AFDJ - November 2014

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AU ST RALASIA N FA R M E R S’ & D E A LE R S ’

RURAL machinery, implements, parts, vehicles and technology

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Work up to 340mm Deep

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From 28” to 36” Discs (42” coming soon)

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3.5mtr transport width

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Up to 8.5mtr working width

Just Released...

TINY

It’s Australian for BIG!

Free call 1800 637 250

Email sales@grizzlyag.com.au

www.grizzlyag.com.au

IT’S ALL ABOUT SERVICE!!

We do not need to stock every catalogue item in each of our eleven local warehouses We could bank millions by cutting back on these fully stocked local distributor centres

YOU KNOW WE WOULD NOT DO IT AS OUR BUSINESS IS ALL ABOUT SUPPORTING OUR AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY DEALERS!!!

JOU RNAL

Australasian Farmers’ & Dealers’ Journal

A US T R A L A S I A N FA R MER S ’ & D E A L E R S ’

Established 1984 Publisher & Manager Editor Hartley Higgins General Manager Elizabeth Bouzoudis Editorial Andrew Mole Email: edit.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Advertising Manager Sandie Velkovska Ph: (03) 9888 4822 Email: s.velkovska@ryanmediapl.com.au Production Maria Baker 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

Large tracts of agricultural Australia – from the Far North’s cattle industry to cropping the length and breadth of the nation – are doing it tough from lack of rain.

Invariably that creates a ripple effect spreading ever wider through the support industries which have grown up around farming, in particular around cropping.

While the sagging dollar will put a smile on the face of every farmer hooked up with a major export industry what the Holy Dollar giveth with one hand it taketh away with the other.

In this instance it means big ticket items right down to something as simple as the purchase of semen straws for the beef and dairy industries are going to cost big bucks.

While every 1c fall in our exchange rate with the US dollar adds tens of millions to the export bottom line it could also mean many people who may have been considering some form of major investment in their plant and machinery will now be sitting down and crunching

those numbers a lot more closely that then did when our dollar was above parity.

At this time of the year most of the field days have been run and done and we have dropped into several of them to get an update, including a good look at the winner of the prestigious Elmore Field Days Machine of the Year.

We have also dropped into South Australia where the Harrington Seed Destructor is now in commercial production, with the first of these heavy duty machines already on farms – and a lot of interest growing from overseas cropping enterprises.

With resistance now a given, not just a threat, machines such as the HSD will be expected to play a key role as the cropping industry readjusts its overall approach to resistance management.

We hope you enjoy the mix of stories in this issue.

Andrew Mole, acting editor edit.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au

Ryan Media Pty Ltd ABN 85 085 551 980 Suite 103, 486 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria 3127 Phone: (03) 9888 4822

In this issue

Fax: (03) 9888 4840

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novemBeR 2014 JOURNAL

Email: admin.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’

RURAL mAchineRy, impLements, pARts, vehicLes And technoLogy

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.

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Work up to 340mm Deep



From 28” to 36” Discs (42” coming soon)

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3.5mtr transport width

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Up to 8.5mtr working width

Features

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Just Released...

AFDJ News Feature...........................8 What's New.....................................12

TINY

It’s Australian for BIG!

Free call 1800 637 250

Email sales@grizzlyag.com.au

www.grizzlyag.com.au

This issue’s cover: Grizly Ag

AFDJ Ag Contracting......................14

Regulars

Tyres................................................40

News......................................8

Fire Prevention................................46

Field Day reports..................28 My View................................36 Law Review..........................38 Rural Finance.......................48

Advertiser Index..............................50

News Research to help prevent quad bike accidents UNIVERSITY of Adelaide researchers are investigating the causes of quad bike accidents on farms to help reduce growing numbers of fatalities and serious injuries to agricultural workers and other users.

Commissioned by SafeWork SA, the University’s Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR) is starting an 18-month project by looking for quad bike users in agricultural industries to take part in their research.

Last year across Australia there were 21 deaths and at least 78 serious injuries related to quad bike use.

“Quad bikes are important to many agricultural industries but the number of serious accidents is likely to keep rising – largely because of their increased popularity,” project manager Dr Lisa Wundersitz, CASR Research Fellow, said.

“We want to talk to agricultural workers to find out how they use quad bikes: what activities they use them for and what’s involved; whether they attach other equipment to their quads; whether they

wear helmets; and what experiences they have had with their quads.

“We want to speak with people who have had accidents or near-misses, and those who haven’t.

“Where possible, we would also like to inspect the bike and terrain. We want to understand the specific environments in which quad bikes are being used.”

The research will involve face-to-face interviews with quad bike users (not necessarily the owners) from agricultural industries who are over 16-years-old.

Data from hospital admissions, Coroners’ files and WorkCover will also be used.

“We aim to complete a detailed analysis of the causes and circumstances around quad bike incidents and make recommendations that will help agricultural workers use their bikes in a safe manner,” Dr Wundersitz said.

“We’ll be suggesting solutions to issues we identify from our research – perhaps behaviours that need changing or engineering measures that can be

introduced to reduce the risk to users.”

Quad bike users in South Australia interested in participating in the study or just wanting further information about the study should contact CASR on 1800 043678 or casr@adelaide.edu.au.

Note: a filming/photo opportunity is available with the researcher at the University’s North Terrace campus at 11am, and then at 1pm on a working cattle property at Mylor, Adelaide Hills.

Contact: Robyn Mills.

P: 61 8 8313 6341 M: 61 410 689 084 E: robyn.mills@adelaide.edu.au

TMHA announces senior management appointments TOYOTA Material Handling Australia (TMHA) has announced two senior management promotions.

Cameron Paxton, formerly Australian branch operations general manager has assumed the position of sales general manager reporting to TMHA executive vice president and chief operating officer Steve Takacs.

The new position, effective from October 1, has overall accountability for policy and procedure to achieve new equipment market share, volume and profit targets.

Paxton served in his previous role since October 2012, where he has assisted in creating a true 'one company' national platform and driven overall company branch performance in difficult market 4

and economic conditions, including the establishment of five new branches.

Roy Norris, formerly Melbourne branch manager, will relocate to TMHA's Moorebank headquarters in Sydney to take over branch operations general manager, also effective as of October 1.

Norris joined TMHA in August 2012.

His new position carries overall responsibility for national branch operational results, including work health safety and environment, compliance, and all branch operational KPIs. All TMHA branch managers will report directly to Norris in this new position.

For more information call Toyota Material Handling on 1800 425 438 or visit toyotamaterialhandling.com.au.

 Cameron Paxton took on the new

position of TMHA Australian sales general manager at the start of last month.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

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AFDJ news feature Sorting out the wheat from the chaff THE Nitschke family in South Australia simply couldn’t give a fig about sorting the wheat from the chaff.

Because for the past century the chaff, to them, has been far more valuable.

In that decidedly Germanic tradition of South Australia’s Barossa Valley Frederick Wilhelm Nitschke bought himself a small 100ha block in 1912.

But with his new Greenock farm came a chaff mill, rather than the de rigueur grapevines, and a family business was born.

Mind you, Herr Nitschke would be hard put recognising the old operation today.

When he started out, his chaff was only good for customers within reach of a horse and dray.

And he had men hacking a swathe through the fields with good old Sunshine binders cutting sheaves which were hand stacked into stooks and left for weeks to be sun dried (or longer depending on rain).

Circa 2014 Nitschke chaff goes all over the country – and Asia. And almost exclusively for the horse racing industry.

A delivery service which has been fasttracked by the installation of a US-made state-of-the-art robotic packing machine.

Matthew Nitschke, who now runs the family business, says the new machine cut out two jobs, but those employees couldn’t wait for the day.

HIs mother and father, he says, had had enough and were more than happy to be replaced by a robot – or anyone else who wanted to take on the role.

“Mum’s 68 and Dad’s 73 now, and he has been working in the business most of his life,” Nitschke says.

“But they needn’t think they are getting right out of it, I am sure I will still need them from time to time,” he says. “To find parts or run fuel around. There is always something to be done and never enough people to do it.”

Incredibly, old Frederick Nitschke’s battery of Sunshine binders from more than 100 years ago, proved longer living than him.

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 Part of the Nitschke fleet for getting their sought-after chaff product around the country.

Much longer.

As hi-tech as the business is today, Nitschke admits the binders were only mothballed in 2000 after it became too hard to find staff to run them. The wineries pay more and the work is not as demanding, or dusty.

He says there are “still eight or nine” Sunshine binders kicking around the farm even though today’s hay is cut with a windrower to ensure it is cut straight.

“I can’t say too much, it is a bit like Colonel Sanders and his secret herbs and spices,” Nitschke says.

“But if you keep the stalk straight going into the cutter you produce a more consistent size,” he says.

“Protein is not an issue with chaff; it is only around 6-7 per cent, because people see this more as a filler than a protein feed.

“Grains can be a bit heavy, especially for horses, which are our primary market, so our chaff provides them with good roughage and stops them feeling hungry.”

Moisture is maintained at around 14-16 per cent after being super steamed at 200C which Nitschke says “toughens it up” so stalks are not brittle and don’t smash in the cutter.

He says the big advantage of the robotic system is its precise plastic-wrap baling – 585mm x 390mm and 345mm high.

But the new technology was not without its teething problems. The plastic wrap caused a lot of sweating issues.

“Particularly when we might have been wrapping on a 12C day in SA and then delivering to Darwin and 90 per cent humidity or Malaysia, Singapore and Macau where we had the same problem,” he says.

“We solved it by perforating the wrap to create breathing holes.

“The big advantage of the new system is the consistency which increased the volume we could deliver by truck or shipping container.

“Much better than the old nylon bag system although some of our more traditional customers still ask for those.”

But when your own fleet of trucks is heading to places as far flung as Cairns, Darwin and the Atherton Tableland every other week, every cubic centimetre of space counts.

Particularly when your customers include the likes of John Singleton and the Magic Millions in Brisbane.

