripled in size from 30,100 square metres to 91,044 square metres with approximately 35% of its production exported to 40 countries around the world. The Grand Island plant has been a favourite of Australian travellers, with hundreds touring the facility over the years. “By forward ordering their Axial-Flow combines, customers can have them built to unique specifications and if visiting the US, can tour the plant as their own combine rolls off the production line,” Case IH Product Manager – Hay and Harvest, Tim Slater, said. The first unit came off the production line at the Grand Island plant on 22 November 1965, five months after construction began.

Grand Island also houses product design, manufacturing, and testing at the location. The plant is one of 12 manufacturing plants in CNH Industrial’s North American footprint, which includes 13 research and development centres.

 David Barlow, Jerilderie NSW, and Peter Caldwell, Badgebup WA, with employees at the Case IH Axial-Flow combine factory in Grand Island – just one of the stops on the Axial-Flow USA Tour in August last year.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

10/19/15 10:15 AM

NEWS NEWS BRIEFS Online auctions gain traction Australian Agricultural Auction has had good results with its new onsite and online format. After its third simulcast machinery auction held in Tasmania the company said it had around 130 registered bidders onsite and another 30 online, and while most of the equipment was sold to onsite bidders the online involvement was good. Similar auctions are planned in the future.

World Expo missed opportunity Italy hosted the World Expo this year with 144 countries involved but Australia wasn’t one of them. Around 20 million visitors attended the event themed Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.

Condingup clearing sale SC & FH Tiller & Mass Investments clearing sale held near Condingup in Queensland had more than 190 registered buyers. The sale was run by Brindley & Gale, Landmark Esperance. More $1 million was made from the sale of 237 lots with larger farm machinery more difficult to sell.

NZ innovators awarded Winners of the New Zealand Innovation in Agribusiness and Environment Awards 2015 included FarmIQ System a cloud based tool to maintain records on sustainable land and water management, animal health and food safety, Farm Medix with its check up mastitis diagnostic tool, and Pastoral robotics a lowlabour automated robot sensing and treating fresh cow urine.

New Holland new blood for support network NEW HOLLAND will move towards a Commercial Business Unit (CBU) structure with dedicated teams supporting a dedicated group of dealers. This new structure will ensure it has the strongest field coverage possible with specialised roles to support and train customers and dealers on key product lines and features. The CBU structure will see an additional 10 people added to the existing structure, The new structure will include dedicated business managers, parts sales managers, service managers and field product specialists. New Holland will begin implementing these changes over the coming months ensuring strong candidates are secured for the additional roles available within the organisation that will further cement the brand's position within the marketplace. Anyone interested in looking to further their career and join is encouraged to contact New Holland.

Bartec Rural Services are high achievers A LOCALLY owned and operated Queensland store has taken out this month’s Agsafe Achiever Award for outstanding staff commitment to providing reliable advice and a safe environment for their customers. Store manager Ron Cover said chemical sales make up a large part of the business since the store is located in Bowen, a horticultural area known for its extensive tree and field crops. In operation since 1988, the store been a major supplier of agvet chemicals and known as the pumping, irrigation installation and maintenance specialist for many of the growers in the area. “All staff at Bartec Rural are encouraged to participate in Agsafe accreditation for two main reasons,” said Mr Cover. “To keep them and the premises safe, and to ensure they have the knowledge they need to provide accurate advice and information to customers.” Mr Cover believes that being Agsafe accreditation provides customers with the satisfaction of knowing his staff and management are dedicated to safety. “Many of our major growers use our business’ Agsafe accreditation as part of their own workplace health and safety auditing and procedures. “We proudly display our Agsafe certificate in the store and will readily provide a copy to the customers who require it for their own quality audits.” Wayne Sear, Agsafe’s Queensland facilitator and trainer, said Mr Cover and his team are one of the most safety-conscious and professional in the state. “It was apparent during my recent audit of Bartec Rural that a safety culture permeates all levels of this independent CRT store,” said Mr Sear. “New ideas around compliance and safety are considered carefully and acted on quickly. Agsafe audits include a review of documentation and procedures.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

NEWS Farmscan wins export award

OUTLOOK 2016 which is on in Canberra from 1-2 March will examine the Australian and international economic outlook, forecasts and current issues for a range of commodities.

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TOOWOOMBA business Farmscan AG has been recognized as one of Queensland’s best exporters after winning the environmental solutions award at the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards. The company specializes in electronic control systems for use in agriculture and has been operating for more than 40 years. Directors Ian Giles, John Chalmers and Jason Stone were thrilled with receiving recognition for the company’s products and staff. The company is exporting to Europe, China and Brazil with work underway to expand into other markets with their GPS guidance, spraying, planting, spreading and fertilising controls, and monitoring systems.

 Outlook 2016 will be held in

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

NEWS - MOBILE TECHNOLOGY MobileTECH for New Zealand agriculture THE FOURTH MobileTECH conference on mobile technologies for New Zealand’s primary industries will bring together technology leaders from across New Zealand’s agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors. This independent technology event showcases the latest in productivity tools for the rural sector. Innovative new technologies are emerging every day and it is critical that the rural sector capitalises on these opportunities to ensure that they remain internationally competitive. Whether it’s UAVs counting sheep, automated milking systems, robotic tractors for precision farming or automated spraying or irrigation systems, connectivity is the key to making it happen in rural locations, which is the major theme of MobileTECH in 2016. The New Zealand Government’s NZ$2 billion investment in broadband coverage aims to boost internet connectivity to around 98% of New Zealanders. The plan is to strengthen and extend the country’s rural-based network infrastructure to assist with productivity gains for the sector. Even with this commitment, it will not be a silver bullet. Rural operators will still need to integrate additional tools and technologies to ensure coverage of critical systems on their properties and in their region. A key benefit of greater rural connectivity is in the ability to collect and analyse real-time data. Remote sensors in the soil have been enabling precision agriculture for decades however, new disruptive technologies are now providing a flood of useful information that is revolutionising the industry. Farmers place electronic tags on their animals, forestry companies scan every tree as it is harvested and now scientists even track bees by attaching wireless sensors to them.

 MobileTECH is about mobile technologies for New Zealand agriculture

While connectivity is still a limiting factor in what can be achieved, the important question being tackled at the moment is what to do with all the collected data. It’s being collected from a myriad of sources. What is the data’s purpose? How much is too much? Is ‘big data’ the next big thing? How best do we manage, process, analyse and package the data into a useable format that can be used by the landowner? “There is a lot of excitement in the rural sector about the potential of big data in improving the long-term profitably of the sector,” said Ken Wilson, program manager for MobileTECH. “As well as showcasing the wide range of technologies at MobileTECH in March, issues like big data, cloud-based systems, wireless monitoring, data management, enhanced quality satellite imagery, mobile computing, UAVs, robotics and automation and the internet of things will be major talking points at the event”. MobileTECH 2016 will be held in Hamilton, New Zealand on 30-31 March 2016.

Sky Muster promises a break in data drought THE NATIONAL Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomed the launch of Sky Muster, the first dedicated NBN satellite to service rural Australia from next year. NFF CEO Simon Talbot said this is critical in resolving the data drought for rural users. “People have been appalled by the Interim Satellite Solution offered by the NBN, which has left families unable to send emails, access online learning or manage their finances online,” Mr Talbot said. “With the launch of the new dedicated satellite, we expect to see many farmers able to fully participate in the digital economy for the first time. “Digitally enabling Australian farms is a critical step towards our vision for a $100 billion agriculture industry by 2030. “Using the latest technology, including cloud-based decision support tools to analyse volumes of data, farmers have the chance to profoundly improve their yields and productivity. “Improved connectivity could also pave the way for new 18

traceability technology, supporting a stronger ‘Brand Australia’ in export markets. “Fast and reliable broadband is the key to unlocking these dormant productivity gains, which is why the launch is such an important milestone. “We understand that based on capacity constraints, we will see rural satellite users being subject to lower download limits than those in metropolitan areas. Farmers will be keen to ensure that caps are reasonable, and don’t place a handbrake on business or education usage,” Mr Talbot said. “We also await a clear plan from NBN Co as to how services will be upgraded as further capacity is needed. Analysis by the NFF indicates that planned capacity could be exhausted as quickly as 2020 if demand continues to increase. “Rural Australians deserve a plan which clarifies how the network outside the major cities will be augmented over time to meet their needs.”

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

NEWS - MOBILE TECHNOLOGY Victorian farmers want better connectivity THE REGIONAL Telecommunications Review report tabled in Federal parliament echoes the concerns of the Victorian Farmers Federation over the quality and extent of mobile coverage and internet data access in rural areas. VFF President Peter Tuohey said the report recognises the importance of improving voice and data connectivity for farmers. “Earlier in the year the VFF surveyed its members on their telecommunications service,” he said. “The response was overwhelming, indicating that poor connectivity creates significant hurdles to farm business productivity, limits the use of latest precision agriculture technology and innovations, is stifling the ability to utilise on-line educational tools, and is posing challenges to health, safety and emergency response.

“Remote sensing technology, irrigation automation, farm biosecurity and livestock monitoring are just some of the technologies reliant on decent broadband connectivity. “The technology also promises to deliver massive labour savings in the future with the prospect of driverless tractors and spraying equipment.” The Regional Telecommunications Review report highlighted that rural and remote users, by virtue of geography, are more reliant on telecommunications technology, and that there will be significant improvements to lifestyle and business productivity as service is improved. The report also makes recommendation on reform of the Universal Service Obligation to reflect changes in how people are connecting and relying on data and mobile voice services.

National farmers back telecoms review THE REPORT from Regional Telecommunications Review builds a case for improved connectivity in the bush according to the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF). NFF President Brent Finlay said the report captured the increasing importance of connectivity in rural Australia. “The review highlights that, despite ongoing investment, rural areas are continuing to fall well behind on quality, reliability and affordability of telecommunications services," Mr Finlay said. The Report rightly points to the Interim Satellite Service (ISS), offered by NBN Co. as a standout failure. “The ISS has been a serious cause of frustration among users

– who have seen the service grind to a halt due to unexpected demand. “The Report rightly highlights that without limitations placed on usage, the Long Term Satellite Service could be similarly constrained within a matter of years. “The nature of the usage restrictions will be incredibly important to rural customers – who don’t want to be charged an arm and a leg for a system which cannot meet their needs.” The Report also makes recommendations on reform of the Universal Service Obligation to reflect customers’ reliance on data, as well as voice services.

Mobile black spots hurt rural Queensland TELECOMMUNICATION infrastructure is keeping regional Queensland in the dark ages, costing farmers millions of dollars in lost productivity, according to a survey of farmers. A recent AgForce survey of 216 grain farmers and cattle and sheep producers highlighted poor mobile reception, intermittent or nil internet coverage and high costs. “This review needs to be seen as a pathway forward for telecommunications in regional Queensland,” said AgForce CEO Charles Burke. “We’ll be ensuring the Federal Government uses these recommendations to deliver the sort of services that will allow those living in regional Queensland to boost their business.” Queensland Farmers’ Federation CEO Ruth Wade said the rural Queenslanders running small businesses just a few kilometres from regional towns and cities were being held back because of poor telecommunication infrastructure. “Smartphones and tablets are revolutionising farming,” Ms Wade said. “However, limited coverage is hurting business and the cost of internet packages often exceeding $400 a month - three

times the rate being paid in a regional town sometimes less than 15 minutes away.” Farming groups provided submissions to the Federal Government’s Regional Telecommunications Review calling for better coordination of infrastructure rollout, affordable options and certainty for the NBN rollout. “The Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was responsible for the review as the Communications Minister … we want to see momentum for change continue and we will work with Minister Mitch Fifield on how this can be implemented,” Mr Burke said. The survey of telecommunication conducted by AgForce Queensland showed that 39% have reliable mobile phone connection while 19.2% have no mobile connection at all and 27% of farmers surveyed rely on satellite connection, while 37% had 3G coverage, with 60% of farmers spending more than $300 a month on bundled internet and phone services, while 36% spend more than $400. Only 21% of farmers were happy or very happy with their service, while half were unhappy or very unhappy and just 11.2% of farmers have benefited from the NBN roll out.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