“With the new system I get 42 cubes to the pallet, and at 40 pallets to the tonne we should get 22 tonnes on the truck,” Matthew says.

“This kind of production will also let us go after new markets because we

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

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will be able to work more successfully with commercial transporters if we can guarantee and size and weight for every trip,” he says.

“We sell to every mainland state except WA – nothing gets in there although they are happy to sell to the rest of the country.

“Our chaff also goes to Asia and we are targeting more markets there with big horse racing industries, such as Hong Kong.”

The South Australian chaff industry has had to be innovative and mobile because Matthew says local demand has been steadily drying up in tandem with falling numbers of race meetings.

He said the SA Jockey Club seemed to be pursuing a policy of closing down country meetings in favour of city tracks.

“What it has done is really hurt some small economies all over the place,” he says. “When I first got into the business there used to be meetings at Port Augusta ever fortnight and today I think they hold one a year.

“We used to deliver 400 bags of chaff there every two weeks and now we are lucky if it is 20.

“As more and more trainers – gallops and harness – moved east we followed them.”

 The Nitschke family - Matt (young) and parents Malcolm and Janet in front of some of their export-bound chaff.

The Nitschke farm has expanded to 400ha, all cropped to wheat and oats, and they also contract neighbours to grow hay, which they then harvest.

Producing up to 3000 tonnes a year they gave the business a boost by introducing their own trucks in the mid ‘90s.

That also gave them added scope for a little extra cash flow. As well as chaff they also cart grapes, onions, salt and stock feed.

With set runs covering thousands of kilometres, and trucks running around the clock to get from point A to B and

back for the next load it is continuous production and delivery.

Mum (Janet) and dad (Malcolm) might be trying to clock off but with the plans Matthew has on the boil they might be hanging onto their timesheets for a couple of years just yet.

Contact: Matt Nitschke Nitschke Chaff - Greenock, SA P: (08) 8562 8179 M: 0407 392 582 E: mattnitschke73@hotmail.com

Silvan’s legendary pioneer Alan McKirdy dies Alan McKirdy, one of the giants of the Australian farm machinery industry in both an activity and figural sense, has recently died.

Alan, whose family hailed from Silvan in Victoria, worked first as a mechanic at Silvan Motors and later joined Rural Tractors in the Yarra Valley and Alexandra.

He also worked for a time in Papua New Guinea and visited Asia, Europe and the US to study the emerging developments in farm machinery.

Alan then joined FIAT Tractors in a senior sales capacity and it was during this time he stopped by the Silvan display at the Wandin Field Days.

Never short of an opinion; he remarked to Silvan’s founder Michael Tricarico “nice sprayer” before offering a less-thancomplimentary aside on the welding.

Michael challenged him to show how 8

to do it better; a challenge Alan couldn’t resist.

So he joined Silvan Australia in 1977 in the role of national sales manager and moved to the position of general manager before his retirement in 1997.

He set about ensuring Silvan developed a national network of dealers and distributors at the front end and introduced new manufacturing standards at the back end of the company to ensure product quality.

While Alan was Silvan’s general manager he became interested in the Tractor & Machinery Association (TMA), with Silvan pioneering for the wider industry when it joined as an importer/ manufacturer – one of the first ‘non tractor company members’.

Alan joined the TMA in 1977 and rose to chairman in 1997, a position he held for two years.

He was the first chairman from a spraying company to hold the position and embarked on a strategy to work with the Australian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Association to form a comprehensive representation of the farm mechanisation industry.

In a tribute Michael Tricarico, founder of Silvan Australia said: “Alan played a pivotal role in building the Silvan Australia business to what it is today”.

“Alan was a strong mentor to those he worked with and continued to be in contact with many past and present staff of Silvan Australia and other colleagues he developed in agriculture, and the horticultural and viticultural sectors,” he said.

He is survived by his wife Maryann, children Ben, Nick and Anna.

For more information: Michael Tricarico Senior – Silvan Australia 1300 745 826.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

www.kuhn.com.au KUHN provides benefits for maximum gain and profitability of your machine. Our support makes the difference. Receive advice and technical support from our trained partners and in field technical support team throughout the season. Helping you when it matters.

KUHN SPARE PARTS Go for the genuine! KUHN’s own foundries and forge as well as a high-level manufacturing process allow us to produce spare parts to rival time. You can truly rely on our know-how and our genuine parts.

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Farmall C offers mid-size magic GET more done every day, with the newest Farmall tractor Case IH Farmall C offers performance, productivity and comfort The Farmall C, Case IH’s newest midsize tractor, reliably and cost-effectively delivers the power and performance Australian farmers expect, with a superior interior environment.

The well known Farmall name represents a powerhouse that meets the demand for rugged equipment that gets those day-to-day jobs done – from the feedlot to the pasture – while being comfortable and easy-to-operate.

“It’s a versatile model ready to meet any challenge – whether you are mixing feed or baling hay,” Case IH product manager (tractors) Peter Elias said.

He addedthe new Farmall C range provides three options to choose from: Farmall 95C with 82 PTO HP Farmall 105C with 91 PTO HP Farmall 115C with 96 PTO HP CLEAN DIESEL POWER Tough at heart with updated cleandiesel technology, the new Farmall C models use Case IH FPT Industrial 4-cylinder 3.4-L turbocharged and intercooled engines. Precise electronic fuel metering and electronic highpressure fuel injection improves efficiency, extends engine life and improves cold-engine starting.

Most importantly, it provides efficient power.

“This unique fuel injection system provides greater fuel savings, even with higher horsepower levels,” he said.

COMFORTABLE AND PRODUCTIVE The newly designed Farmall cab goes a step above the rest to make the operator’s day better and more productive, with user-friendly features such as a power clutch for easy shifting, and advanced internal control ergonomics that include easy-to-read instrument data within the steering column and more accessible remote valves.

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Greater fuel savings with higher horsepower, combined with a redesigned operator environment make the new Farmall C a reliable and cost-effective tractor.

It also offers unmatched loader visibility, thanks to the standard high-visitiliby roof panel, and the new climate control system revolutionises in-cab comfort with 10 adjustable vents providing superior control during long days that are hot, cold or dusty.

VERSATILE VALUE Owners can configure their Farmall according to their unique needs, with a choice of Vision Lift or Prime Lift loaders, and the option of ROPS or cab configuration.

It’s a reliable, cost-effective utility tractor that can get it all done.

Additionally, complementing the Farmall 95C, 105C and the 115C, a Farmall 75C is available, offering all the features customers have come to expect from Case IH’s Farmall range whilst being designed for lighter operations.

“The new Farmall C tractors are your powerful, tough, versatile and comfortable companions ready to handle any chore – all day long,” Elias said.

“These tractors truly raise the bar.”

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

NEWS Merlo appoints McIntosh & Son as its dealers in WA and QLD Merlo telehandlers in front of the McIntosh & Son dealership in Perth ITALIAN telehandler manufacturer Merlo has appointed McIntosh & Son, a leading Australian machinery dealership, as dealers.

The company said it had appointed the McIntosh & Son branch in Dalby, Queensland and its West Australian branches in Perth, Geraldton, Kulin and Wongan Hills to its dealer network, bringing together two companies with more than 110 years of combined industry experience.

McIntosh & Son director Stuart McIntosh said his team was pleased Merlo telehandlers would complement its strong product offering and offer a wider range of choice for customers.

“Merlo telehandlers have a solid reputation

in the industry as advanced and reliable machines,” McIntosh said.

“For customers who require multi-purpose machinery, the versatility of Merlo offers the ideal solution,” he said.

Merlo general manager Wayne Munce said Merlo was proud to be partnered with an Australian family-owned company.

“McIntosh & Son is an Australian industry leader and we are proud to welcome them to our dealer network,” he said.

“Merlo is dedicated to a strong dealer support infrastructure with an emphasis on the customer.

“We are confident the appointment of McIntosh & Son will only strengthen the Merlo network.”

Established in 1955, McIntosh & Son specialises in agricultural and construction equipment sales, service, parts and finance.

In addition to the branches added to the Merlo dealer network, McIntosh & Son also has branches in Albany, Katanning, and Moora in Western Australia.

Contact: Wayne Munce M: 0419-013-182 E: wmunce@merloaustralia.com.au

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T250-2 up to 400m run, 63 - 76mm hose.

T300-2 up to 400m run, 76 - 89mm hose.

T300 TURBO up to 400m run, 76 - 89mm hose.

T400 up to 400m run, 89 - 114mm hose.

T400-2 up to 600m run, 89 - 114mm hose.

T450-2 up to 600m run, 89 - 114mm hose.

T300 TURBO T400 TURBO up to 600m run, 89 - 114mm hose.

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TP110 TURBO up to 394m run, 110 - 125mm hose.

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NOVEMBER 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

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WHAT'S NEW Versatility for the small grain-seeding enterprise Weather and agronomic conditions can change quickly in small-grain production, requiring a seeding solution that can stand up to the challenges.

The 1910 Air Cart from John Deere delivers this versatility to all types of producers, regardless of the crop, fertiliser applied, topography, working capacity or number of hectares to be seeded.

“New, as optional equipment for 2015, the 1910 Air Cart is available with SectionCommand technology,” says John Deere Seeding product manager Ryan Jardon.

“This technology will save growers time and input costs, while promoting increased yields and reduced harvest losses,” he said.

“Our results show customers can save as much as 6 per cent on seed and fertiliser costs each year.”

SectionCommand, the sectional control technology for the 1910 carts, reduces seed and fertiliser input costs by minimising overlaps and skips (the exact amount of savings depends on field shape, field size and setup of section control software).

It is just one of many features designed to meet the changing needs of small-grain producers.

Ten different air cart models and configurations, with either two or three tanks and total capacities ranging from (8800L to 19,380 L), are available.

Fertiliser can be applied through the same shoot as the seed or separately.

Liquid centre tanks are available on the 11,980L or 15,150L tank models.