TMA NEWS Tough Times Ahead for Machinery Sales TMA News

With Richard Lewis, executive director TMA AS I WRITE today, bucketing rain on the back of a dry, hot October is proving challenging for many Australian farmers and I wish you all well in the coming important months of harvesting wherever you may be.Fundamentally the prospects of our machinery dealers and agribusiness generally are predicated on the success of their customers – the farmers and contractors making a living on the land. Confidence plays an important role in this success, and tough climatic conditions do nothing to boost the levels of confidence in agriculture, no matter how many middle-class Chinese housewives we are trying to feed. However, increasingly machinery sales are becoming a part of a farmers business program where consistent upgrades of capital machinery are considered regardless of the conditions and seasons. This can be seen from the September tractor sales that have just been released from Agriview and the TMA, which show an increase of almost 25% on previous years and a calendar year increase in new sales of tractors of 15% across the country. Victoria does not buck this trend with an overall 12% increase year on year, which will have most people scratching their heads given the weather outside. We see three things driving this increase in today’s market. The first thing is that with a falling Aussie dollar, there is

upward pressure on pricing of imported equipment, which all tractors are. Most of the marketplace is aware of this and many are getting in early to avoid the inevitable price rises, which is driving sales. Secondly, interest rates are at historically low levels, making capital purchases very opportune compared with some of the rates that have been around in the past. Customers can conceivably replace an existing finance contract on an upgraded machine with a lesser payment while rates are low – there is certainly a fair bit of that style of thinking around as this alleviates cash-flow pressures. The final piece of the puzzle is the need for increased productivity and the use of technology to achieve this. Many farmers and contractors are upgrading to better technology that is saving them over the long term whether it be through precision agriculture practices or fuel savings – again driving sales. Not all farmers can chase any of these factors simply because of the season, and therefore overall demand is somewhat hidden from these factors. Unfortunately, for dealers what this tends to lead to is an increase in traded machines and used inventory that has a waning demand. There has been some demand from other states for harvesters and hay equipment, which is helping as new sticks sell out however, the park of used inventory is slowly creeping up. In a tough season and into another tough year next year, this used equipment will begin to bite the financial prosperity of the dealers and they will be more reluctant to trade. Anyone in the market for machinery today will find some amazing deals and as always getting in early for next years plans will reap benefits on pricing.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

TYRES New FarmPRO tyres for general duty tractors TYRES4U, the importer of Alliance farm tyres for Australia and New Zealand, has relaunched the Alliance FarmPRO 324 ‘sure grip’ bias-ply tractor tyres. The new tyres feature slightly curved 45-degree lugs for better traction with a wide nose bar that maximizes tyre life and improves the tyre's road ability. A new rubber compound minimizes cuts and improves weather resistance. “The combination-angle tread of the Alliance FarmPRO 324 makes for a highly versatile tyre for most small and medium tractors,” said Joe Ray, Tyres4U Sales Manager for agricultural tyres.

“Consolidating new features into the FarmPRO 324 provides farmers with a clear choice, and simplifies and stock management for dealers.” The new FarmPRO 324 will be available in up to 16 combinations of size and ply ratings for 20” to 34’ rims. Ultimately, Alliance will offer its FarmPRO 324 in 25 sizes. Alliance FarmPRO 324 tyres are high-quality, durable, reliable and costeffective tyres for general duty farm tractors that spend most of their time doing work around the equipment yard or up and down the road. The FarmPRO 324 delivers reliability and value at an affordable price.

Trelleborg buys to expand ag tyres TRELLEBORG has signed an agreement to acquire CGS Holding, a privately-owned company with leading positions in agricultural tyres as well as engineered polymer solutions. CGS is headquartered in the Czech Republic and the transaction is subject to approvals from relevant competition authorities, it should be completed in the first half of 2016. “I am very proud to announce this highly complementary acquisition, which is a significant and attractive add-on to our existing businesses,” said Peter Nilsson, president and CEO of Trelleborg. “CGS, with its strong and well performing operations in agricultural and industrial tyres as well as engineered polymer solutions, will strengthen and complement Trelleborg’s already leading positions in a number of existing area. With the acquisition of CGS and its subsidiary Mitas, Trelleborg is establishing

itself as a global leader in agricultural tyres. As a result of the acquisition, Trelleborg Wheel Systems will almost double its revenues, broaden its geographical reach and add new positions in complementary tyre niches. Mitas is performing strongly despite the current downturn in the agricultural market. Moreover, the acquisition of CGS’s other industrial polymer businesses will enhance Trelleborg’s leading positions in several of the group’s existing business areas. CGS employs approximately 6500 people at 13 production sites of which 11 are located in Central and Eastern Europe, one in the US and one in Mexico. The group includes the main subsidiaries Mitas, Rubena and Savatech. Mitas accounts for approximately twothirds of group sales and has strong midmarket specialty tyres brands with a strong position in agricultural tyres.

FarmPRO 324 - Features & Benefits • Suitable for on & off Road applications • Excellent self cleaning • Superior traction during off Road applications • Excellent drive comfort. Alliance has a sales promotion offering a FREE Coleman 59 can capacity esky on wheels for farmers who buy/get fitted a minimum of 2 Alliance rear tyres for 32” to 54” rim sizes before 31 December 2015. Details at www.alliancetyres.com.au

Mitas substitute for Continental ag tyres

 The line up of Mitas Premium tyres. FROM JANUARY 2016, Mitas Premium tyres is substituting Continental rear radial agricultural tyres on the replacement market. Mitas Premium as a substitute for Continental-branded agriculture tyres started in January 2015. Tyres in the Mitas Premium product line are directly comparable with the Continental-branded tyres that Mitas has produced since 2004. The Mitas Premium tyre line consists of rebranded Continental tyres and new products developed solely under the Mitas brand.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

TYRES Driving a tractor to Ayres Rock IF YOU HAD to organize a manythousand-kilometer-long expedition through a tough and wild continent like Australia, travelling through desolate areas in the Outback, you would probably choose some serious 4x4 off-road vehicles or maybe some rugged trucks. You wouldn’t dream of using farming tractors. Instead, there are two McCormick X7

 Australia has one of roughest and longest off road areas in the world, especially for tractors and tractor tyres.

Pro-Drive tractors with BKT Agrimax RT 657 tyres and full travel equipment starring in “Xtractor – Around the world”, an extraordinary expedition. This drive starts from Melbourne driving to Ayers Rock over a distance of 8500 kilometers through Victoria and New South Wales, as well as through the Northern Territory. In addition to the two McCormick X7 Pro-Drive tractors, the Xtractor convoy also includes two off-road vehicles for the TV crew. The team is composed of two specialized tractor drivers, two drivers for the off-road vehicles, two cameramen and a sound engineer for the TV shooting, a naturalist photographer as well as a doctor. The video production in UltraHD format is done through three mobile units, four action cameras, a drone and a motorized steadycam to keep track of all expedition stages. A support vehicle arranged as a mini editing studio produces TV and internet

 The Xtractor convoy playing in the sand.

clips during the expedition. It is a high technological expedition putting to a tough test people and equipment – from tyres to motors. Why cross Australia by tractor? Agriculture is going to play a crucial role facing the challenges of over population, and with global warming looming on our planet’s horizon technology and agriculture must form a cooperative alliance to successfully master these challenges.

New Cultor RD tyres are substitutes for Mitas RD range AGRICULTURAL and industrial tyre brand Cultor will extend its range of radial agricultural tyres with the launch of the Cultor RD tyre range . This substitutes the Mitas RD range. Mitas produces Cultor at its plants in Europe and will offer 46 new sizes of radial agricultural tyres marked Cultor RD as of January 2016. Cultor RD takes advantage of the benefits of high-tech tyre development conducted under the Mitas brand, offering the same performance and durability of Mitas RD. “Under the Cultor brand, we will offer top-quality radial agricultural tyres with competitive prices based to similar level as Mitas RD," said Andrew Mabin, Mitas’ marketing and sales director. "Cultor RD tyres will supplement Mitas Premium, which are associated with the more prestigious and demanding segment of powerful machines.” New Cultor radial agricultural tyres will be marked RD01, RD-02 and RD-03. The Cultor RD-01 is an all-round tyre for a wide range of applications and suitable for various terrains and agricultural machinery. There will be 22 sizes available from January 2016. Cultor RD-02 exhibit high ride comfort on the road and 22

excellent transmission of power due to greater grip and traction on the field and will be offered in eight sizes. Cultor RD-03 tyres are gentle on the ground but offer higher load capacity due to their wide design and large volume of air. Customers can choose from 16 sizes. Cultor plans to introduce radial agricultural tyres for combine harvesters and row crop machinery.

 There are three new Cultor RD agricultural tyres.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

TYRES Field tests start for PneuTrac tyres THE DEVELOPMENT of the Mitas PneuTrac concept has reached a new milestone with the start of field tests, to show the advantages of its larger footprint and better tractive force over standard but also over IF agricultural tyres. Mitas’ goal is to have the data needed for a successful market launch available by the end of 2017. “The footprint and traction force of Mitas PneuTrac and rubber tracks are superior to those of traditional pneumatic tyres,” said Andrew Mabin, Mitas’ sales and marketing director. “The next step is to compare PneuTrac and rubber tracks and see how close they will come. “Our goal is to launch PneuTrac in roughly two years.” Mitas is conducting field tests with a John Deere 6150R tractor mounted with 480/65 R28 PneuTrac on the front axle and 600/65 R38 PneuTrac on the rear. The results show the traction force of Mitas 600/65 R38 PneuTrac is approximately 25% higher than a standard tyre and, compared with an IF-rated tyre, PneuTrac delivers approximately 15% better traction. Slippage and traction forces are measured under several modes of driving, and the result is the evaluation of traction force under the slippage that normally occurs during regular farm work (about 15%). The results are based on measurements conducted on July 22, 2015. Measurements are done by Research Institute of Agricultural Engineering. Mitas is developing its PneuTrac concept with partner, Galileo Wheel Ltd.

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F I E L D D AY S E X P O G U I D E

Australian National Field Days 2015 another success

EXHIBITORS OF everything from farm machinery to fashion were positive about their experiences at the 2015 Australian National Field Days. The ANFD welcomed old and new exhibitors to the event, which aims to attract everyone from large-scale producers to the keen backyard gardener. Stratco Regional Manager Troy Campbell said the first year at the ANFD had been successful for the home improvement and construction products business. “We came out here last year to have a look around and we noticed there were a

few shade and patio people,” he said. “We’re still trying to get our name out in Orange. We have some good quality leads out of it. We’ll be doing quotes and estimates back in the office and hopefully it will turn into projects.” Mr Campbell said there had been interest in Stratco products from visitors from Mudgee, Canberra, Sydney and Dubbo. He praised the ANFD as an excellent boost for the wider local economy. “It’s really good for Orange. There are a lot of people in town and accommodation is booked out. For the exhibitors from out

of town it’s often a whole week here and Orange benefits from that.” Blayney-based Adco Tractors was at the ANFD for the second year with a McCormick exhibit. Owner Brendan Cook said the event was important for making contacts and raising awareness. "We didn’t make any direct sales last year but we had good follow up interest. I feel like you’ve got to be in it," he said. The Style Pavilion at the Field Days was a hive of activity, with twice daily fashion parades and a wide array of general interest retailers. A highlight of the fashion parade was Young-based designer Samantha Stolham’s “My Angel” dress, which took out the Supreme Award at the Australian Wool Fashion Awards. Ms Stolham had a stall for her Bush Boutique clothing shop in the Style Pavilion and some of her ready-to-wear designs were also featured in the fashion parades.

Mingenew on the road to high tech THE 33rd Mingenew Lions Midwest Expo, held in Western Australia, was the beginning of a new era for the event as it was the first time it was run by a board of management. The new board of management added features that will enable the event to grow and develop in the future. Some of the changes for the event included a Business and Technology Hub developed to cater for the needs of exhibitors that came from the agricultural research, business and technology sectors. Another attraction was the exhibitor briefing which was hosted by the board of management with a seminar program in the Business and Technology Hub where exhibitors presented the latest innovations in farming technology and research. Sensors that can be fitted to tractors, harvesters and other farm equipment to detect driver fatigue was just one of the cutting-edge technologies on show. Seeing Machines, the company presenting the smart camera technology, was a first time visitor to Expo and a new entrant to the Ag industry. The company showcased how the technology detects risk in real time and alerts operators when a fatigue or distraction event occurs. “We trialled a farm-talk program at Expo last year, and 24

it was a hit with farmers” said Helen Newton, Chair of Mingenew Expo. “The Business and Technology Hub seminar program provides farmers with another platform to gather the latest information for their farm enterprise.” Business management through utilising digital programs and applications for improved decision making was a key feature of this years’ seminar program. CSBP presented new additions to their FERTview farm planning and mapping application, including the new sample app ‘Sampling Pro’, providing instant access of biomass imagery and calculations through Google Earth and a proof of concept presentation showing the use of the Google Earth Engine to compare crop health across seasons. GRDC presented information on its recent Grow Notes digital documents, which have now been customized for Western Australian growing conditions. The Department of Agriculture & Food WA had its ‘E-Connected Grainbelt’ project which focuses on ways to integrate existing data [FG1]with more broadly available data[FG2] to help increase grain enterprise profitability. And DAFWA biosecurity experts presented their free smart phone reporting apps, MyPestGuide, PestFax and MyCrop.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

F I E L D D AY S E X P O G U I D E

East Gippsland Field Days turns 30 in 2016 EAST GIPPSLAND Field Days will celebrate its 30th year of operation in 2016 when the event opens from 29 to 30 April. Every year around 350 exhibitor spaces and 10,000 visitors attend the event on the lookout for new products, services and information. East Gippsland encompasses a diverse range of agricultural and rural industries. It possesses agricultural holdings of some 750,000 hectares based around beef, wool, dairy, vegetables and cropping, and it is seeing a growth in emerging enterprises such as flower growing and viticulture, plus it has a strong hobby and part-time farming population. The region is also home to Australia’s largest fishing fleet, a major timber industry producing 25% of Victoria’s hardwood output, as well as expanding tourism, manufacturing and retail sectors. It is clear that East Gippsland has significant equipment, product and service needs, and so there are many good reasons to be an exhibitor. This year a new Dahlsens’ Home and Lifestyle marquee will house DIY demonstrations and live music, the working sheep dog trials will be back as will lawnmower racing on the Saturday, which was a real hit in 2015. There will be market row sites for home grown and produced goods, wood chopping, whip cracking and great food. The highlight for 2016 will be live pig racing on both Friday and Saturday organised by Pig Racing Australia. Details www.egfielddays.com.au

YORKE TURNS 120 THE YORKE Peninsula Field Days in South Australia celebrated 120 years when it was held from 29 September through to 1 October 2015 in Paskeville, South Australia The first event was held near Bute, about 40 kilometres east of Wallaroo in July 1895 then it was moved to the current site at Paskeville in 1975. Held every two years the event attracts around 40,000 visitors over three days and more than 700 exhibitions of agricultural machinery and products. In 2015 around $200,000 was spent on improving the site with new toilet block and other visitor and exhibitor improvements. As it is the Chinese year of the sheep the Murray Allen Wool and Sheep Pavilion had a style reflecting this for the event. To accompany this distinct theme, along with celebrating 120 years of the YP Machinery Field Days, Johnathan Dalla Australian Champion Blade shearer demonstrated blade shearing daily.

Celebrating our 30th Anniversary

April 29 and 30 , 2016 Registrations are now open online @

www.egfielddays.com.au email:

info@egfielddays.com.au

BOOK YOUR SITE NOW! 2016 feature events...

• • • • • • • •

lawn mower racing wood chop whip cracking sheep dog trials equestrian display family entertainment zone, live music great food And Much more

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

UPCOMING FIELD DAYS PULLUp-to-date comprehensive Field Days Events Calendar. Also available at www.afdj.com.au. To lodge your event contact Cathy Johnson Phone: (03) 9888 4822 or Email: admin.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au FEBRUARY 2016 10-12 Sungold Field Days At Allansford, about 12 km east of Warrnambool VIC 03 5565 3142 0407 724 552 sungoldfileddays@wcbf.com.au www.sungoldfielddays.com.au 19-21 Seymour Alternative Farming Expo Kings Park, Tallarook Street, Seymour, VIC 1300 178 881 admin@seymour-expo.com www.seymour-expo.com 26-28 ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show Amanda Ogilvie Exhibition Park, Canberra. ACT 02 6241 2478, 0474 195 780 marketing@rncas.org.au www.canberrashow.org.au

MARCH 2016 1 King Island Show Cynthia Stellmaker Currie Showgrounds Currie, TAS 03 6462 1117 tanya_arnold@bigpond.com www.ascti.com.au 1-3 Wimmera Machinery Field Days Murray Wilson Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong near Horsham, VIC 03 5384 7210 info@wimmerafielddays.com.au www.wimmerafielddays.com.au 11-12 Wagin Woolorama Wagin Showgrounds, Wagin WA 08 9861 2242 08 9861 1611 tradefair@woolorama.com.au www.woolorama.com.au

17-30 Sydney Royal Easter Show Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney, NSW 02 9704 1111 www.eastershow.com.au 18-19 South East Field Days Lyn Crosby Yakka Park, 3293 Avenue Range Road, Lucindale, SA 08 8766 7001 sefds@bigpond.com www.southeastfielddays.com.au

APRIL 2016 1-2 Karoonda Farm Fair Karoonda, SA 08 8538 2860 info@farmgair.com.au www.farmfair.com.au 2 The Weekly Times Rural Lifestyle Expo Cnr Creswick Road & Howitt Street, Wendouree, Vic 03 5338 1877 info@rurallifestyleexpo.org.au www.rurallifestyleexpo.org.au 7-9 International Truck, Trailer and Equipment Show Melbourne Show Grounds, Epsom Road, Melbourne, Vic 03 9690 7022 www.trucktrailershow.com.au info@trucktrailershow.com.au 8-9 Kapunda Farm Fair Bill Adams Harness Racing Complex, Kapunda SA 0408 811 840 kapundafarmfair2016@gmail.com www.kapundafarmfair.com

7-10 Farm World Burnt Store Road, Lardner Park, Warragul, Vic 03 5626 1373 office@lardnerpark.com.au www.lardnerpark.com.au/FarmWorldmain.html 29-30 East Gippsland Field Days Sue-Ellan Latham Bairnsdale Aerodrome, Bairnsdale, Vic 03 5153 1398 0412 523 408 info@egfielddays.com www.egfielddays.com

APRIL/MAY 2016 29/4 - 1/5 Tocal Field Days Carol Cairney Tocal Road, Tocal, NSW 02 4939 8827 fielddays@tocal.com www.tocalfielddays.com

MAY 2016 5-7 Agfest Field Days 62 York Street, Launceston, TAS 1300 243 378 admin@agfest.com.au www.agfest.com.au 6-7 Agfair - Broken Hill Erica Malloch Broken Hill Racecorse, Broken Hill, NSW 08 8088 1844 secretary@agfairbrokenhill.com.au www.agfairbrokenhill.com.au 13-14 Riverina Field Days Lee Mills Griffith Showground, Griffith, NSW 02 6962 1180 roly@coroclub.com.au www.riverinafielddays.com

David Upton Editor

Sue Craig

Advertising Sales Manager

-OUT GUIDE 13-14 Agrotrend Field Days Bundaberg Col Reynolds Bundeberg Recreation Precinct Opposite Bundaberg Airport - QLD 0417 749 958 www.agrotrend.com.au 20-21 Mildura Field Days SuniTAFE Field, Benetook Avenue, Mildura. Vic. 0487 021 122 info@mildurafielddays.com.au www.mildurafielddays.com.au

JUNE 2016 8-9 Farmfest Field Days Kingsthorpe Park, on the Warrego Highway, 20 kms west of Toowoomba,Â QLD 02 6768 5800 farmfest@fairfaxmedia.com.au www.farmfest.com.au 15-18 New Zealand National Agric Field Days Mystery Creek Events Centre, 125 Mystery Creek Road, Hamilton, North Island, New Zealand. +64 7 843 4499 www.fieldays.co.nz

JULY 2016 8-9 Ag-Grow Emerald Field Days 6 klm east of Emerald on the CapricornHighway. QLD 07 4982 4244 admin@aggrow.com.au www.aggrow.com.au 15-16 Mudgee Small Farm Field Days Mudgee, NSW 02 6372 3899 www.arec.com.au 24-28 Australian Wool and Sheep Show Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Holmes Road, Bendigo, Vic 03 5443 9902 secretary@sheepshow.com www.sheepshow.com

Pin me up and never miss an event 22-24 Farm Fantastic Outdoor Expo Leanne Carius Caboolture Showgrounds, 140 beerburrum road, Caboolture 07 5428 1851 events@farmfantasicexpo.com.au www.farmfantasicexpo.com.au 25-27 16th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference & Trade Exhibition 2016 Adelaide Convention Centre www.winetechexpo.com.au

AUGUST 2016 1-2 Sheepvention Hamilton Showgrounds, Hamilton, Vic 03 5572 2563 info@hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au www.hamiltonshowagrounds.com.au 3-4 Mallee Machinery Field Days Andrew McLean 2 km south of Speed on the Sunraysia Hwy Vic 03 5084 1320 mmfd@bigpond.com www.mmfd.com.au 9-11 Eyre Peninsula Field Days Kathy Wedding Cleve - South Australia 08 8628 2219 secretary@eyrepeninsulafielddays.com.au www.eyrepeninsulafielddays.com.au 16-18 Commonwealth Bank AGQUIP Field Days 8 kilometres west of Gunnedah on Blackjack Road, Gunnedah NSW 02 6768 5800 agquip@ruralpress.com.au www.agquip.com.au 24-25 Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days Dowerin, West Aust 08 9631 1021 info@dowerinfielddays.com.au www.dowerinfielddays.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2016 7-8 Newdegate Machinery Field Days Anne Bishop Newdegate, WA 08 9871 1655 0427 712 065 nfday@westnet.com.au www.nfday.com.au 2-11 Adelaide Royal Show Adelaide Showgrounds, Goodwood Rd, Wayville, SA 08 8210 5211 info@adelaideshowground.com.au http://www.theshow.com.au/ 9-10 Berry Small Farm Field Day Berry Showgrounds, Victoria Street, Berry NSW 02 4403 0300 berry rotary@gmail.com berryrotary.org.au 15-16 Mingenew Expo Kym McGlinn Midlands Rd, Mingenew, WA 08 9928 1138 secretary@mingenewexpo.com.au www.mingenewexpo.com.au 6-17 Riverland Field Days Tim Grieger 52 Field DayDrive, Barmera, SA 08 8588 2311 0409 099 122 mail@riverlandfielddays.com.au www.riverlandfielddays.com.au 17-27 Royal Melbourne Show RASV Administrator Melbourne Show Grounds, Epsom Road, Melbourne, Vic 03 9281 7444 customerservice@rasv.com.au www.royalshow.com.au 20-22 Henty Field Days Cookardinia Road Henty, NSW 02 6929 3305 hmfd@telstra.com www.hmfd.com.au

AVAILABLE ONLINE Access current and back issues online at www.afdj.com.au Email: admin.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au INDEPENDENT & AUSTRALIAN OWNED

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F I E L D D AY S E X P O G U I D E

54th annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days 1-3 March 2016 / Victoria’s first Field Days

HELD EVERY year in the first week of March at Longerenong near Horsham in Victoria, the Wimmera Machinery Field Days is one of the largest broadacre focused field days in the southern hemisphere and one of the biggest agricultural and agribusiness trade and industry shows in Australia. The Wimmera Machinery Field Days is a modern showcase of the latest developments in machinery equipment, technology and services. The field days attracts thousands of patrons and exhibitors from across the country and overseas, and generates millions of dollars in trade across a broad cross section of agricultural industry and rural business. Conservative estimates suggest the three days generate well over $50 million in direct field days trade and there is over $200 million dollars of machinery and agricultural equipment on display. The Wimmera Field Days provides agricultural companies, businesses and organisations the chance to make strong and viable connections with the public and it is a proven successful method of direct marketing for agricultural business. “Large scale agriculture trade shows such as the Wimmera

 From the air you can see how big Wimmera Machinery Field Days really is.

Machinery Field Days provide a unique forum for people and business to gather and discuss farm-technology and new developments, create networks, socialise, rekindle friendships and business relationships and stay in touch with industry advances,” Field Days Manager Murray Wilson said. A volunteer committee of farmers and regional agribusiness representatives combine to manage the not for profit event each year and have maintained a long-term charter to foster innovation and development in primary production and agribusiness. With over 600 exhibitors attending in March 2016 occupying over 1000 sites it is expected that the region will again play host to one of country Victoria’s most successful rural events helping to grow and secure agriculture into the future for the entire region and the broadacre farming agribusiness sector Australia wide. Details at www.wimmeraeventscentre.com.au

54th Annual

Machiner y

1,2,3 MARCH 2016

SITE APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN Wimmera Machinery Field Days Inc. Longerenong via Horsham Victoria Australia

Phone: 03 5384 7210 Fax: 03 5384 7276 Email: info@wimmeraﬁelddays.com.au

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

F I E L D D AY S E X P O G U I D E

Sungold days in February SUNGOLD FIELD days are planned as a three day event from 10 to 12 February 2016, which will be its 35th anniversary. The event is run by Warrnambool Cheese & Butter, which is one of the region’s largest milk processors and is the only dairy focused field days in the region. In 2015 there was a record number of exhibitors and a strong attendance by visitors as the event showcases the latest in dairying technology and innovation. As well as dairy displays there are general exhibitors who take part and cater for the whole family with lifestyle and cooking demonstrations – using local produce. A vintage vehicle procession and a steam train engine are both entertaining, while community involvement means that there are exhibitors providing health checks, education opportunities as well as food, music and a kids train that loops around the site. Every day a courtesy bus picks up visitors from around Warrnambool taking them to and from the event.