Tanks are a semi- translucent plastic, making them light weight and corrosion resistant.

The tow-behind sizes are: • 3-tank 2642, 1938, and 4228 litres • 2-tank 4228 and 5285 litres • 3-tank 4228, 2466 and 5285 litres • 2-tank 5285 and 7047 litres • 3-tank 5285, 2819 and 7047 litres • 3-tank 7047, 5285 and 7047 litres • The tow-between options are: 12

 John Deere 1910 Air Cart increases small-grain seeding flexibility – 10 capacity options and SectionCommand technology help reduce time and costs.

• 3-tank 2642, 1938 and 4228 litres • 2-tank 4228 and 5285 litres • 2-tank 5285 and 7047 litres • 3-tank 5285, 2819 and 7047 litres Meter cartridges are easily interchangeable and can be utilised with a wide range of crops and rates.

Each model features hydraulic meter drive, which reduces calibration effort.

The instantaneous variable-rate feature means growers can quickly adjust rates when desired or when directed by variablerate software.

New for 2015, carts now have a wirelessly controlled hydraulic conveyance system for easy manoeuvring of the seed during fill and unload. Customers have the option to choose between an auger or conveyor system.

A wide range of front and rear tire options are available to maximise flotation and performance. The 1910 Air Cart from John Deere is available in Australia and New Zealand to order today.

For more information about seeding more efficiently with the 1910 Air Cart, visit our website or FREECALL 1800 800 981 for Australia or 0800 303 100 for New Zealand to contact your local John Deere dealer.

 John Deere offers 10 different air cart models and configurations with total seed tank capacities ranging from 8800L to 19,380L.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

WHAT'S NEW New Marshall multi-spread products for the new year In the past 30 years the design of the Marshall Multispread has undergone continual improvement to keep pace with the changing requirements of Australian farmers.

Right now the most popular Multispread model is the 912T, with nominal capacity of 12 tonnes.

It features the low friction 900 series endless belt feed system which has a proven track record of low maintenance and long service life.

The 912T comes standard with 23.1x26 14 ply tyres and twin hydraulic spinner drive.

For the 2015 season the 12T model will feature a single piece hopper design, eliminating the need for a hopper extension to achieve the larger

carrying capacity.

The single piece hopper design makes the spreader easier to load and also minimises corrosion around the top of the bin.

Roesner’s engineering team continues to refine the accuracy and width of the Multispread spread pattern.

Recent design improvements to the Type D spinner system increase the overall width and evenness of the spread with widths of up to 36m for granulated fertilisers and 16m for lime and gypsum achievable with optimum wind conditions and fertiliser consistency.

The Marshall Multispread range is available with a hydraulic feed belt drive to interface with the major variable rate control system brands.

The feed belt drive precisely controls the flow of fertiliser to the spinners to ensure responsive change in application rate as the spreader travels over the field.

For spreaders without VRT capabilities, spinner tachometers and load-cells are used to monitor the spreader’s operation.

A spinner tacho is provided as standard equipment across the Marshall Multispread range to provide RPM readout in the cab.

Alarms can be set to alert the operator if the spinner speed is outside the optimum operating range.

Load-cell weighing systems are offered as optional equipment to accurately measure the amount of fertiliser applied.

For more information on the Marshall Multispread range visit www. marshallmultispread.com.au

NOVEMBER 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

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AFDJ Ag Contracting Cotton gets earthmoving for Hay growth Mark Anderson and his Andearth Pty Ltd irrigation development and earthmoving contracting business based in Hay has purchased an O’Bryan Farmer 4.3m working width carry grade scraper together with a Case 535 articulated tractor to meet the demands of farmers and corporate groups as cotton growing in the southern Riverina expands quickly.

 Mark Anderson with his O'Bryan Farmer in Hay. He values its simple yet robust design.

THE growth of Australia’s cotton growing and ginning industry is currently on a path southwards from its traditional established production areas in the Namoi and Gwydir Valleys of northern NSW. With a major investment expected to top $30 million Auscott Limited is currently building a new gin in Hay in the southern Riverina ready for the coming summer cotton harvest.

With the acreage in the southern Riverina being planted to cotton expanding rapidly local contractors like the Hay based land levelling and irrigation development contractor Andearth Pty Ltd owned

by Mark Anderson are increasing their equipment fleets to meet the demand from both individual and corporate farms.

Mark Anderson has recently purchased an O’Bryan Farmer 4.3m working width carry-grade scraper manufactured in Swan Hill by Murray Valley Lasers.

Mark says his purchase decision came after 14

either using or evaluating a number of different types of land-levelling machinery.

He says his Andearth Pty Ltd earthmoving and contracting business works within a 300km radius of Hay and he is often working on flood irrigation development projects around Hillston and Griffith as the investment in cotton growing increases.

“The O’Bryan Farmer carry grade scraper in my assessment provides the best value for money in addition to its ability to handle the soil types and the relatively large projects I am involved in as a development contractor” Anderson said.

He also chose two options with his O’Bryan machine.

These is an automatic greasing system to ensure all working points are adequately maintained Anderson also added a set of rear mounted rippers which are slightly wider than the 4.3 metre working width of the Farmer model.

He has matched his purchase to a Case 535 Articulated tractor but he sometimes thinks he may have been too generous with the horsepower.

After working the combination for several months Anderson thinks he could have chosen a smaller horsepower 4WD tractor.

Murray Valley Lasers principal Colin O’Bryan fitted the scraper with a Trimble Field Level 11 land levelling system and a Trimble Auto Pilot GPS steering system which provides highly accurate positioning and grade control as the equipment combination works across the paddock.

“This equipment combination also enables working in dusty or fog conditions for maximum utilisation,” O’Bryan said.

“Together with the scraper fitted with our new fast trim design enables finishing the final grade at a faster travel speed across the paddock making it very accurate ready for watering and planting,” he said.

“With its simple yet robust design, the O’Bryan Farmer model with its ejector door can work with wetter soils than other land levelling options, providing more up time for contractors in particular.”

Mark Anderson said it was clear with a major cotton gin operating in Hay the future for cotton growing right down to the Murray was looking extremely promising.

“Growers are seeking out of the right varieties for the area and increasing their agronomic inputs as their knowledge increases so I can see a big future for cotton growing in this region of NSW,” he said.

Contact: Mark Anderson P: 0428 696 291 Colin O’Bryan P: 03 5032 9555

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

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AFDJ Ag Contracting GPS, autosteer aid 1000ha/day urea spreading potential David Palmer takes a close look at the power of autosteer and global satellite technology when it comes to getting into, and out of, the paddock as effectively and as quickly as you can WHEN the AFMDJ called on Chemspread Engineering’s Rick Button he was due the following week to dispatch two spreaders and a loader about 300km north to spread urea over 4000ha of wheat and canola.

Chemspread is both a spreader manufacturer and as Benalla Bulk Fertilisers, a contractor based at Violet Town between Benalla and Euroa in Victoria’s North East.

Third generation contractor Button said they anticipated the job, between Narrandera and Barellan in the Riverina, would take just five days spreading at 30km/hr and at a rate of 80kg/ha.

But it will be an around the clock operation, made possible by employing family members as drivers and using commercially available spreaders Chemspread makes at Violet Town.

Accurate and sophisticated GPS guidance equipment in each cab will complete the picture.

Button said an 8am to 5pm day was normal from home base.

“But I’ve always been very strong on getting the job done and getting home again when we have to go some distance; the farmers like that too,” he said.

Although the Buttons have a substantial local spreading business any work they do out of the immediate district is to help other contractors when they are snowed under.

It is very much a family business with Rick Button’s younger brother Chris the skilled welder of 3mm thick 304 stainless steel on spreader bins using that material.

The only thing which corrodes a stainless steel spreader is copper, he said.

Chris also does all electronic installation work to ensure Topcon GPS and autosteer systems work properly in controlling spreaders.

So making and marketing spreaders 16

 This GVM spreader operated by Benalla Bulk Fertilisers is one of only four in Australia and has accumulated nearly 10,000 hours.

and marketing Topcon GPS guidance equipment is their main business.

Button said: “We have spreaders all over the country from Hobart to Atherton in far north Queensland and from Bairnsdale to Geraldton, Western Australia in the other direction”.

In the early 1980s when Button’s father Darren was a spreading contractor, he couldn’t get spreader manufacturers to produce reliable computer controlled spreaders.

Computer control was in its infancy but with the help of a man from Sydney, they started repairing existing spreaders and making them more accurate.

But almost before they knew it the Buttons had started building spreaders to make them more computer controllable.

They have been in their current Violet Town factory opposite the railway station since 1993 and right across the road from where a freight train on the wrong track, derailed the Sydney to Melbourne Southern Aurora in 1969 killing nine people.

Button now 28 said when he started driving spreaders at 16 foam markers provided a semblance of accuracy in avoiding overlaps or missed areas.

“We used to put pieces of tape on the cab window which we’d line up with the foam,” he said.

He said there was a paddock near Mansfield which his grandfather Rex Button had determined was 149ha when he decades ago spread fertiliser on it as a contractor.

“Recently when I went back with a GPS controlled machine I was one hectare out from what he made it.

“So he either got overlap in some places and made it up elsewhere, or he was not too bad at it after 50 years on the job”.

Chemspread have had Topcon GPS

 Rick Button in the cab of his

GVM based fertiliser spreader. The machine has a Topcon X20 GPS guidance unit connected to the spreader and a Topcon autosteer steering wheel in the foreground.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

guidance systems in their spreaders for 12 years and have seen their functionality improve and the price drop significantly in that time.

Button said the first Topcon his father bought in 2002 cost $28,000 and had no spreader controller or autosteer functions; now a Topcon X20 GPS with those functions costs about $18,000.

He said the major benefit of autosteer was that operators could concentrate for much longer.

“Before autosteer we’d go and do 100t of lime in a day.