35th annual Sungold Field Days

Details at www.sungoldfielddays.com.au

Newdegate awards inventions THE 42ND ANNUAL Newdegate machinery field days in Western Australia saw more exhibitors than ever before and more than 10,000 people through the gates over the two-day event. The first Newdegate Field Days were held in 1973, since then the event has grown to become one of the most recognised in the Eastern Great Southern of Western Australia. With more than 300 exhibitors annually, the event focuses on machinery, technology and research, animals and livestock, outdoor and camping exhibits, arts, fashion, show bags, food and wine, local produce and live entertainment. Plus it promotes and celebrates innovation in agriculture. This year one exhibitor picked up two awards including the farm inventor aware and the new release award. Esperance farmer Mick Fels had his two ipaddock apps on display and was delighted to receive awards for the invention that was just meant to make his life on the farm a little easier. Jack Arumble from Landpoint Holdings won the new innovation award for his in-header machine that tests moisture, protein and oil content of grain on the go and creates protein maps.

Wednesday 10th, Thursday 11th & Friday 12th February 2016 SITE BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN Ph: (03) 5565 3142 Fax: (03) 5565 3158 Email: sungoldfielddays@wcbf.com.au Website: www.sungoldfielddays.com.au

FEATURES INCLUDE: > the latest technology in milk harvesting equipment > motor vehicles and farm bikes > machinery display & demonstrations > soil and fertiliser advice > farming information > financial advice > tools & hardware supplies

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

TECHNOLOGY Ground cover is more about technology than planting By John Henchy Executive Officer Farm Machinery & Industry Association of WA

Growing internet coverage throughout rural Australia will grow farm produce and our ability to be competitive. It’s a big country but it’s a necessary tool for our farming communities. THE STRUCTURE of Australian agriculture is such that it must compete against the rest of the world where in many cases subsidies are prevalent. This is where technology in the farm mechanisation industry has paid dividends. Despite the success of technology over the last two decades we are finding that we cannot keep up with the latest technology because of inadequate infrastructure revolving around the mobile phone/internet network. Farmers in Australia are early adopters; they have embraced technology over recent years and in many cases have led the world in the acceptance of Precision Agriculture. Australia pioneered the development of agricultural guidance using GPS technology. Australian primary producers were being guided automatically, in the paddock, way ahead of the North Americans who were still steering to light bars. It was the expertise developed by Australians for guidance that led to nearly all the local firms, who produced this advanced technology, being bought out or partnered by multinational companies. While the Americans were still trying to work out the best way to guide in-field machines Australia had moved on to developing section ‘cut- offs’ for sprayers to help reduce the over application of chemicals. Anecdotally, we were the first to embrace the ‘weed seeker’ technology where only the weeds were sprayed saving thousands of dollars in chemicals. We were early adopters with the use of liquid fertiliser and developed the technology required to apply and precisely control rates. As a country we were right up there with the adoption of CTF (controlled traffic farming) enabled by the technology and the considerable ability of the local manufacturers to adopt machinery to suit. These are just a few examples of how technology with farm mechanisation has helped Australian farmers improve profitability. The big evolution in the past has been the GPS controlled guidance but now we are moving on to remote control of equipment. 30

GPS can guide vehicles such as tractors, combines and self-propelled sprayers but the finite control of setting and varying adjustments and the transfer of data will be done by telematics, which relies on a good mobile network. In the future information pertaining to the performance of a machine will be closely monitored and if there is anything untoward the local dealer, or the factory many thousands of kilometres away, will be automatically alerted for corrective action. This will be done ‘online’ rather than having a technician travel many kilometres out to the farm. This data transfer facility, particularly in rural Australia, is a matter of concern. Our mobile phone network is such that the majority of technology in the market now, and in the future, will be unable to be used, in many areas, unless there is a significant mobile coverage upgrade. We have manufacturers developing systems where agronomists can vary application rates on speeders and sprayers from their office desk and we have, as mentioned before, technicians who can diagnose a potential problem but because of the poor (lack of cover) mobile network we are unable to use that technology in many parts of Australia. As time goes on technology will increase and there will new products coming out which will need to be operated and controlled remotely. For example autonomous tractors, combines and sprayers will be steered by GPS but most other controls will be done over the mobile network. In the future many of the drives now done hydraulically will be activated electrically and they will probably be controlled over the mobile network too. As we speak there is a need for ‘real time’ traceability of food stuffs but again we cannot do that because of the poor network quality. If we don’t catch up with the ability to transfer data and have good connection to the internet our farmers will be left behind their worldwide competitors. This issue does not only apply just to the primary producer but to all those who operate support businesses in rural areas – any business in the country will need a lot better internet/ mobile network if it is to be able to take advantage of the very latest business programs. A good mobile/internet system will not only benefit primary producers trying to use the latest technology it will enhance their business operations, it will have a big impact on environmental issues (correct application of fertilisers and chemicals for example) and it will be a factor in encouraging more people to move to the country if they have access to the sorts of infrastructure available in the cities. We are told that the mobile coverage caters for 98% of the population unfortunately it is the 2% that are not covered who produce much of the wealth for our country.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

FUTURE FARMING From farm to plate – with an eye to the future By Keith Smiley

ASIA LOOKS to Australia as a food bowl but is our technology living up to expectations? To put a positive focus on future farming, AFDJ looks at the challenges facing our broad-scale production. While more farmers are adopting a notill approach considered more sustainable than conventional tillage, they are working smarter in an automated world. Smaller farms continue to be swooped up by larger ones while others divide into hobby lots making it difficult to automate such a small acreage. To qualify as a future farmer all you need is a mobile phone and a remote location. Geoff Dobson, almost an octogenarian, operates Dobson Farm in Alexandra, Victoria. He doesn’t mess around with words and comes straight to the point. A former confessed ‘steak and chips man’ he is learning to eat more judiciously. On 2500 acres he farms 700 hundred Angus cattle and grows specialised potatoes for fine dining tables in restaurants around Melbourne, generating the bulk of his profits. His days as a futurist may have gone but his children will no doubt inherit a profitable business to help feed a hungry world. Geoff envisages a greater role for automation and remote control, for harvesting and for other large equipment suitable for broad scale farming. “Everything is getting more automated and factory farms are developing as more young people leave the ag sector. We all follow the money trail where your lifestyle suits your ambitions,” said Mr Dobson. With less useable land, water and scarcer products, and a growing population, prices must rise. “We’ll have to squeeze more out of it and stop abusing the environment but until we’re forced to adjust, we won’t do it,” lamented Mr Dobson.

 Geoff and Bronwyn Dobson with executive chef of the Hyatt Hotel in Melbourne. Dobson’s potatoes may be subject to fickle diners or mere whims, but stayers appear to be the Kippler, King Edward, Dutch Cream, Nicola, Pink Eye, Pink Fir Apple, Purple Congo and Tollangi Delight varieties, mostly found in upmarket restaurants. Geoff and wife Bronwyn are upbeat about their potatoes yet disappointed about how supermarkets display their bruised potatoes. “Would you buy a bruised apple? he asks. “Potato damage such as softness, greening, or bruising is visible on the shelves and should not be so displayed. Our potatoes are handpicked, hard and tasty.” Larger farms are employing mechanised delivery for planting and harvesting which Mr Dobson argues works better for a lower return product per unit, in contrast with how Dobson’s hand pick for their highly specialised market. Mr Dobson can see the day when we will have driverless machines, set by remote control as sprayers. “Anything I like to dream is possible. 50 years ago the mobile phone was unheard of; science fiction just about came true,” he said. “You’d need one of our paddocks just to turn one of those large headers and tractors but it is the future.” Their Angus progeny grows until feedlot age minus the fattening.

“I like this tradition and they have been kind to us, so why change it?” said Mr Dobson. His Angus are fit and tasty according to Mr Dobson who remains committed to organisations like McDonald’s who not only supply good beef burgers but ‘give kids a job’. Whether it is potatoes or beef, Geoff and Bronwyn work hard and smart, offering consistent service over some difficult years, finding a niche market for their products, going outside the square giving them an edge over others with comparable-sized paddocks. Geoff and Bronwyn are seen in the best of places as AFDJ recently caught up with them at the Hyatt in Melbourne, with an eager chef obviously happy with the flavour and texture of a Dobson spud one of the secrets of a good chef is a good potato. The Dobsons produce continues to receive high praise from newspaper and magazines articles for their quality – free of pesticides, weed-killers, fungicides and genetic mods. Mr Dobson is a real character, borne of an era when things were a lot simpler but probably a lot harder. Automated processes make life a little easier for the farmer, but quality and service should remain paramount.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

MY VIEW Digital age is here for farmers By Dr Michael Robertson, Deputy Director CSIRO Agriculture Flagship

Prototype systems are here to help production, now there is a ‘digital homestead’ team building an online dashboard for farmers to control and integrate their farming information. MUCH HAS been spoken and written lately about the impact of the digital revolution on agriculture. Farmers are hearing a lot about “big data” and aren’t sure what opportunities it presents, large multinational bioscience companies are getting into knowledge products and there seems to be a new digital start-up company popping up every week. All indications point toward digital approaches playing a significant role in increasing production, potentially reducing costs and adding new value to supply chains. This is just the beginning of the digital disruption of agriculture. Let me take you beyond the headlines of this digital revolution to explore some of the implications for Australian agriculture. Once they see the benefits, Australian farmers have been enthusiastic adopters of technology. For example, Australian grain farmers have the highest rates of adoption of precision farming techniques in the world, the dairy industry is gradually adopting robotic milking systems that have been DR MICHAEL ROBERTSON is the Deputy Director of CSIRO’s Agriculture Flagship and based in Perth, Western Australia. His research background is in crop agronomy and simulation modelling, where his work has aimed to analyse and understand broadacre farming systems to inform better management regimes for economic, environmental and social outcomes. After completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours), at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand in 1985, he studied crop physiology at University of Queensland, Australia, for his Doctor of Philosophy. Dr Robertson joined CSIRO in Townsville, Queensland in the early 1990s to research the environmental limits to yield in sugarcane. He later relocated to Brisbane, where his research

 CSIRO’s digital dashboard. This solar-powered, wireless cattle collar gathers information about the animal’s location and behaviour.

focused on the management, simulation and analysis of dryland cropping systems in the sub-tropics. As a member of the Agricultural Production Systems Research Unit, a joint venture involving CSIRO, he was responsible for the oversight of the development of the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model. In 2005 Dr Robertson relocated to Perth where his research focus has been on dryland farming systems of the Mediterranean zone in Australia. As part of his current role he is leading an initiative in ‘digital agriculture’ that aims to bring together agricultural researchers and information and communication technology experts in CSIRO to explore new ways in which digital technologies can improve the way research is conducted and results are delivered to end users.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

It is important that we look for and take advantage of opportunities to partner with industry and knowledge institutes to provide enabling services for farmers

developed in the northern hemisphere and irrigators in the cotton industry are using heat sensors that pre-emptively detect when their crop is water stressed and due for a watering. There are two big technological game changers for farming that are not too far away – real-time integrated data and automation. As with many recent technological developments in farming, they offer much promise for reducing the costs of production, particularly the use of labour. Livestock farming in industrialised countries has been designed around containing and controlling grazing animals with fences, and using labour to move and manage the animals. There are now prototype systems that allow farmers to remotely monitor how their properties are running. For example, the ‘digital homestead’ team is building an online dashboard to enable farmers to access information about their farms remotely and integrate it with know-how from outside the farm, all with the aim of improving their decisions. Not only will this reduce the labour demands of livestock farming but also enable more efficient grazing management. The other big game changer ahead is the development of autonomous vehicles for which there have been prototypes for some time now. On large cropping farms particularly, many hours are spent on tractors doing routine operations like tillage, spraying, and harvesting. The use of tractors that can be controlled remotely, without the need for manual operation, offers much promise for reducing the drudgery of that routine work, however there are public safety issues that have to be dealt with first. While the digital farming revolution will offer a lot to farmers in terms of automation of the tasks on farms, the other big opportunity it creates is a massive amount of data upon which more precise and timely farming methods can be based. For over 20 years now farmers have been able to collect yield maps of their crops automatically while harvesting.

The advent of robotic milking systems on dairy farms allows farmers to measure the milk production of each cow whenever they are milked, and tailor precision management accordingly. However the capacity to create data on farms is fast out stripping our ability to make sense of it. There is a risk here that farmers will fall foul of “the curse of too much information”. The challenge for research and development is to create systems that distil the essence from larger volumes of data and allow farmers to choose from a range of management options put before them. CSIRO recognises these challenges and opportunities and sees the need for new technologies that allow farming to be both more straightforward and efficient. We are already working on a raft of projects utilising sensors, robotics, and telecommunications systems. We also see the need for data interpretation systems, and platforms onto which information services can be provided to the farming community and their stakeholders. It is important that we look for and take advantage of opportunities to partner with industry and knowledge institutes to provide enabling services for farmers to fully exploit the potential of this digital revolution. It is an exciting time to be in agriculture. If you are interested in finding out more about CSIRO’s work in digital agriculture, head to the website http://www. csiro.au/en/Research/AF/Areas/Digital-agriculture

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

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GENERAL PRODUCTS Burder and Sitrex together in Australia BURDER AG Attachments has been appointed the exclusive distributor for the Sitrex range of feed mixing machines for the Australian market. Feed mixers are critical to the delivery of highly nutritional diets for the livestock market, maximising the growth and production of livestock and ensuring the long-term well being of the animals. Sitrex SRL is an Italian based agricultural machinery manufacturer and well known throughout the world for its range of hay rakes and finishing mowers. In Australia the Sitrex product has been sold for nearly 30 years. “We are very proud to have partnered with Burder Ag Attachments for the distribution of the Sitrex Feed Mixer range for the Australian Market,” Mr Signorelli the founder of Sitrex said. “I believe the team at Burder can represent and support the product well.” Mr John Moore Product Manager at Burder said that the company has many years of experience with mixers in the Australian market and can assure buyers that the Sitrex range of mixers is high quality, innovative and extremely well built.

“I am delighted with the Sitrex product, I can see that the collaboration between Burder and Sitrex will deliver a world class product with local back up,” he said. “The mixers are equipped with on board weighing systems to ensure correct mixing quantities, we have even gone to the effort of selecting a weighing system that is well represented in Australia for both technical assistance and spare parts, further improving up time.” Sitrex has built a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility dedicated to the mixer range where the company produces all its mixers from its three cubic metre single vertical augers to its 30 cubic metre twin auger trailed units plus there its large range of self propelled, self filling mixers. “Burder is committed to distributing and supporting the Sitrex product and I know how critical after sales service and maximum equipment up time is,” said Mr Moore. Burder is seeking potential dealers throughout Australia that can deliver knowledge and after sales service to meet the needs of the Australian market. Burder AgAttachments has machines and parts in stock.

Blow out the chance of a harvest fire WITH HOT, dry conditions bearing down on Australia’s southern cropping region this summer, harvester fires are an extreme risk to life, crops and property. Farmers and contractors need to make sure that their harvesters are well maintained and cleaned to reduce fire risks. Flammable material can collect on the exhaust manifold and turbocharger in a harvester’s engine bay, which is the most common cause of harvester fires. When these materials ignite they can blow around the machine and into nearby crops, where they can cause spot fires. Taking steps to prevent harvester fires should be a priority and it’s just a few simple steps such as keeping at least two fire extinguishers accessible on each of your harvesting machines. Performing regular blow downs, with a blow down every half hour or every bin round in extreme conditions and keeping your equipment clean and well maintained. Also ensure the manifold, turbocharger 34

and exhaust are free of flammable material. And no overloading electrical circuits. You should also postpone paddock works during high fire-risk periods, which typically see low humidity, high winds and vulnerable crop conditions. To ensure your machinery is clean Airquip, a specialist supplier of compressed air equipment, has launched Force 5 Megablaster high powered cleaning guns. These products were displayed and demonstrated at Paskeville Yorke Peninsula field days and they drastically reduce the amount of time taken to thoroughly blow down headers. With an extra-long 1800mm wand they have a great reach and the venturi nozzle amplifies and accelerates air velocity to provide a hard-hitting thrust to dislodge stubborn dust and chaff build-up. Airquip supplies and installs solutions for all compressed air applications, including pipework with a complete range of distribution systems, all DIY

friendly, suitable for indoor/outdoor or underground installations. It also supplies compressed air treatment and storage – filters, dryers, receivers and compressed air accessories such as hoses, couplings, reels, blow guns plus a complete range of air knives, nozzles and jets for efficient blow off with reduced noise and air consumption. The company also sells amplifiers – for venting, cooling, drying and cleaning – with no moving parts, air operated conveyors, and pneumatic vacuum systems for industrial housekeeping. Details at www.airquippipetool.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

GENERAL PRODUCTS Manutec Press Wheels go paired row MANUTEC HAS added a range of wider press wheels designed specifically to operate with the new generation of paired row seeding systems that are now being used in some farming areas. The new range of press wheels offers farmers that are using the paired row systems complete coverage of the seed with three different press options that are designed to suit different soil conditions. The press options include a wide flat tyre for use in loam soils, a wide shallow wedge tyre for use in sandy soils and a wide round tyre for use in heavy soils. The wide shallow wedge tyre is also designed to reduce side wall erosion in sandy soils and the wide round tyre has been designed using Manutec’s Mud Razor technology to operate in sticky soils. It is important that farmers who are using, or planning to use, the paired row seeding systems also consider the press wheel that they are using so as to ensure they derive the maximum benefit from their investment.

Whether it be clay, sand or rock, Manutec has a press wheel tyre designed to operate in all conditions. Additionally new tyres to fix issues with press wheels, closer wheels or gauge wheels on a range of other manufacturer’s equipment can be rapidly prototyped and manufactured. Manutec press wheels and press wheel assemblies are now available with the zero maintenance agri-hub option. The agri-hub option is a completely sealed, maintenance free hub specifically designed for use in tillage. The agri-hub is designed to increase productivity and to cut down the through life costs of running press wheels. These savings are achieved through reduced maintenance costs and downtime. The agri-hub press wheel is available as a standalone wheel or as part of a complete press wheel assembly and will suit those farming larger acreages looking for reduced maintenance costs. The full range of tyre options is available to suit the agri-hub press wheels. For more information call Manutec on 08 8260 2277.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

GENERAL PRODUCTS Bentleg furrow openers – high speed low soil throw RESEARCH INTO the use of bentleg furrow openers at seeding has underlined their potential benefits for no-till farming systems. University of South Australia PhD student James Barr says bentleg openers, which can reduce soil throw and maximise furrow backfill, represent a new opportunity for optimising the performance of tine seeders. The devices offer an “unprecedented ability for high-speed, low soil throw, no-till tine seeding" according to Mr Barr. “Furrow moisture loss, weed seed germination, seeding depth variability across seed rows, crop safety and pre-emergent herbicide efficacy are issues that can be influenced by the amount of soil disturbance by tine openers,” Mr Barr said. “Excessive soil throw limits the furrow backfill, reducing soil cover over the seed, and creates ridging between adjacent seed rows, resulting in additional soil cover which increases seeding depth and potentially induces crop damage from herbicides." A selection of straight and bentleg openers have been tested, measuring draft, vertical and side forces, lateral soil throw and furrow backfill, at 8, 12 and 16 kilometres/hour and at 120 millimetre operating depth. The two straight openers used reflected the range of rake angles displayed in narrow knife points, and the two bentleg openers featured a beveled edge and differed in their shank offset values (45 mm and 95 mm). Both bentleg openers reduced soil throw compared with the blunt face straight openers at 8 km/h, virtually cancelling soil spill out of the furrow boundary. At the higher speeds, the 95 mm offset bentleg opener retained its very low soil throw benefits, while the 45 mm

 James Barr and Richard Konzag offset bentleg design showed a sensitivity to speed, reaching similar levels of soil throw to the 53 degree rake angle opener. Furrow backfill data showed the ability of the 95 mm offset bentleg opener to maintain maximum furrow backfill regardless of speed, while the straight openers, from a comparative baseline of 8 km/h, significantly emptied the furrows with faster speed. Mr Barr said dedicated research was required to refine the bentleg opener design and opportunities existed to scale down the design, to suit shallow soils and minimise power requirements.

New Flexi-Coil air carts ready to demo FLEXI-COIL’S new 60 series air carts will be in Australia for demonstrations in 2016 and available for seeding in 2017. Dealers recently previewed the new 5860 model in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. Flexi-Coil Australia brand leader Steve Mulder says the new 60 series air carts will replace the Flexi-Coil 40 and 50 series and are ideal for broadacre farmers growing cereals, legumes and oil seeds. The Flexi-Coil 60 series offers seven air carts, with capacities ranging from 12,234 litres to 33,477 litres. Among the innovative features of the new series is the FlexRateTM sectional control, which allows you to individually 36

control up to 10 sections of the implement. FlexRateTM gives greater application accuracy and eliminates double applications of seed and fertiliser. Each metering system is operated by an independent patented 24-volt electric drive motor with integrated controls. Fertiliser and seed can be applied in single-shoot or double-shoot application with the FlexRate modular metering systemTM. The 5860 air cart is 5.62m wide and has four tanks, including an 881 litre small seeds tank. This capacity means operators will make fewer stops to get big jobs done.

It comes with standard bin level and tank pressure sensors with alarms, and four in-tank and rear-view cameras. A fast-fill conveyor with remote control and a pneumatic fill system for the small seed tank ensure quick, efficient filling. The 5860 is available in either towbetween or tow-behind configurations.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Phone: (08) 82

MANUTEC PTY. LTD.

Fax: (08)227 82 30 JONALPTY. DRIVE PRESS WHEELS, COULTERS, DOUBLE DISCMANUTEC Phone:(08) (08)8260 82602277 MANUTEC LTD.CAVAN SA 5094 Phone: PTY. LTD. manutec@manutec www.manutec.com.au Fax: (08)2277 82602399 239 Phone: (08) 8260 Phone: (08) 8260(08) 2277 MANUTEC LTD. 30LTD. JONALPTY. DRIVE CAVANSA SA5094 5094 MANUTEC PTY. LTD. OPENERS & OEM AGRICULTURAL PARTS Fax: (08) 8260 30 JONAL DRIVE CAVAN PRESS WHEELS, WHEELS, COULTERS, DOUBLE DISC Phone: 8260 2277 MANUTEC PTY. PRESS COULTERS, DOUBLE DISC

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CALL US FO Manutec Press Wheel andCALL Gauge Wheel CALL CALL USFOR FOR US US FOR A FOR COPY OF O CALL US CALL US FOR parts to suit: COPY OF OUR AACOPY OF OUR A COPY OF OUR A COPY OF OUR A COPY OF OUR AGRICULTUR AGRICULTURAL • JD 1820 and 1830AGRICULTURAL Airhoe Drills AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL PARTS AN Phone: (08)AND 8260 2277 PARTS MANUTEC PTY.GANG LTD. CONVERSIONS PARTS PARTS AND • JD 1870 ‘Conservapak’ PARTS ANDAND PARTS AND GANG CONVERSIONS TRAILER PROD Fax: (08) 8260 2399 GANG CONVERSIONS 30 JONAL DRIVE CAVAN SA 5094 GANG CONVERSIONS TRAILER PRODUCTS GANG CONVERSIONS PRESS WHEELS, COULTERS,GANG DOUBLEGANG DISC GANG CONVERSIONS TRAILER PRODUCTS DOUBLE & TRIPLE PRESS WHEEL TRAILER PRODUCTS TRAILER PRODUCTS TO SUIT FLEXICOIL, DOUBLE & TRIPLE PRESS WHEEL COULTER & CULTIVATOR TO SUIT FLEXICOIL, GANG GANG • JD 1860 and 1890 Single Disc COULTER & CULTIVATOR GANG TRAILER PRODUCTS manutec@manutec.com.au www.manutec.com.au DOUBLE & TRIPLE DOUBLE & TRIPLE PRESS WHEEL PRESS WHEEL GANG TOSUIT SUITFLEXICOIL, FLEXICOIL, TO SUIT TO FLEXICOIL, COULTER & CULTIVATOR CATALOGU CATALOGUE COULTER & CULTIVATOR COULTER & CULTIVATOR OPENERS & OEM AGRICULTURAL PARTS BOURGAULT, DOUBLE & TRIPLE PRESS WHEEL TO SUIT FLEXICOIL, COULTER MORRIS, CATALOGUE CATALOGUE DISCS& CULTIVATOR DISCS BOURGAULT, MORRIS, CATALOGUE ASSEMBLIES DISC OPENERS ASSEMBLIES DISC OPENERS ASSEMBLIES ASSEMBLIES JD 1730 Maxemerge BOURGAULT, BOURGAULT, MORRIS, DISCS BOURGAULT, MORRIS, DISCS CATALOGUE DISCS ASSEMBLIES DISC OPENERS ASSEMBLIES DISC OPENERS ASSEMBLIES BOURGAULT, MORRIS, • MORRIS, ASSEMBLIES DISCS ASSEMBLIES ASSEMBLIES EZZEON DISC OPENERS ASSEMBLIES EZZEON EZZEON EZZEON EZZEON EZZEON • Associated Machines OEM PARTS • Flexicoil 1820 CALL US FOR OEM PARTS OEM PARTS OEM PARTS OEM PARTS OEM PARTS ANUTEC HAS Made A LARGE RANGE OF • MAustralian Equipment A COPY OFPRESS OUR