“Now in the same time, because of greatly reduce driver fatigue - you are not concentrating on where you’re going - you can do 300 and sometimes 400t”.

He said they had been fitting autosteer into their spreaders for four or five years although their own JCB Fastrac spreader has had autosteer for only two years.

In that time it has staked only one $1800 radial tractor tyre compared with two to three a year before that, simply because Button said, with autosteer drivers “can watch what’s going on around them more”.

One of their oldest spreader power units is a 10,000 hour, 15 year old American made GVM fitted with a Chemspread spreader.

It has had four or five different GPS units fitted to it and currently operates a Topcon X20 controller and Topcon autosteer unit.

Originally it had a Leica Geosystems Rinex controller fitted.

But Button said after a while Leica got a bit carried away with the complexity of it: “it wasn’t as simple as it had been”.

Formerly set up on 85cm wide turf tyres for flotation the GVM now has tractor tyres for better traction.

Button said it had a better turning circle than the JCB. Last year I did a variable rate job in places

• Scale • Salinity • Iron 20 mm to 300 mm

Before

we didn’t spread the paddock but in others we were spreading 3t/ha of lime at Temora father and father-in-law Rob Vance drive spreaders.

 A JCB Fastrac tractor forms

the base for a stainless steel Chemspread spreader the firm uses for its own spreading operations.

Chris Button welds the difficult to handle steel as well as installing electronics on all its spreaders.

Growth enhancement

1300 138 223 www.hydrosmart.com.au NOVEMBER 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

After 17

NEWS Changing of guard at Kuhn MICHEL Siebert, president of Kuhn Group, stepped down from his operational duties at the end of September.

This management change has now become effective and Thierry Krier has officially succeeded him as president and CEO of Kuhn Group, which became effective on October 1.

To ensure continuity Siebert has remained chairman of the Kuhn SA, Kuhn-Audureau and Kuhn-Huard companies, and has accepted to conduct certain nonoperational missions for some time for the Group.

Siebert has served Kuhn for more than 35 years. He was appointed president of Kuhn Group in 1999.

Under his leadership, Kuhn developed from a successful French company to a globally thriving enterprise employing more than 5000 and operating 12 production sites in Europe, in North and South America, as well as 11 marketing and distribution companies located on all five continents.

In 2013 Kuhn Group’s revenues exceeded 1 billion euros, with a high level of profitability.

Thierry Krier started with Kuhn Group

in 1990. He has spent the past 20 years as president and CEO of the Kuhn companies in North America, and has played a key role in Kuhn’s development on this continent in part thanks to the successful acquisitions of the companies Knight in 2002 and Krause in 2011.

Today, Kuhn generates close to 30 per cent of its sales in North America. Thierry Krier is an internationally experienced internal successor.

Contact: Jean-Christophe Haas P: 33 (0) 3 88 01 81 32 E: jean-christophe.haas@Kuhn.com

Seamless installation of Lely robots in Wakool Wakool, southern NSW, is the location of a Lely Astronaut A4 robotic milking system which has now been in operation for four weeks.

Wayne and Rhonda Somerville bought the property in 2013 and after various considerations for the farm decided to install Lely Astronaut A4 robots.

The Somervilles are not new to transforming the business of dairying; they are the proud owners of seven farms across three states and process their own milk, Jonesy’s Dairy Fresh, from their herd of over 2000 cows.

Jonesy’s milk is sold independently around Victoria and is the only company exporting fresh milk to China.

When the Somervilles bought the farm, which now contains six Lely robots, there was an old rotary shed which hadn’t been in operation for a few years.

After looking at the costs of installing a new rotary system, Wayne decided to pursue the idea of robotic milking, a concept he had been thinking about for a few years.

“We chose Lely as we knew they had been around for a while and had a better track record. The back-up and service they provide is also excellent,” he said.

The cows have collars on them which feed 18

information through to the Lely T4C management system, allowing farmers to keep track of the cow’s health, feed intake and milk production. Wayne adds “the collars also identify when the cows are on heat, so our conception rates will improve as well as information gathering”.

“We milk 2000 cows over different farms and know quality staff can be an issue. It is very hard to find staff that are switched on, especially in heat detection and mastitis, and the robots solved both the issues of a new plant and limited staff available,” Somerville said.

“We are fairly impressed with the support through the installation and how quickly the cows adapted in a short amount of time.”

Somerville cannot speak highly enough of the support he has received from his local Lely Centre – Cohuna Riverland Milk & Trading, and Lely Australia.

“We have had an experienced person in robotic milking to help us in the transition from conventional to robotic milking on farm, and also a grazing specialist, which have been great,” he said.

“I definitely believe this is the reason the cows have settled in so quickly. They have lost their unhappy demeanour, they take their time, and I have definitely noticed an

improvement in them.”

The Somerville’s farm was the first installation for Lely Centre Cohuna, a journey in which Garner Smith, the manager, was keen to be involved.

“Lely is the leaders in the robotic milking field and I wanted to be a part of that,” Smith said.

“We are just as committed to making it work and our team approach has made this installation a very successful one which has run smoothly with no call outs to date.”

Farmers face a much lighter workload with a Lely Astronaut system and can choose when they want to be in the shed.

Not only does the Astronaut A4 clean out the milk lines and the robots three times a day, it automatically washes the vat after the milk is removed.

“It is a strange concept knocking off for dinner and leaving the cows to their own devices, but it means you can spend more time managing the farm from the information gathered rather than in the shed.”

The Somervilles are so impressed by this installation they are now looking into installing Lely robots onto another one of their farms.

Contact: Mark Smyth P: 1300 946 306

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

94

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Robotic milking system installed at Dookie THE University of Melbourne is helping to showcase the dairy industry’s cutting-edge technology by installing a Lely robotic milking system at its Dookie campus.

The new robotic dairy opened earlier this year but the farm itself was originally set up to be an experimental farm in 1886.

W & P Pumps and Dairy Services in Kyabram, the local Lely Center, has installed three Lely Astronaut A4 robots on the Dookie farm.

This illustrates the university taking great steps to advance the agricultural industry, knowing robotic milking is a strong part of the future in Australia.

The Lely Astronaut robotic milking system allows dairy farmers to manage many factors in large herds on an individual cow basis in a way that mcdougall weldments remade:Layout 1

cannot be done with a conventionally milked herd.

It features a state-of-the-art cow monitoring system, meaning you can monitor your cow and herd performance, act directly and improve your farm results significantly.

Dookie Campus farms manager Bill O’Connor said “they [the cows] weren’t too bad to teach, about 2-3 days for the average cow.”

The cow is able to decide when she eats, gets milked, or lies down, thereby improving its wellbeing.

Dookie now records cell count levels of 60,000, which is fantastic for a transitional herd.

The cows are free to return to the shed at any time and be milked with the system feed driven and voluntary, therefore removing cow stress.

18/05/2010

The Lely T4C management system is vital to Dookie farms as they use all the data for research and production.

“They milk per quarter and we get the information out per quarter, the machine also weighs the cow every milking. There is a lot of technology in this system, it’s fantastic,” he said.

“The computer tells you if a cow hasn’t presented at the dairy for 12 hours so you can go and see what is happening.”

In turn, farmers face a much lighter workload and can choose when they want to be in the shed.

Not only does Astronaut A4 automate milking, it automatically cleans out the milk lines and the robots three times a day, and automatically washes the vat after the milk is removed.

Contact: Mark Smyth P: 1300 946 306

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NOVEMBER 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

21

Story of destruction – that’s paying dividends Andrew Mole talks to the brains behind the Harrington Seed Destructor and gets an update on its progress from the people who have been licensed to turn this industry investment into a proven performer for the grains industry Harrington Seed Destructor

• Destroys at least 95 per cent of annual weed seeds during harvest.

• Even spread of all organic matter over the harvest site.

• No stratification of organic matter.

• No removal of organic residues.

• Dual trash spinners capable of up to 12 metre spread.

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 The Harrington Seed Destructor doing what it does best. It is an invention which may prove pivotal in an era of growing herbicide resistance.

WEED control without massive chemical programs is not just the Holy Grail of Australian – and world – farming it is becoming absolutely essential.

Australian grain growers already spend more than $1 billion every year on herbicides. But rapidly increasing rates of resistance to mainstream chemical groups have weeds on the verge of winning the war in cropping paddocks.

Except for the invention of the Harrington Seed Destructor – a machine which is delivering astonishing results in killing weeds before they can germinate.

The brainchild of Western Australian farmer Ray Harrington, its prototype has been with a South Australian engineering firm for the past three years and is now moving towards national distribution.

Towed behind a harvester like a chaff cart, it crushes and destroys at least 95 per cent of weed seeds which exit the header in the chaff, reducing their emergence.

De Bruin Engineering sales manager Bevan Wilson says today’s Harrington Seed Destructor (HSD) bears little resemblance to its creator’s brainchild.

Wilson says Mt Gambier-based De Bruin won the contract to commercially develop the HSD and that was a lot tougher than 22

it sounded.

“It took the first year just to get the machine ready for production,” Wilson says.

“We haven’t just tweaked it, we have taken the concept and really turned it into a functioning commercial unit,” he says.

“That meant our engineers first working with Ray Harrington and then with farmers using our first models to get irreplaceable hands-on feedback.

“The machine we have today – from its new hydraulic system to its specific interface so it will function with any harvester – is almost unrecognisable from the design we initially received.”

SPREADING SUCCESS STORY The HSD might have been a Western Australian idea but it is now a South Australian success story.

“Even Ray Harrington has looked at it and says it is so much better than the one he had put together in his backyard.”

Harrington has been out of the loop for a couple of years now as the project, with its injection of seed capital from the Grains and Research Development Corporation (GRDC), has moved to a new level.

Wilson says the HSD is now a truly commercial enterprise on the cusp of stepping up production from the five which have been released to 10 or more a year.

In 2014-15 it is expected to contribute $1 million in revenue and then double that the following year.