M ANUTEC HAS A LARGE OF PRESS OF PRE WHEELS, PLANTER WHEELS, GAUGE WHEELS MANUTEC HAS A RANGE OF PRESS MLARGE ANUTEC HAS ARANGE LARGE RANGE MANUTEC ANUTEC HAS LARGE RANGE OFPRESS PRESS M HAS AALARGE RANGE OF AGRICULTURAL WHEELS, PLANTER WHEELS, GAUGE WHEELS AND WHEELS, DISCS TO SUIT MOST AUSTRALIAN AND PLANTER WHEELS, GAUGE WHEELS WHEELS, PLANTER WHEELS, GAUGE WH WHEELS, PLANTER WHEELS, GAUGE WHEELS WHEELS, PLANTER WHEELS, GAUGE WHEELS AND DISCS TO SUIT MOST AUSTRALIAN AND IMPORTED FARM MACHINERY, INCLUDING AND DISCS TO SUIT MOST AUSTRALIAN AND PARTS AND AND DISCS TO SUIT MOST AUSTRALIAN AND AND DISCS TO SUIT MOST AUSTRALIAN AND AND DISCS TO SUIT MOST AUSTRALIAN HD & LD AGRICULTURAL IN-FRAME SEEDING IMPORTED FARM MACHINERY, INCLUDING NEW PRODUCT RANGE JOHN DEERE, FLEXICOIL, BOURGAULT, GANG CONVERSIONS HUB, STUBS, AXLES & IMPORTED FARM MACHINERY, INCLUDING IMPORTED FARM MACHINERY, INCLUDING IMPORTED FARM MACHINERY, INCLUDING TRAILER PRODUCTS IMPORTED FARM MACHINERY, INCLUDI HD & LD AGRICULTURAL IN-FRAME SEEDING JOHN DEERE, FLEXICOIL, BOURGAULT, MORRIS, EZEE-ON, STUBBLEKING AND ASSEMBLIES HD HD & LD AGRICULTURAL TRAILER PARTS HUB,AXLES STUBS, & TO IN-FRAME SEEDING& COULTERS JOHN DEERE, FLEXICOIL, BOURGAULT, WHEELS SUIT FLEXICOIL, STUBS, & AXLES & LD HUB, HUB, COULTER CULTIVATOR AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL IN-FRAME SEEDING IN-FRAME SEEDING Phone: (08)• 8260 2277 JOHN DEERE, FLEXICOIL, BOURGAULT, MANUTEC PTY. LTD. JOHN DEERE, FLEXICOIL, BOURGAULT, AGRICULTURAL Phone: (08) 8260 2277 IN-FRAME SEEDING MANUTEC PTY. LTD. STUBS, AXLES & AXLES & JOHN DEERE, FLEXICOIL, BOURGAULT MANY MORE. Low maintenance press MORRIS, EZEE-ON, STUBBLEKING AND ASSEMBLIES CATALOGUE HUB, STUBS, AXLES & TRAILER PARTS COULTERS WHEELS MORRIS, EZEE-ON, STUBBLEKING AND ASSEMBLIES TRAILER PARTS COULTERS Fax: (08) 8260 2399 WHEELS 30 JONAL CAVAN SA 5094 PARTS MORRIS, Fax: (08) 8260 2399 DRIVE BOURGAULT, DISCS 5094 COULTERS, DOUBLE PRESS SA WHEELS, DISC MORRIS, EZEE-ON, STUBBLEKING AND ASSEMBLIES MORRIS, EZEE-ON, STUBBLEKING AND AN ASSEMBLIES UBLE DISC 30 JONAL DRIVE CAVAN TRAILER TRAILER PARTS MANY MORE. COULTERS WHEELS MORRIS, EZEE-ON, STUBBLEKING ASSEMBLIES TRAILER PARTS MORE. wheel range MANY WHEELS manutec@manutec.com.au www.manutec.com.au OPENERS & OEMAFTERMARKET AGRICULTURAL PARTS EZZEONRANGEmanutec@manutec.com.au MANY MORE. JOHN DEERE RANGE MANY MORE. AL PARTS www.manutec.com.au JOHN DEERE 1870 AFTERMARKET PRESSWHEEL NEW MUD RAZOR MANY MORE. • Mudrazor tyres for1870 DBSAFTERMARKET andPRESSWHEEL PSS PRESSWHEEL JOHN DEERE AFTERMARKET JOHN DEERE JOHN DEERE AFTERMARKET RANGE RANGE JOHN DEERE 1870 AFTERMARKET

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GENERAL PRODUCTS Airboom spraying is on target DEMONSTRATIONS comparing air boom spraying technology with conventional systems has spiked grower interest in the lastest technology. The Miller Spray Air nozzle system became available on the manufacturer’s Nitro front-mounted self-propelled sprayers this spring. Growers and agronomists viewed the system in action at field days organised by Miller dealers in conjunction with national distributor, McIntosh Distribution. The Miller system allows for more targeted chemical application through air-assist and air-atomisation technology. Farmers have fingertip control of the droplet size and speed of the air delivery for any spraying application. “Most growers are immediately familiar with the benefits of added air penetration in post-emergent and late canopy applications but by using water sensitive paper in a variety of field conditions they could see all-year-round benefits with the system,’’ Jon Bent, McIntosh Distribution, said. Depending on the region, the challenge put forward to the Miller Spray Air system varied, but Mr Bent said many people voiced concern about spray drift. He said regardless of the crops grown, all growers were extremely aware of drift and drift control, which when coupled with a desire to achieve effective coverage, had led to the continued increase in water carrier volumes. “When comparing the actual droplet deposition in the worstaffected, downwind, shaded side of the heavy cereal stubble, the Spray Air more than doubled the number of droplets applied against a conventional air mix nozzle for the same water volume and far less drift,” Mr Bent said. Late fungicide and insecticide applications also showed a marked application benefit in tall and full canopied crops. In these cases,

 Jon Bent, McIntosh Distribution, talks to growers and

agronomists about the workings and range of benefits of the Miller Spray Air system.

the Miller Spray Air system was achieving more coverage in the top of the canopy, the front and rear standing vertical faces, as well as hitting the base of the canopy, for less than half of the water rate than a conventional system. “Conventional nozzles and even pulse-width modulation (PWM) systems make driftable fines when spraying even at low pressures. It’s just the nature of how standard hydraulic nozzles work regardless of the nozzle type,” Mr Bent said. “The Miller Spray Air system removes the majority of these from the spray pattern, so more of the appropriate-sized droplets hit the target, resulting in better targeted weed/pest control. Adding air to force the droplet towards the target reduces any potential drift issues again." Details www.mcintoshdistribution.com.au or www. millersprayers.com.au

Right on track with Rowtracs WILLIAM ADAMS of Lambrook Pastoral at Mullaley, New South Wales has moved over to track technology across all his tractors. Mr Adams has been closely following the replacement of wheeled equipment with tracks. “The new Case IH Steiger Rowtrac was displayed for the first time at AgQuip in 2014," he said "We were very impressed with the new technology and traded in our six-year old Magnum 305 for a new Steiger Rowtrac 450." The Case IH Steiger Rowtrac is one of the highest horsepower tractors commercially available in a row crop track machine and can handle the largest implements on the market. “The compaction footprint under tracks is so noticeably less than that of wheels, which sink into our beautiful soft black soil, and dig a large mound of earth in front of each wheel," Mr Adams said. “This mound makes the task equivalent to constantly going up a hill, obviously requiring more horsepower, which means more fuel and horsepower wasted. “I believe you can get away with approximately a 10% to 38

 William Adams has replaces tractors. 15% less horsepower rated tractor on tracks, to do the same job as if it were on wheels. “The innovative track technology is so outstanding that we were the first to purchase in our district – the latest release from Case IH, a rear-tracked Magnum Rowtrac 340 CVT, replacing our five-year old Magnum 305,” he said. “Our decision to go with the CVT transmission over the well-proven power shift has so far been the right one. We believe this transmission is the way of the future, and ideal for a tractor with varied outputs.”

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

GENERAL PRODUCTS New RB5 Series round balers CASE IH has redesigned its RB5 Series rounder baler to cope with the toughest crops and conditions and now both the RB455 and RB465 offer advanced features compared with their predecessors. Tim Slater, Case IH Product Manager for Hay and Harvest, said the variable chamber round balers are the result of three years’ rigorous worldwide field testing. “We tested the balers worldwide in a variety of conditions, and found that the RB5 Series has an increased capacity of up to 20% and a bale density improvement of up to 5% over the previous RB4 series," Mr Slater said. “That’s no surprise, since the RB5 Series pickup is made for greater capacity and durability. It combines cutting-edge components, including a new, wider pickup with an overshot rotor feeder, perfect for more aggressive feeding.” The machines produce bales of up to 1.5 metres and 1.8 metres in diameter respectively, and feature a new dual cylinder hydraulic density system. “The two cylinders have 2000 psi, providing more force than a single

cylinder at 2600 psi – increasing bale density and consistency across the bale,” said Mr Slater. “By boosting the number of pickup reel bars from four to five, farmers get more consistent feeding, a more efficient movement of crop from the pickup to the feeder, and more tynes to get all of the crop picked up – especially short crops.” There’s also a new two-metre wide pickup with an overshot rotor, for more aggressive feeding. “This eliminates crop hesitation, resulting in a more consistent crop mat fed into the bale chamber, giving an even bale formation. Plus, the in-line augers handle heavy thick windrows, dramatically reducing the chance of plugging," Mr Slater said. In the event of plugging the rotor, the new drop floor under the rotor, which is controlled by the operator from the cab, provides the customer with even more convenience to clear the plug and resume baling even quicker. Both balers feature a new ISOBUS electrical system and come standard with the AFS Pro 300 touch screen, offering better graphics and easier navigation.

Or you can use the new baler with an existing virtual terminal on any ISOBUS-equipped tractor. There’s also a new CAN-based electrical system, with an H-Bridge used to control power to the electric motors. The solid-state design is more durable than mechanical relays used previously.

Merlin opens new doors A NEW roller door product with enhanced weather protection, energy efficiency, product design and safety features has been released. “Our latest product, WeatherDrive, pushes the boundaries for weather protection and offers customers greater energy efficiency and safety features than previously seen before," Merlin Marketing Director, Grant Emanuel said. While most products currently have a rating of IP24 (Ingress Protection Rating), which measures the level of protection that electrical appliances provide against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, water and accidental contact, Merlin’s WeatherDrive has IP34 rated housing. The new product uses less than 75%

of watt energy while in standby mode and the slim WeatherDrive model can be installed in a variety of shed types requiring a minimum side clearance of only 40 millimetres. “WeatherDrive has extensive safety features which include nine ultra-bright LED lights fitted in the opener to ensure visibility at all times, and a dual speed facility offering greater performance and control,” Mr Emanuel said. “The automatic safety reverse function also means the door will stop automatically if obstructed.” In addition to being compliant with Australian standards, WeatherDrive offers a host of security features including an E lock system, which allows users to lock the control panel buttons.