Wilson says the retail market is difficult to gauge given other technologies already available and new ones likely to appear.

“But we would expect an ongoing minimum demand of 5-10 units per year for perhaps the next 5-7 years and hopefully increasing over that period.

“At this stage we have no specific export hopes for the machine currently as our GRDC licence only covers Australia.

“However we have already had strong interest from both Canada and the US but at this stage we don’t see any market potential for sales into Asia.”

He says once it is seen operating in paddocks by more grain growers the faster he expects the uptake to be.

“De Bruin Engineering is South Australian owned and operated and staffed almost exclusively by South Australians,” Wilson says.

“Like the HSD itself, our business has been born out of the need to find a new purpose or perish,” he says.

“Originally a saw-milling company the collapse of the timber industry meant our owners had to find a new market and in a

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

“A key challenge has been to have the technology incorporated into new harvesters, not just retrofitted to existing headers, and this will improve its cost effectiveness,” he says.

Wilson says De Bruin’s work has benefitted from the co-operative approach of the machine’s inventor, GRDC, the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative (AHRI) based at the University of WA which led the project’s formative years.

But he believes the real strength of the commercialisation of the project has been the involvement of farmers, saying what was working, what wasn’t and giving them other ideas to use.

“We will need more feedback as more and more units go to work behind harvesters so each generation will be better than the last,” Wilson says.

Unlike chaff carts and windrow burning, the HSD has the advantage of conserving all crop residues and does not require postharvest management activities.

Although ryegrass is often the target

hurry.

“So they bought an engineering business and it has done very well, with the HSD being one of the most high-profile projects to come through the front door.”

ON THE JOB The first five machines are working paddocks back in Western Australia where the idea came from.

Five more are ready for sale with Wilson reporting strong demand from Victoria and NSW. Demand he believes will see 10 instead of five built this year.

“We are on the cusp of selling them all over the country,” Wilson adds.

GRDC commercial farm technologies manager Paul Meibusch says the HSD is proof investigation and support of a promising idea “can lead to fantastic success”.

Meibusch says there were still challenges to be overcome before the technology could become a standard part of harvest weed seed management.

because of its ability to rapidly evolve herbicide resistance.

Ryegrass is the world’s most spectacular example of resistance, and a very competitive plant in grain crops.

EXPLOITING WEED WEAKNESS However, it has some weaknesses and the HSD exploits two of them – its seed does not have a long life in the soil, and doesn’t shatter before harvest.

If you can stop plants getting seed back to the ground, you can very quickly drive down the seed bank.

The HSD is killing seeds such as ryegrass and wild radish, making it a very effective non-chemical control method.

“Basically the machine has two rotating cages going in opposite directions and when seed is fed across them the speed and impact of centrifugal force smashes the seed, turning it into talcum powder which is good organic matter,” Wilson says.

“It is then spread to match the header and depending on the machine that can be up

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23

to 40-foot,” he says.

“This is a massive saving on chemicals and fertiliser, a kind of one-pass weed control.

“There will still be some need for small amounts of chemicals for areas such as fence lines and to check if any seeds are missed.”

Christopher Preston, associate professor of weed management at Adelaide University says while chemicals can be difficult to employ in some circumstances they have continued to investigate other herbicide options.

Preston agrees applications of single knockdown herbicides to high populations of glyphosate-resistant annual ryegrass, for example, are not effective.

“Therefore, we have explored the value of adding residual herbicides to the knockdown herbicides,” he says.

The mainstream solution to chemical resistance is to use more chemicals, which can be expected to quickly build their own

resistance.

Enter the HSD. With the interface it can be in your paddock for $225,000 and some change.

But with its new Cuming 250hp engine and towed behind the header it becomes a seriously effective alternative to massive chemical use.

There is a 14-week lead time on new orders but that will come down as more orders come in.

“Like anything new in farming a lot sit on the fence and wait and see where new technology takes the industry,” Wilson says.

“We regularly have groups of farmers and advisers dropping in to have a look at what we are doing and they are always impressed,” he says.

“This whole thing is ready to take off.”

Contacts: Bevan Wilson, De Bruin Engineering, Mt Gambier

Phone: 0418 898 496. Email: blw@ debruingroup.com.au Christopher Preston, University of Adelaide Phone: (08) 8313 7237. Email: christopher.preston@adelaide.edu.au Paul Meibusch, Grains and Research Development Corporation Phone: (02) 6166 4500.

Email: p.meibusch@grdc.com.au.

THESE days Ray Harrington is becoming quite the fixture on the bush speaking circuit.

As the pinup boy of Australian weed seed management he has just completed a series of talks across the back blocks of NSW. Just after receiving an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the general division of this year’s Australia Day honours list for services to primary industry.

The self-deprecating “handyman” must be still shaking his head.

Harrington’s story began at his 1400ha in 1996 when he decided to ditch the sheep and swap to a fulltime cropping enterprise.

“I knew it would be only a matter of time before weeds were a problem if I didn’t tackle them from the start, especially herbicide resistant ryegrass,” Mr Harrington said.

“My Wheatbelt cousins with cropping enterprises had already run into problems with weed control and herbicide resistance,” he said.

“I’d seen chaff carts in action and knew they were effective – but they were difficult to clean up after, and I thought I could improve on the system.

“I went through all the possibilities for the chaff, catching, carting, cooking, cremating – and crushing.

“Microwaving wouldn’t work because the moisture content is too low; towing a furnace behind the harvester might – but can you imagine anyone wanting to do that in 40C heat?

“Eventually I settled on an impact machine which collects the material that would go into a chaff cart and pounds it with iron bars,” Harrington said.

He built his first machine with the help of some mates form a local engineering works.

It was static, driven by a tractor, and ended up sitting in the paddock for a couple of years.

It wasn’t until Grains Research and Development Corporation and the Australian Herbicide Initiative got on board that the Harrington Seed Destructor (HSD) got some serious traction.

The test results were convincing, a long collaboration had begun and the machine with the menacing name was about to become one of agricultural Australia’s hottest topics.

Everyone knows about it, even if they

have never seen it. And everyone is waiting to see if the commercial model will deliver on all the hype.

The machine has been more than a decade in the making and after three years at De Bruin Engineering in SA it is ready to take on Australia’s burgeoning weed burden.

Before being contracted for commercial production most of the HSD testing was on Harrington’s property, the last trials on large areas of barley, wheat and lupins.

“Without the assistance of AHRI over the years and funding from the GRDC, this would never have gone further than me building a few for my own headers,” Harrington said.

“I often say to growers that if they’ve delivered a tonne of grain into the system, they’re part owners of the development through their GRDC levies.

“We’ll never totally eliminate weeds, but we must do something at harvest to keep numbers low. That will make a huge difference in the long term,” he said.

24

 Ray Harrington where he likes

to spend most of his time – in the paddock with some big-ticket ag machinery.

Contact: Ray Harrington Phone: 0427 363 004 Email: rbh7@bigpond.com

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

Spreading Evolution For over 30 years the design of the Marshall Multispread has been constantly evolving to meet the demands of modern Australian farmers. Continual improvements in design have led to greater spreading efficiency, build quality and longer service life. Over 8000 units are now in use across all forms of Australian Agriculture.

The state-of-the-art 900 series Marshall Multispread has a proven record for superior service life due to its low torque drive. It features a heavy duty fabric woven PVC belt driven by an industrial grade rubber-lagged pulley and supported by low maintenance stainless steel rollers. To aid belt tracking, troughing rollers are fitted inside the chassis and a crowned front roller is used for quick and easy adjustment.

The latest ‘Type D’ spinner design, available on 4.5 to 16 tonne models, improves farm productivity by increasing spread width and accuracy, saving fuel and time in the paddock. Granulated Fertilisers can be spread up to 36m and Non-Granulated material like Lime and Gypsum up to 16m*.

Marshall Multispreads come in 2.5 to 16 tonne capacities, trailed or truck mounted.

With a wide selection of optional equipment including Roll Tarps, 3m tracks, Loadcells, VRT compatible Hydraulic Drives, Hopper Screens, and Flotation Tyres, your Marshall Multispread can be tailored to suit your farming needs.

In ideal conditions. Fertiliser Consistency, Wind Conditions, Soil and Season Type should be taken into account when selecting spread width and application rate.

Marshall Multispread app available now from the iTunes and GooglePlay store Manufactured by Roesner Pty Ltd Established 1900, Harvey WA www.marshallmultispread.com.au info@roesner.com.au Freecall : 1800 651 288

Tiny by name, big by nature GRIZZLY has just rewritten the book when it comes to heavy duty disc ploughs with the latest release from the number one disc manufacturer in Australia with the all new TINY. So named because tiny is exactly what it isn’t.

It is actually the ultimate in heavy duty ploughing and Grizzly is excited to bring it to market.

Having strong demand from customers wanting a bigger, heavier, and more robust disc plough for deeper working, ploughing in tougher conditions and working smarter; Grizzly created and brought TINY to life.

It includes all the proven parts of a Grizzly tandem offset on a grander and larger scale then previously seen and does it in a way that when folded allows it to travel down the road at 3.5m.

That’s a pretty impressive feat for a machine that goes up to an 8.5m working width.

Designed and built in Australia for Australian farmers and Australian conditions TINY is a culmination of more than 30 years of in-field experience

and results.

TINY is available with 28”, 32” and 36” discs – and there’s a 42” disc model on its way.

A range of discs spacings are available for the particular task the machine is needed for with 9”, 11.5” and 15” options as well as two different size disc bearings and axles on the machine you choose.

Already having TINY machines working around Australia in a role of tasks, included mixing non wetting sands and lime into acid soils as well as renovating buffel grass or going into new country

where trees are present, customers say it ticks all the boxes and does it well.

A manual fold, it has proven itself to be user friendly machine with its narrow road transport, hydraulic level lift with an independent pitch control cylinder, dual wheels, hydraulic safety valves and other options such as hydraulic hose protection for when working in extreme scrub or treed country.

If you would like any more information on TINY or any other Grizzly products you can contact on 1800 637 250 or email sales@grizzlyag.com.au.

Yes, it says Tiny, but there’s no doubt those discs are seriously heavy duty and will be able to do a big job.

Dieci takes the work out of the farm DIECI Australia has a diverse range of agricultural telehandlers specifically designed to make short work of any farm job – big or small.

Starting with a range that includes the new 3.0 tonne Poultry Pro Series 7 right up to the 11.4 tonne Agri Max 70.10 TA, there is a Dieci custom engineered agricultural telehandler for each and every farm job.

Together with their in-house engineers, Dieci Australia has worked closely with its customers and is expert in the equipment needs of Australia’s diverse agricultural sector. Using this expertise, Dieci Australia designs and manufactures a wide range of purpose-built agricultural attachments including hay forks, cotton grabs, buckets, baskets, pipe clamps and grabs, jibs and hooks, winches and rotators.

Italian-made Dieci telehandlers are 26

made to be tough and reliable as well as comfortable – so comfortable that owners who need to spend all day in a Dieci machine quickly appreciate features such as the space and comfort of Dieci’s Generation 3 Space Cab. With its roomy interior, luxurious air seat and powerful integrated air conditioning, Dieci machines have been designed to set the standard for operator comfort and safety across Australia’s demanding agricultural work environments.

So whether the application is a poultry farm, piggery, wheat farm, cattle station, and cotton farm or sugar plantation, there is a Dieci agricultural telehandler with a purpose-built attachment to suit.

The Dieci Australia range of agricultural telehandlers went on display during the Agquip Field Day in August at

Gunnedah, NSW. As a global leader in materials handling solutions, Dieci has designed and manufactured many solutions including completely customised telehandlers for the mining, rail, construction and agricultural sectors.

Dieci Australia leads the way with highly specialised equipment that is certified by Australian Standards by way of independently assessed Design Verification.

If something needs to be lifted, moved or reached, Dieci has most likely developed an attachment to get the job done. http:// www.dieci.com.au/ Contact: Branko Miletic P: 02 4627 8011 E: branko@imab2b.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

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

Stock Water Supply

Boosting Water Supply

Irrigation Water Supply

Household Water Supply

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

R

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

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

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

- Mark Jennings, Box Hill Golf Club, Victoria

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

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

10/12

Email: info@brownbros.com.au

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

Web: www.brownbros.com.au

DELIVERING PUMPING SOLUTIONS

2014 FIELD DAYS CALENDAR Up-to-date comprehensive Field Days Events Calendar also available at www.afdj.com.au. To lodge your event contact Cathy Johnson P: (03) 9888 4822 – admin.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au NOVEMBER 2014

TBA Tillage & Cropping Demo Day Few minutes drive east from Elmore along the Midland Highway, Vic 03 5432 6176 info@elmorefielddays.com.au www.elmorefielddays.com.au

27-28 Karoonda Farm Fair Karoonda South Australia 08 8538 2860 info@farmfair.com.au www.farmfair.com.au

20-23 EQUITANA Melbourne Showgrounds Definitive Events Ph: 03 8698 2000 Fax: 03 9646 1559 W: www.equitana.com.au

3-5 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

1-2 East Gippsland Field Days Peter Treasure Bairnsdale Aerodrome, Bairnsdale, Vic 03 5153 1398 0427 878 645 info@egfielddays.com www.egfielddays.com

21-23 RV & Camping Leisurefest Bendigo Racecourse Ph: 03 9372 5388 E: info@ciavic.com.au W. www.leisurefest.com.au

6-7 Wagin Woolorama West Aust 08 9861 2242 tradefair@woolorama.com.au www.woolorama.com.au

February 2015

20-21 South East Field Days Lyn Crosby Yakka Park, Lincoln, Sth Aust 08 8766 7001 sefds@bigpond.com www.southeastfielddays.com.au

7-9 Agfest Field Days Carlee Lee Quercus Rural Youth Park, on Oaks Road between Carrick and Bracknell, TAS 03 6331 6154 admin@agfest.com.au www.agfest.com.au

4-5 Farming Small Areas Expo Hawksbury Hawkesbury Showgrounds Ph: 02 4570 444 W. www.farmonline.con.au E: expo.fsa@fairfaxmedia.com.au

11-13 Sungold Field Days Louise Thomas At Allansford, about 12 km east of Warrnambool 03 5565 3142 sungoldfileddays@wcbf.com.au www.sungoldfielddays.com.au 20-22 Seymour Alternative Farming Expo Colin Stray Goulburn Valley Highway, Seymour, Vic 03 5799 1211 admin@seymour-expo.com www.seymour-expo.com

March 2015 3 King Island Show Tanya Arnold Currie Show grounds Currie, Tas 03 6462 1346 tanya_arnold@bigpond.com www.ascti.com.au

28

26-29 Farm World Mark Cockerell Burnt Store Road, Lardner Park, Warragul, Vic 03 5626 1373 office@lardnerpark.com.au www.lardnerpark.com.au

March / April 2015 26-8 Sydney Royal Easter Show Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney, NSW 02 9704 1474 www.eastershow.com.au

May 2015

22-23 Deni Innovations Expo Andrew Richardson Murray Valley Industry Park. Off Todd Road, Deniliquin. NSW 0407 503 978 www.deniinnovationsexpo.org.au 1-3 Tocal Field Days Coral Cairney Tocal Road, Tocal, NSW 02 4939 8827 fielddays@tocal.com www.tocalfielddays.com 8-9 Riverina Field Days Ffiona Beverley Griffiths Showground, Griffiths, NSW 02 6964 8811 riverinafielddays@bigpond.com www.riverinafielddays.com

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

2014 FIELD DAYS CALENDAR

– F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

27-28 Rotary FNQ Field Days Lesa Pershouse Mareeba District Rodeo Assoc, Kerribee Park, Mt Abbott, Qld 0427 998 203 info@fnqfielddays.org.au www.fnqfielddays.org.au

18-20 Commonwealth Bank AGQUIP Field Days 8 kilometres west of Gunnedah on Blackjack Road, Gunnedah NSW Ph: 02 6768 5800 E: agquip@fairfaxmedia.com.au W: www.agquip.com.au

24-25 South Gippsland Dairy Expo Contact: Deane Kennedy Korumburra Showgrounds, cnr South Gippsland Hway & Charles St, Korumburra VIC Ph: 0419 878 055 W: www.dairyexpo.org.au

June 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

2-4 Farmfest Field Days Kingsthorpe Park, on the Warrego Highway, 20 kms west of Toowoomba, 02 6768 5800 farmfest@ruralpress.com.au www.farmfest.com.au

2-4 Heritage Bank Ag Show Contact: Damon Phillips Toowoomba Showgrounds, Toowoomba, QLD Ph: 07 4634 7400 E: admin@agshow.com.au W: www.agshow.com.au

27 Sept - 4 Oct Perth Royal Show Contact: Robin Bartlett Perth Showgrounds, Garlands Road, Claremont, WA Ph: 08 6263 3100 E: info@raswa.org.au W: www.perthroyalshow.com.au

10-13 New Zealand National Agric Field Days Myster Creek Events Centre, 125 Myster Creek Road, Hamilton, North Island, New Zealand Ph: +64 7 843 4499 W: www.fielddays.co.nz 18-20 Primax Primary Industry Exhibition Bruxner Highway, Casino, NSW 07 5531 4600 info@primex.net.au www.primex.net.au

JuLY 2015

3-4 Newdegate Machinery Field Days Contact: Anne Bishop Newdegate, WA Ph: 08 9871 1655 E: nfday@westnest.com.au W: www.nfday.com.au 19-20 Mingenew Expo Contact: Kym McGlinn Midlands Rd, Mingenew, WA Ph: 08 9928 1138 E: secretary@mingenewexpo.com.au W: www.mingenewexpo.com.au

August 2015

20 Sept - 1 Oct Royal Melbourne Show Melbourne Showgrounds Epsom Road Melbourne. VIC Ph: 03 9281 7444 E: customerservice@rasv.com.au W: www.royalshow.com.au

5-6 Mallee Machinery Field Days Contact: Andrew McLean 2 km south of Speed Sunraysia Hwy, VIC Ph: 03 5084 1320 E: mmfd@bigpond.com W: www.mmfd.com.au

19-20 Riverland Field Days Contact: Tim Grieger Sturt Highway (Short St) Barmera, SA Ph: 0409 099 122 E: fieldays@riverland.net.au W: www.riverlandfielddays.com.au

11-12 Mudgee Small Farm Field Days Mudgee, NSW Ph: 02 6372 3899 W: www.mudgeefielddays.com.au

TBA Eyre Peninsula Field Days Contact: Kathy Wedding Eyre Peninsula SA Ph: 08 8628 2219 E: secretary@eyrepeninsulafielddays.com.au W: www.eyrepeninsulafielddays.com.au

OCTOBER 2015 07-09 Elmore Field days 48 Rosaia Road Elmore VIC 3558 Ph: 03 5432 6176 17-18 Wandin/Silvan Field Days Wandin East Recreation Reserve Wandin VIC Contact: Nan Cleven M: 0429 428 537

23-25 Australian National Field Days 563 Borenore Road Borenore NSW T: 02 6362 1588

23-25 Henty Machinery Field Days Cookardinia Road Henty, NSW Ph: 02 6929 3305 E: admin@hmfd.com.au W: www.hmfd.com.au

NOVEMBER 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

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

Innovative design wins award for stockyard manufacturers AN extra long Australian designed crush boasting superior safety and mechanical features has been highly commended in the prestigious 2014 Henty Machine of the Year Award.

Based at Rutherford, NSW, National Stockyard Systems entered the Stabiliser Plus 200 cattle crush in the Machine of the Year award, trumping national and international tillage and spray machines valued at many hundreds of thousands of dollars.