Suitable for roller doors up to 15m² and up to 100kgs in mass weight, WeatherDrive’s 2.0 security system means transmitters communicate on multiple frequencies with encrypted rolling code. “The 2.0 security system ensures the opener operates on the strongest frequency, helping to eliminate any interference, while also providing the highest level of security,” Mr Emanuel said. Merlin’s WeatherDrive kit includes two keyring remotes and one wireless wall control button, the product is backed by a three-year warranty and Merlin’s after sales support service. All Merlin products comply with Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS 60335-2-95.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

PUMPS Mr T to the rescue in fire season FARMERS UNDERSTAND the fire danger evident during harvest and the devastation that can result with a simple exhaust spark from a combine. Fires during harvest cause major crop damage with consequent financial losses, and the destruction of expensive harvesting equipment even jeopardising the lives of operators. “Smart operators are taking precautions like detailed cleaning of the engine bay to remove any build-up of flammable material,” said Aussie Pumps’ Product Manager, Brad Farrugia. “We are also hearing from farmers who set up a fire pump on a water cart to shadow the combine as a precaution against accidental fires.” Aussie Pumps has worked with farmers to develop pumps capable of providing real protection. “There is no point in having a 10,000 litre capacity water cart if the pump isn’t big enough to use that capacity effectively,” said Mr Farrugia. The Aussie Mr T 2”x2” twin impeller pump comes with a genuine Honda 9hp or 13hp petrol engine. The pump is matched with the engine’s capability, and is designed to get the most out of both pump and engine. A diesel drive version is also available with a Yanmar 10hp electric start, air cooled engine powering the big pump’s performance. Both engines offer loads of torque and allow the pump to be able to reach 95 metre head and still deliver a maximum flow up to 480 litres per minute. The Aussie Mr T is available in either 2” or 3” configuration and delivers flows in excess of 200 litres per minute at 65 metre head.

 Teaming an Aussie Mr T twin impeller pump with a water cart provides emergency fire protection during harvest.

An added bonus is the pump’s ability to draft water from creeks and dams. It has a vertical suction lift of 7.6m. A sturdy galvanised roll frame with anti-vibration mounts is supplied as standard on all configurations. “Not all twin impeller fire pumps are the same,” said Mr Farrugia. “The Aussie Mr Ts deliver their outstanding performance because they are powered by big engines with sufficient torque.” Details www.aussiepumps.com.au or Aussie Pump distributors.

Goldacres fire fighting for summer Goldacres has a range of tray mount and trailing fire fighting equipment with capacities from 450 litres to 2000 litres. The range feature translucent tanks to keep an eye on fluid levels, Aussie Pumps' quick prime fire pumps, and Honda GX200 engines with a range of fire nozzles. The 450 litre skid base fire unit measures 950mm x 950mm and fits into the tray of most utes. It comes with 20 metres of three-quarter inch fire hose and a branch nozzle, with an optional 36 metre steel reel available. There is also a 1000 litre fire skid with a full RHS raised frame it can easily forked onto a tray when the need arises. The 1000 litre skid features a tank 40

sump for complete drain and a threeway suction configuration to draw water from either the main tank or an external water source. It comes standard with a 36 metre fire reel, a high flow threequarter inch stainless steel internal shaft and heavy duty fire nozzle. If a trailing unit is more your style, the Goldacres range has two. The eco fire trailer is big on standard features at an economical price and comes in either 800 litre or 1000 litre. It comes with everything needed for road registration and has hydraulic over-run brakes and a handy lockable handbrake. Fitted with seven leaf springs and two tonne rated braked axle with16 inch

wheels and off road tyres, these units will handle the toughest of conditions. The 1000 and 1200 litre units feature hydraulic over-run brakes, with electric fitted to the 2000 litre model. The heavy duty fire package has Aussie Pumps' quick prime fire pump and the Honda engine. Details at www.goldacres.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

PUMPS Reduce harvester fire risk GRAIN GROWERS in the southern cropping region are reminded to implement strategies and take precautions to reduce the risk of fires caused by machinery this harvest. A spate of harvester fires in recent years, combined with a dry, early finish to the 2015 cropping season, has heightened concerns about the potential fire risk this year. The Grains Research and Development Corporation’s Southern Regional Panel is urging growers and harvester operators to follow current industry best practice guidelines. “A number of these fires have started in pulse crops, particularly lentils, so extra precautions should be taken when preparing to harvest these crops,” Southern Regional Panel chair Keith Pengilley said. “However, machinery failure is in many cases responsible for fires starting so it is critical that growers undertake harvester operation checks and regular maintenance leading up to and throughout harvest in an effort to reduce the risk of fire.” Kondinin Group research has revealed that on average, about 7% of harvesters per year will start a fire. In these cases, one in 10 will cause significant damage to the machine or surrounding crop. Reports indicate, based on operator experience, that harvester fires may be reduced with improved harvester hygiene, maintenance and exhaust system shielding treatments, particularly in volatile crops. “The best method of fire prevention for harvesters has been harvester hygiene, regular maintenance and vigilance,” Kondinin’s Ben White said. “And many pre-harvest preventative checks tie into what growers already do on a regular harvester maintenance basis, such as checking belts and bearings for damage. “Growers should also be checking for any electrical issues before harvest, such as making sure wiring isn’t rubbing on anything or if there are any exposed electrics which need to be insulated. “Oil seals should be inspected. A dripping line or weeping seal needs to be repaired prior to harvest, otherwise that could become a fire hazard.” According to Mr White, some growers use materials such as exhaust insulation blankets, alumina-silica materials on exhausts and turbo chargers to reduce fire risk. He said this was a good way of reducing fire ignition sources, but growers needed to be careful with the impact such insulators could have on engine and turbo operation temperatures and any warranty implications. Mr White emphasised the importance of harvester hygiene during harvest by conducting regular clean-outs and said growers should be exercising caution when harvesting leafy pulse crops, as these were renowned for dust build-up. He also stressed the importance of having properly

functioning fire extinguishers on harvesters and noted that there are some machine-mounted fire suppression options on the market. To assist growers with their fire prevention strategies, the GRDC has published a Reducing Harvester Fire Risk Back Pocket Guide. Details at www.grdc.com.au

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

PUMPS How to be prepared and stay pumped ALL THE EVIDENCE from years of accumulated knowledge about bushfire preparedness indicates the importance of having an engine powered pump for asset protection as well as post fire front management of burning fences or remnant vegetation, as well as other structures including buildings. However, it's pointless having a good pump if it won't start in an emergency, no matter how good the brand of pump if it is not maintained it will ultimately fail to start. It is important that property owners engage in simple and regular management and maintenance practices. The first thing to note is that few people are ever fully prepared for an emergency like a bushfire and the speed at which the fire front travels; consequently they often allow little time to implement an effective fire defence. Davey Water Products Market Development Manager, Ashley White, has recommendations for effective management and maintenance practices ahead of the fire season. His first recommendation is that all members of the household need to know the location, operation and fitting of attachments like inlet and outlet houses to the fire pump. It is also important to know where other protective materials like clothing and goggles are stored. A well rehearsed and documented fire plan is critical to

personal survival and a small amount of time invested in some pre-fire season training will bring an important result when a critical fire situation arrives. Secondly, it is typical to leave engines fuelled for long periods over winter and other times when the pump set is unlikely to be used. Many people fail to recognise that petrol has a limited life, losing its volatility and effectively becoming ‘stale’. Mr White says that if your pump set is fully fuelled in September by December it may not start due to the deterioration of its fuel. A simple solution is to change the fuel every two months by running the pump or draining it of fuel. Or you can add a fuel stabiliser, which will dramatically extend the life of the fuel, but it must be added when fuel is new as it will not revitalise stale fuel, so there is no value in adding it to a full or stored tank. Diesel has a longer shelf life but it generally needs to be stored at low ambient temperatures to extend the storage time. The fuel companies expect diesel fuel to have a 12 month or longer life at an ambient temperature of 20 degrees C or six months at an ambient temperature of 30 degrees C. Having clean properly stored diesel fuel, which avoids the build up of sediments and gums is a critical factor with efficient reliable operation of a small diesel engine.

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So this fire season, make sure you’re ready with the best. New 5248Y Diesel Twin Stage Firefighter® in stock NOW. For more information, please visit davey.com.au or call 1300 369 232.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

PUMPS

 Davey manufactures its Firefighter pump ends in Melbourne and fits them to petrol engines from Honda, Briggs & Stratton, and diesel engines by Yanmar.

Engine oils are another consideration and individual engine manufacturers offer their own specially branded engine oils to best suit their engines. Synthetic multi-grade engine oil is not a suitable alternative so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s engine lubrication recommendations. Running the engine regularly will ensure that oil is well distributed around the moving parts to provide best lubrication and a longer working life.

Air cleaners are another important consideration, so ensure your pump set has adequate clean air access. The air cleaner or filter needs to be checked and replaced as per the recommendation of the engine manufacturer. Keeping the engine cool also has a dramatic effect on the power it can deliver. Protecting the pump set from radiant heat in a flame proof enclosure is the ultimate solution, while adding a mist spray around the pump or its enclosure will aid cooling and humidify the air. A general maintenance regime involving regular checks will ensure that fuel lines are in good condition, the recoil starter works and a regular service schedule will pay dividends. As will time spent investigating and maintaining the water system. Leaves, debris and sticks can impede the inlet system while for permanent installations a foot valve and strainer at the end of the suction line overcomes obstructions. The system should be checked for air leaks and to ensure that all gaskets and seals are in good order Having an underground ring main installed around your property with durable hydrant or standpipe outlets can give you much greater coverage and even shorter hoses with increased resistance to ember attack. Details at www.davey.com.au

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

AUSSIE MADE TINY’s big brother CALLS FROM customers that want bigger and heavier disc ploughs has paved the way for development of Grizzly’s already large range of disc ploughs. After releasing the TINY range at last year’s AgQuip, Grizzly has continued to develop machines following requests from customers wanting bigger machines with more weight and bigger discs. Grizzly, a family owned and operated business based in Swan Hill, Victoria believes it is very important to react and develop machines for the local market and therefore the company set about designing and building machines to meet this customer demand. The newly named TINY XL was on display at AgQuip and the Dowerin field days this year and further demonstrations are underway to show what this machine can do. TINY XL has 42” (1060mm) scalloped discs, a disc spacing of close to 500mm, it weighs in at close to 20 tonne and has a working width around six metres. “This machine certainly turned some heads at AgQuip this year,” Grizzly Marketing Manager Skye Poltrock said. “You really see we have taken things to another level when you see this machine in the flesh. “We have designed and fitted an optional rear crumble roller to this machine to help achieve a finer finish in clean working conditions. In rough conditions where a lot of timber is present the rollers wouldn’t be required.” The TINY XL completes the TINY range, which now has four models, the TINY230 which is suited to general cropping

and irrigation applications and can fit up to 28” discs, and the TINY290, which is suited to larger irrigation and row crop farming as well as well as renovating or developing new country where timber is still present and it can fit 32” or 36” discs. There is also the TINY390, which is suited to deep working where maximum weight per disc is required and a mixing of the soil is of prime importance it can fit 36” discs and now there is the TINY XL460, which is suited to situations where a depth of over 300mm is required and maximum clearance is needed and weight and strength are of prime importance. All the TINY models fold to 3.5 metres for road transport and are packed with features that add ease and performance to its repertoire. For more information call Grizzly on 1800 637 250.

Leicht products tailor-made for Australia LEICHT’S Country Industries Australia (CIA) was founded in 1984 by managing director Mark Leicht, supplying general fabrication needs to the local Goombungee, Queensland community and surrounds. Last year the company celebrated 30 years in the manufacturing industry, a big achievement for a small family owned company. Mr Leicht and his family continue to own and operate the company and pride themselves on making products in Australia using predominately Australian parts. They employ a large number of local fabricators along with sales people at their workshop, which remains located in Goombungee. Over the past 30 years the company

has developed a strong reputation for products that are safe, reliable and affordable and today they are regarded as a leading manufacturer of livestock handling equipment. Leicht’s CIA offers the same specialised service to all its customers with products that are high quality and never compromise safety in any way. By engineering products with input from experienced cattlemen and women along with its own team of tradesmen they ensure all relevant standards are met as well as the needs of its clients. To add to the growing achievements the company was named ‘Best Regional Business’ at the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce 2013 Business Excellence Awards. Along with this award the company

was also recipients of the innovation award for its products and the award for manufacturing – medium sized business. Leicht’s range of products includes cattle pro-chutes both manual and hydraulic, relocatable yard equipment, loading ramps as well as hay and grain feeders. These products cover a whole gamut of needs with designs for the heavy feedlot operator through to the smaller cattle producers. Since all of the products are manufactured locally and designed inhouse, Leicht’s CIA is able to manufacture them to suit the specific needs of its customers. Details at www.leichtcia.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