A total of 10 machines and equipment at the cutting edge of agricultural technology were judged in the Machine of the Year by an independent panel of primary producers.

Announced on Tuesday, September 23, the “farmers choice’’ award was presented to the most outstanding new piece of agricultural machinery exhibited at the field days.

Henty MOTY chairman Matt Bergmeier said the research, innovative design and superior manufacturing work of the crush impressed the judges.

The body of the Stabiliser Plus 200 crush has been extended by 200mm to facilitate pregnancy testing of large cows and bull testicle palpation without the need to have the animal’s head in the head bail.

National Stockyard Systems principal Murray Schaefer said the crush was designed to process animals efficiently with minimal labour and optimum safety.

“This is designed for the big end of town or studs where there is a lot of animal work or husbandry involved, and where scanning contractors, vets or stockmen can come in and work quickly and safely,’’ Mr Schaefer said.

“The extra length allows a bull to be the in the crush for scanning and not have its head outside of the head bail.

“The animals stand quietly, allowing the people scanning for the 12th and 13th rib eye muscle area and fat, and rump fat depth, to do the job more efficiently.

30

“We have recognised the need to design a crush for that reason and because we are small company, we can be flexible in our design and manufacture.

“We are not constrained by huge production runs, or with product coming in from overseas, so we can make changes on the go.’’

The crush offers a mechanical advantage of up to five to one, allowing an 80kg person to apply up to 400kg of pressure.

This combines with closing increments down to 6mm and, quick release push-pull dual operating handles on all crushes. The Stabiliser Plus 200 is built from 4mm thick RHS components.

More than five years of research, development and field testing has gone into the system The company’s crushes have been manufactured over the past decade by Gerald Hicks, of Nana Glen, NSW. “This is the culmination of 35 years of experience from Gerald Hicks – it is a brilliant piece of gear,’’ Mr Schaefer said.

“There has been nothing but positive feedback at Henty – we have sold two of these crushes on the first morning and will do about a dozen crushes for the field day.

“We were fairly confident coming down here as we had a really good Agquip and Tocal field days.’’

The Stabiliser Plus 200 debuted at the 2014 Australian National Field Days, receiving positive feedback and sales into large cowherds.

Mr Schaefer said winning the award at Henty was a real coup considering the technology displayed by other entrants.

“We are proud that a small Australian manufacturer can produce an article that is recognised locally,’’ he said.

“Winning this award at Henty doesn’t mean we will have a price rise – it just means we will have to make some more crushes.

“Most of the competition was in the hundreds of thousands of dollars so

 Murray Schaefer, National

Stockyard Systems and crush manufacturer Gerald Hicks receive their Henty Machine of the Year highly commended award. Photo courtesy The Land.

for machinery worth $10,000 to be recognised being innovative, practical and safe was very pleasing.’’

National Stockyard Systems were presented with the Award for Excellence at the 2011 Australian National Field Days for innovation, safety and design in sheep yards.

Mr Schaefer said the sheep yard design was the result of six years of solid research and development.

“With all of our team having a practical agricultural background, our yards are just not a series of pieces that pin together,’’ he said.

“We strive to produce a system that allows a quicker throughput of both cattle and sheep.

“Gates swing a certain way, gate openings are a certain size, rail spaces are a certain spacing, and yards are a certain size – we strive to get it right.

“Unless I can make something better than what is currently on the market, then I won’t make it.’’

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

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

Big plans in the pipeline for East Gippsland Field Days in 2015 PLANNING is well underway for the 2015 East Gippsland Field Days, which will take place on Friday, May 1 and Saturday May 2 at the Bairnsdale Aerodrome.

The prospectus has just been released and businesses are welcome to register their interest for what is one of the biggest events on the East Gippsland calendar.

With more than 8000 patrons through the gate over the two days, plans are in place to grow the event to even larger proportions in 2015.

Field Days event coordinator, Sue-Ellen Latham, said there will be a focus on families on the Saturday at next year’s event.

“The committee is really keen to market the event to families with young children, so we have some really fantastic entertainment ideas in the pipeline,” Latham said.

“There will be plenty to do and see for the entire family and the event will be a real value for money day out,” she said.

“This year’s theme is A Celebration of Home Grown Success and we are hoping our local stall holders really embrace this idea and showcase the wonderful things to come out of our region.

“We have booked a musical talent to compliment our theme who grew up in the region and has gone on to do great things in the music industry, which will hopefully be a real draw card for the public.”

Market row will again be a highlight of the event, with more than 30 smaller farmers’ market style stalls available.

Businesses interested in exhibiting at this year’s event should visit www.egfielddays.com to download a prospectus and register their interest.

Sites are booking fast, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this event.

Contact: Sue-Ellen Latham P: 0412 523 408

2 9 t h E A S T G I P P S L A N D F I E L D D AY S

CELEBRATION OF

HOME GROWN

SUCCESS

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE FOR MORE READERS AND INCREASED BUSINESS

FRIDAY MAY 1 & SATURDAY MAY 2, 2015 BAIRNSDALE VICTORIA For a prospectus please visit www.egfielddays.com

Visit www.afdj.com.au today to view your copy online

email info@egfielddays.com or telephone (03) 5153 1398

NOVEMBER 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

31

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

Researchers predict farm robots will be common within 5 years GROUND robots will be operating on Australian farms within five years, a senior robotics researcher has predicted.

Speaking at the Henty Machinery Field Days, Australian Centre for Field Robotics senior research fellow Robert Fitch said agricultural robots would increase land and labour productivity.

Dr Fitch was a keynote speaker at the field day’s new Agri-Centre, which showcased the latest in autonomous technology and research on September 23-25.

The Australian Centre for Field Robotics comprises 40 researchers and is the largest field robotics and intelligent systems group in the world, working with flying, ground, underwater and space robots.

Researchers demonstrated solar-electric powered robot called the Ladybird, which was developed for mapping, detection weeding and harvesting in the vegetable industry.

The Ladybird’s lift-up skirts revealed a variable wheelbase and robotic arm.

Dr Fitch said robots had potential applications for monitoring crop conditions, stock location and welfare, weed and pest detection, and animal tracking.

He predicted ground robots would be used operatively on broadacre farms within five years.

“Robots will do crop intelligence, weed and pest maintenance, harvest tree crops and vegetables,’’ he said.

“They will ultimately transform the way food is grown, processed and delivered.

“Australia is leading the world in this technology – it’s an exciting time for robotics in agriculture.’’

Australian Association of Unmanned Systems director and aeronautical engineer Andrew Lucas said the industry was interested in robotics programmed with a number of fixed alternative actions.

“We are not trying to create something

32

 Robotics researcher Dr Calvin Hung demonstrated the Ladybird to visitors to the Agri-Centre at the Henty Machinery Field Days.

that is out of the control of humans – we won’t have out-of-control autonomous tractors running down gates,’’ Dr Lucas said.

He said robotics in the mining industry was no longer an experimental exercise with autonomous 150 tonne heavy haul trucks, worth about $1 million each, operational in Western Australia.

“This technology is novel in the agricultural sector but is a common part of the mining industry with 300400 autonomous trucks expected to be working in mines within five years,’’ Dr Lucas said.

“They have a forward looking laser which stops the vehicle if there is an obstacle –

over the next decade this will get smarter with autonomous water carts and graders all working together.’’

Dr Lucas said a successful trial within a cherry orchard used a small battery powered unmanned aerial vehicle for crop protection to deter fruit bats.

“This intelligent watch dog responds to sensors in the orchard, moving the birds and bats on, then returning to the roost and recharging itself,’’ he said.

“The challenges are to produce a low cost robot with robust sensors, reliability and availability in the agricultural environment, and able to operate safely according to Civil Aviation Safety Authority rules.’’

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

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

Old and new forklifts showed side-by-side for Manitou anniversary

34th annual Sungold Field Days

 Terry Fahey, Manitou, Bryson Terlich, of HMFD, Ross

Edwards, HMFD chairman and Robert Capello, Riverina Lift Trucks, celebrate the ruby anniversary. Behind is HMFD’s oldest working 2WD forklift in Australia.

FRENCH owned rough terrain material handling company, Manitou, celebrated a 40-year milestone at this year’s Henty Machinery Field Days.

Manitou Australia sales executive Terry Fahey and Riverina Lift Trucks principal, Robert Cappello, cut a large cake on Wednesday, September 24, to mark the company’s ruby anniversary in Australia.

Manitou produces rough terrain material handling machinery for the agriculture, mining and construction industries, and has more than 50 dealers across Australia and New Zealand.

The company’s modern forklift, the MH25-4T, was displayed at the field days alongside HMFD’s MB20C 2WD forklift.

The MB20C forklift was purchased secondhand in 1977 from a Sydney brickyard, and was immediately put to good use by the young Henty Machinery Field Days co-operative.

Former director Bryson Terlich was the first person to drive the machine, unloading heavy equipment for exhibitors each year.

“In previous years, we had hired a forklift from Allis Chalmers and before that we had used an old crane,’’ Mr Terlich said.

“I drove the Manitou until the co-operative starting hiring new telescopic handlers.’’

The MB20C is still in use today at the field days.

Terry Fahey said the new MH25 was a market leading all wheel drive rough terrain fork truck.

“The design of the machine has come a long ay but still holds the principle design features pioneered by Manitou founder Marcel Braud 68 years ago,’’ he said.

Manitou exhibited a range of telehandlers and fork trucks with five-year partners and family owned business Riverina Lift Trucks, Griffith and Wagga, at the field days.

Wednesday 11th, Thursday 12th & Friday 13th February 2015 SITE BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN Contact: Emma Kavanagh Ph: (03) 5565 3142 Fax: (03) 5565 3158 Mob: 0407 724 552 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

SOUTH WEST VICTORIA’S ONLY DAIRY FIELD DAY

Major Sponsors:

NOVEMBER 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

33

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

Northern Feed Systems milks the most out of its award-winning design THE dairy industry is all about production, production and more production.