AUSSIE MADE Soil renovator claims 25% yield improvements IN ITS FIRST season at Coorow, Western Australia, a new Australian-engineered heavy-duty soil renovator appears on track to deliver yield increases of up to 25%. Graingrower and grazier Clint Hunt crops more than 5000 hectares each year on his Mid-West property using no-till methods. He had been deep ripping up to 200ha (depending on summer rainfall) of the yellow sand plain country for some years, but with a chisel plough that could only work down to around 30cm (12in.). However, he suspected he was still missing out on some yield. It emerged that the sand was heavily compacted deeper in the soil profile, impeding root development. A few different trials that others had done with the new Paxton Plow showed him “… that it could be worth doing – that’s why we got one,” Mr Hunt said. Mr Hunt now works down to 45 or 50cm with a Paxton SR4 Soil Renovator, breaking up the compacted sand layer. The linkage mounted implement with 13 tines at 525mm spacings covers 6.8 metres (22ft 6in.) with each pass drawn by their 450kW (engine) Case-IH Quadtrac 600. “We got the Paxton early in May this year and it went to work on the first day,” Mr Hunt said. “It has done about 250 hectares this season. We could see the effects very early on – from around emergence onwards. “They say if you can see a visible difference in the crop then that could represent a yield increase of up to 30%. “We normally achieve about 2.0 tonnes/ha here; we’re hoping for 2.5 tonnes off the deep ripped blocks this season." Features of the Paxton Plow that Mr Hunt appreciates includes the depth adjustable tines, the heavy-duty frame, and Paxton’s hydraulically adjustable breakout capacity, plus its straight ‘noninversion’ type tine shanks that tend not to bring subsoil to the surface. Agricultural engineer Wade Smith, who developed the Paxton Plow implements, said he believed it was the only trailed model machine of its type to boast a demonstrably heavy duty 400 x 400 x 16mm RHS main beam-drawbar. The frame is 150 x 150 x 9mm RHS. He also pointed out that there is “more meat around the heel” with a unique design incorporating a full-face shin guard and inbuilt adjustment of working depth by varying shank length. “This is an innovation in hard pan or subsoil renovation,” Mr Smith said. “Every farm’s hard pan is at a different depth and every hard pan is of a different thickness. “That’s why our SR4 series has tine shanks adjustable to suit working depths up to 535mm.” The adjustable hydraulic breakout – up to 2000lbf – also holds great appeal with very few options on the market that can do that, he added. Contact Wade Smith at Paxton Plow Co on 0429 866 640.

Mr Hunt crops more than 5000 hectares a year in WA mcdougall weldments remade:Layout 1 18/05/2010 11:06 with a Paxton Soil Renovator.

For maximum ease of setting up, packing away and compact transport

Transportable Sheep Yards Manufactured by:

McDOUGALL WELDMENTS WA/SA VIC NSW McDougall Weldments CUBALLING WA 6311 Ph: 08 9883 6020 Fax: 08 9883 6126 Email: mcdweld@wn.com.au

Peter McRobert Leigh Stoddart & Co BENDIGO VIC 3554 DUNEDOO NSW 2844 Ph: 03 5442 2725 Ph: 02 6375 1342 Fax: 03 5442 2725 Fax: 02 6375 1127 Mobile: 0428 505 136 Mobile Leigh: 0429 650 210 Mobile Justin: 0427 923 522

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

AUSSIE MADE Stiff Stay Feral Fencing TWENTY KILOMETRES of Whites Rural Stiff Stay Feral Fencing will be rolled out at a sheep and cattle property near Barcaldine, Queensland as part of a new push by farmers to combat a wild dog problem that is costing producers more than $66 million annually. Whites Rural National Sales Manager Steve Vagg says baiting and trapping cannot control large numbers of pests, so graziers are looking to specialist fencing products that can keep dogs out and protect their stock. The Queensland and Federal Governments have committed $15 million to help drought-affected farmers fight feral pests through management projects such as cluster fencing. “This funding is making it more feasible for farmers to make this essential investment,” Mr Vagg said.

Stiff Stay Feral Fencing enables producers to set up exclusion barriers around their livestock. It has a hinged apron that’s designed to keep feral animals from going under the fence. The Stiff Stay range features a Stiff Stay knot to increase rigidity of the fence, and it is heavily galvanised for strength and longevity. Whites Rural, together with regionally based Frauenfelder, produce the Stiff Stay range in Albury, New South Wales. Rolls can be customised to meet producers’ specific needs including 100 metre, 250 metre and 500 metre lengths. “Because it’s made locally we can make virtually any fence designed for a grazier, whether they require extra height, extra wires or different spacing," Mr Vagg said.

LEICHT’S

Country Industries Australia

‘The Intelligent Livestock Equipment’ For all your cattle handling needs

Proudly Australian owned & made using predominantly Australian materials Visit our website today- www.leichtscia.com.au PH: 07 4696 5200 Goombungee, QLD

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

AUSSIE MADE Ronson Gears 60 years of service AUSTRALIAN gear manufacturer, Ronson Gears, is a long time provider of gears for farm machinery, and a manufacturing industry success story. This family-owned company is celebrating 60 years in business. Ronald New opened a small workshop in suburban Melbourne in 1954 and named the company Ronson – in the hope that one of his sons would carry on the business and today, brothers Gordon and Terry New agree that his foresight was, on many levels, uncanny. According to Managing Director, Gordon New, Ronald’s focus on quality and customer service earned the small company a reputation for innovation and excellence, which has continued into the present. When Gordon and Terry New took over the company’s management, they realized the importance of a global outlook – in all areas of the business and they insist that this international focus has had the most significant impact on shaping Ronson Gears’ growth ever since. It was this international outlook that led Ronson Gears to invest in state-ofthe-art equipment, which has been a cornerstone of the company’s sustained success. According to Gordon, the purchases that stand out were the Gleason 125

CNC Hobber in 1996, the first of two CNC Hofler Gear Grinders in 2002, and the Wenzel GearTec gear measuring machine in 2004. These investments gave Ronson Gears the ability to deliver standards of service not previously available in Australia. The company’s specialist manufacturing services range from CNC turning, milling, gear cutting, gear grinding, internal gear cutting, gear measuring, rack milling, bevel gear cutting, gearbox assembly and gear tool sharpening. Ronson Gears offers world-class gear grinding services from Module 1 (25DP) to Module 15 (1.7DP) up to 700mm (27.56”) in diameter. The use of CNC technology ensures higher performance and longer life from high-precision gears. The company’s Hoefler Helix 700 CNC gear grinding machines are extremely accurate, reliable and feature integrated gear inspection and automatic machine correction. These services enable to company to service a diverse range of industries from agriculture to automotive and mining. After 60 years in business Ronson Gears is still strategically planning, for its future, a succession plan sees long standing and proven key staff joining the management team to guide the company’s future direction.

Be Prepared

 Brothers, Terry and Gordon New, with father and founder of the business, Ronald New (from left to right)

 A photo from the early days

featuring Ronald (second from left)

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

IRRIGATION Hardhose irrigation versus pivot MANY BUSINESSES sacrifice true performance by thinking that one application fits all but not in Modena, Italy where they rush home from anywhere in the world for the best seasonal food. This is the home of the best hardhose irrigator.Water is precious everywhere in the world, especially in Australia’s arid climate, which is why irrigation practices have been changing and evolving. Pivots were introduced to solve irrigation challenges for large flat land areas, where one machine would stay in place and automate irrigation at a relatively low pressure. But not everything is solved with a pivot, hardhoses have their uses and are more efficient in difficult terrains such as narrow or odd shaped fields, strip irrigation, near roads, and on small to medium sized farms. Hardhoses can also complement pivots to extend their coverage. The diagram above shows land split by a road, here the task is to eliminate water spreading onto the road which is dangerous and wasteful, and eliminate the potential for large equipment to move onto the road such as large lateral irrigators. It is also important to keep the water under check so that it does not damage fences.

A hardhose can address these problems including saving water through the use of a rotor kit attached to the hardhose. The next diagram shows a rectangular area with a pivot, which can provide up to 90% efficiency, here using a hardhose together with a pivot will provide the answer. In the final diagram there are multiple plots that require irrigation with different flows and timing for each crop. Hardhose irrigation is ideal for this as it is portable and you can move it to each plot and pull out whatever length you need. There is no infrastructure or heavy lifting involved. Plus there is a computerised version that connects to your phone, as well as options using solar power and water turbines.

Irrigation is all about pressure and flow, whether you are growing crops or turf. Generally speaking pivots and laterals will be of a lower pressure and higher volume because they irrigate one area at a time. For multiple plots of different or rotating crops a hardhose is ideal. An experienced irrigator understands the criteria and how to best solve issues for small, medium and large agricultural applications. IB International has more than 30 years experience of irrigation on Australian farms and while the company does not sell pivots if that is the best solution they will direct you to a good supplier. IB only sells hardhose that has the latest and best technology available to achieve the best yields and water efficiencies. Details at www.ibinternational.com.au

Combination centre pivot and lateral move irrigation Growers have a new option to make better use of their irrigation system and land coverage with Reinke’s new Pivoting Lateral Move System designed to combine the benefits of a centre pivot with those of a lateral move irrigation system. “This new system is the longest system configuration available in the industry, offers improved machine versatility and precision controls and really allows growers to get full control of their fields,”Reinke Product Manager Cody Bailey said. The Reinke Pivoting Lateral Move System has integrated GPS guidance technology and is ideal for irregular-shaped 48

fields, allowing growers to increase irrigated acreage and put under-utilized land to work. The system can be readily programmed to perform a multitude of designs including common path configurations such as outward and inward swings (180 degrees and 90 degrees) and can be set up to autonomously move between a pivot mode and a lateral mode. Programming of the system is growerfriendly using the industry’s only Pivoting Lateral Field Designer program used through Reinke’s touch screen control panel.

The panel has been customized specifically for the Pivoting Lateral Move System allowing growers to import an image of their field to cover every available acre. With no limit on the number of possible stages to configure and with visual confirmation of what has been programmed, growers have complete control of how their system moves throughout the field. The system is now available through Reinke dealers. For more information visit www.reinke.com.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

IRRIGATION Fixing bad water simply IRON AND calcium scale with its orange or white crusty buildup happens in pipes, sprays and drip lines all around Australia and has continuously bothered Australian growers, farmers and station owners for a many years. The team Hydrosmart has its base in Adelaide SA where the company manufactures a very simple system that uses just five watts of power to electronically fix water problems. The most consistent problems faced by Australians using bores and dams are those caused by iron or calcium scale build-up in irrigation and or stock systems, or just plain salty water. Many owners with crops and stock that have run out of ‘sweet’ rain water sources are suddenly forced to use a salty, mineralised bore or dam water instead. Often they use it for a while and then begin to notice that it causes damage at the root zone. In severe cases it kills the crop and leaves soil damaged. Salty water also causes corrosion, chewing out galvenised metal pipes and fittings and making them leak. Hydrosmart provides free consultation to diagnose and find the best solution to correct the situation and uses hydro-smart technology that can be fitted in minutes and lasts for decades using only the smallest amount of power, and can be solar powered if needed. The technology is already in use on a wide range of water problems around Australia and overseas with companies such as BHP, Rio Tinto and Adelaide Zoo for water clarity/algae improvements and Table Grapes Cunnamula for salinity. A US patent is pending, and scientific papers are underway using recent trial data showing dramatic crop yield improvements in bad and good water sources. For more information call Hydrosmart on 1300138223 freecall or visit www.hydrosmart.com.au

HYDROSMART

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

ADVERTISER INDEX Airquip.......................................................................................35 www.airquippipetool.com.au

IB International.........................................................................13 www.ibinternational.com.au

Aussie Pumps..........................................................................41 www.aussiepumps.com.au

JLG............................................................................................15 www.jlg.com.au

Bare-Co...................................................................................IBC www.bareco.com.au

Leicht's......................................................................................46 www.leichtscia.com.au

Brown Brothers Engineering Pty Ltd....................................... 9 www.brownbros.com.au

Manutec....................................................................................37 www.manutec.com.au

Burder AG.................................................................................11 www.burder.com.au

Marshall Multispread................................................................. 7 www.marshallmultispread.com.au

CASE IH................................................................BACK COVER www.caseih.com

McDougall Weldments............................................................45 www.mcdougallweldments.com.au

Davey Pump.............................................................................42 www.davey.com.au

Sungold Field Days..................................................................29 www.sungoldfielddays.com.au

East Gippsland Field Days......................................................25 www.egfielddays.com.au FarmscanAG............................................................................17 www.farmscan.ag Goldacres...................................................................... IFC & 47 www.goldacres.com.au Grizzly............................................................FRONT PAGE & 33 www.grizzlyag.com.au Hydrosmart...............................................................................49 www.hydrosmart.com.au

Trail Co Irrigation......................................................................43 www.trailco.com.au TyresU.......................................................................................43 www.tyres4u.com.au Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics............................................... 5 bitly/WWLcases Wimmera Field Days...............................................................28 www.wimmeraelddays.com.au

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

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