And the hot word from nutritionists to help achieve that is more finely ground feed going into the dairy shed tucker bags.

Which means the more traditional mills have needed a serious shot of technology to make the new industry benchmark.

Echuca-based Northern Feed Systems has clearly set the pace with its success this year as Elmore Field Day Machine of the Year with its attrition disc mill.

It was the company’s first major award but owners Ian Yeo and Brian Joyce are planning on many more.

In fact there next big thing is will along the road to construction – and that’s about as much as you are going to get from them.

Except an ambition that it is going to turn the feed market on its head.

“Our attrition mill has been two years from conception to construction and we think it is going to have some real impact in the marketplace,” Mr Yeo said.

“It comes in three models ranging in price from $11,700 to $21,000 – the biggest machine can mill 8.5 tonnes of wheat per hour,” he said.

“We have always had the standard roller mill but now the nutritionists want something even finer to help with digestion in ruminants and that’s what we have made.

“One of its real advantages is it can mill grains types individually but work just as well with mixed grain – so you could do just wheat or wheat, barley and corn in any mix you like.

“It will also do oats but you might have to alter the screen for that.”

The machine is also suitable for intensive beef and pork enterprises as well.

Northern Feed Systems started life in Cohuna 30 years ago with Paul Shewan at the helm. He sold out to a New Zealand corporate in 2007 before Joyce/ 34

 Northern Feed System’s Ian Yeo, left, and Brian Joyce celebrate their award for Elmore Field Days Machine of the Year. Their attrition disc mill is behind them.

Yeo put in a bid to buy it in 2010.

Mr Yeo said it was not a core business for the Kiwis and not a good corporate fit so they were happy to let it go.

And he is happy they did.

“The Kiwis relocated from Cohuna to Echuca a couple of years to tap the labour market and set up this purpose-built facility we have today – which is a real bonus,” Mr Yeo said.

Northern Feed Systems now has a national dealership marketing its range of products, many of which are capable of both installation and service.

A handy asset as the new attrition disc mills have already sold as far north as Rockhampton, across to Gippsland and west to the SA border.

“We try to develop one new product every year but have been so flat out right through this year we are a bit behind where we would like to be,” Mr Joyce said.

“But we have a lot of confidence in the new design we are completing that we will be making a real statement next year,” he said.

“We hope to have that ready in time for Elmore next year and see how we go again.”

Mr Joyce said the key features of the attrition disc mill included: • Producing granulated feed to fine meal • Uniform feed for all animal requirements (dairy/beef even granulated feed, pigs fine meal, poultry fine granulated) • Processing mixed grains • Handling mixed varieties and sized grains to produce one size result • Comfortably processing small pinched grains • Handling poor season grains • No close contact moving parts • Hard foreign objects unlikely to cause serious costly damage • Long-life wearing parts • No close contact moving parts meaning less wear and less service required • Low-cost replacement consumables • A fraction of the cost of all competition • Simplest coarse/fine adjustment • No tools required • Easy dial turn feed size adjustment • Highest throughput of disc mill range • Heavy duty magnet mounted in-feed chute

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

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

Henty field days survive and thrive in digital age RATHER than being challenged by the digital age, field days are surviving and thriving with a record number of exhibitors and visitors at this year’s Henty event.

The HMFD Co-operative has embraced technology to better provide tech savvy visitors with both a virtual and genuine sensory experience.

In the month leading up to the field days, website hits averaged almost 30,000 a day while Facebook peaked over the event at a weekly reach of almost 85,000.

A mobile phone app was launched this year while the new Agri-Centre showcased the latest research and demonstrations of agricultural robots and automated technology.

Exhibitors found visitors had done their research on the home computer but turned to the field days to see, touch and inspect farm machinery or equipment first-hand.

Australian Earthmoving Supplies sales manager Alistair Hall said genuine buyers sought out the company at Henty after comparing brands and prices on the internet.

“They had done their research on the internet but doing these field days show just how important it is for us to attend

and keep our brand out there,’’ Mr Hall said.

Rural Press Events operations manager at Agquip Kate Nugent was impressed with Henty’s ability to embrace change when she visited with a team of young staff.

“It’s important for us to recognise Henty is such a great success and we can be assured there is a strong future field days can offer as part of a marketing mix for our agricultural and lifestyle companies,’’ Ms Nugent said.

“It is important for my young staff to understand and respect what a successful field days can generate for our communities and agricultural exhibitors.’’

Ms Nugent, of Tamworth, said Henty had renewed her faith in what could be done in regional Australia for rural communities.

She said Henty field days were a great example of drawing power over long distances.

“The primary point Henty profiles so well is the sense of community,’’ she said.

“Everywhere we went, talking to exhibitors and their responses to the community groups involved, we were impressed by the mountain of volunteers feverishly working away.’’

Ms Nugent said it was critical for field

YORKE PENINSULA

 Kate Nugent, of Agquip, visited the Henty Machinery Field Days to find out the recipe for success.

day committees to work with their regional communities.

She said achieving a sense of community was a key for visitors, suppliers and exhibitors when promoting field days.

“That gives me a sense of pride about field days and how important they are – we are passionate and feel at one with the agricultural industry “We all have the same objective – to keep our exhibitors happy and we need to ensure not only a successful sales event but also generate a great experience.

“We can only do that through the service we offer and that’s where Australian and New Zealand field day organisers stand united to share ideas.’’

DON’T MISS THIS EVENT!

FIELD DAYS INC Est. 1895

Next Biennial Event 29, 30 September & 1 October 2015 Paskeville, South Australia

“Australia’s Oldest Field Days”

With a major focus on agriculture and the future, the Yorke Peninsula Field Days three-day event features extensive displays and demonstrations of the latest agricultural machinery and equipment, technology, information and services.

Over 750 exhibitors are located on an extensive site with in excess of $200 million worth of merchandise on display. The event provides an excellent opportunity to view and compare a comprehensive range of products designed for effective farming practices.

Enquiries to the Administrator Elaine Bussenschutt OAM Phone: (08) 8827 2040 Fax: (08) 8827 1011

Features of the event include extensive displays and demonstrations of the latest agricultural machinery and equipment, technology, services, innovations, and current techniques all located on the field days permanent 34 hectare site at Paskeville, South Australia. A comprehensive general interest program features merchandise of interest to both rural and urban families.

PO Box 162 Kadina 5554 Email: ypfd@netyp.com.au Web: www.ypfielddays.com.au

South Australia’s Premier Rural Event

NOVEMBER 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

35

AFDJ MY VIEW Peter Walsh

- Victorian Agriculture Minister

Little state, big business, bigger future Victorian Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh goes to the polls later this month. Regardless of the election outcome he will remain in parliament. His seat, which has just been altered as part of an electoral boundary redistribution, has been held by the Nationals for almost 100 years. In this report he gives his vision for the Victorian agricultural industry THE Victorian Coalition Government wants the children of today’s farming families to have equal, if not better, opportunities to be part of a diverse, productive and profitable agriculture industry.

Agriculture is the heartbeat of regional Victoria.

There are more than 30,000 farms, and some 163,000 jobs in primary industries and food manufacturing.

Since 2010, the number of new jobs in regional Victoria has grown by 26,300. Agriculture is responsible for 70 per cent of these new jobs.

We might be small in land mass, but Victoria’s fertile soils produce far more food than we need for our state, even for our nation.

That’s why export markets are key to

opportunities for the generations to come.

To provide the industry a goal to work towards, I set the challenge to double Victoria’s food and fibre production by 2030.

This goal is all about seizing and creating opportunity.

Last month I released Victoria’s 201314 Food and Fibre Export Performance Report and it showed again China is the number one destination for Victorian food and fibre exports.

In fact, North Asia and South East Asia received produce valued at a massive $6.75 billion, which is more than half of Victoria’s total food and fibre exports.

Fast forward to 2030, and Asia’s growing consumer class is predicted to

Our $1.1 million partnership with Birchip Cropping Group, for example, aims to help grain growers adopt new techniques to boost productivity keeping the opportunities flowing for Victoria’s farm and food sectors.

Since coming to government in 2010, the Victorian Coalition has been developing and implementing a plan to grow opportunities for agriculture in this state.

We want farmers to have more dollars in their pockets. We want less red tape holding the industry back. We want more targeted research, development and extension to drive it forward.

We want agriculture to continue to provide jobs and businesses 36

hit 3.5 billion people. If Victoria can meet our goal to double production of clean, green and highly desirable premium products, there is immense opportunity to increase exports to Asia.

To ensure opportunities don’t pass us by, over the past four years the Government has had dual focus.

Firstly we have invested additional funding into productivity focused research, development and extension.

Secondly we are proactively building new business and government

 Victorian Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh has a vision for his state’s agricultural industry to more than double its production in the next 15 years

relationships with the key fast growing markets of Asia and the Middle East.

On the productivity front, the Coalition Government created a new program – Growing Food and Fibre – which has invested an additional $61.4 million into targetted research and development during the past three years.

We are also working to ensure on-farm take up of R&D. Our $1.1 million partnership with Birchip Cropping Group, for example, aims to help grain growers adopt new techniques to boost productivity.

A re-elected Coalition Government will invest a further $60 million in Growing Food and Fibre over the next four years

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

A future Coalition Government will also continue to support our national Centres of Excellence – grains at Horsham, red meat at Hamilton, horticulture at Tatura, and dairy at Ellinbank – as well as the worldleading cutting edge biosciences work underway at newly opened $288m AgriBio centre at Bundoora.

We will also continue to invest in modernised irrigation systems, and

Werribee and Harcourt systems.

Moving to building new market opportunities, the Coalition Government has delivered a strong program of international engagement.

We have led 78 inward and outbound trade missions with around 600 Victorian food and fibre businesses.

It is estimated these activities have generated $1.5 billion in new export sales.

Since 2010 the number of new jobs in regional Victoria has grown by 26,300. Agriculture is responsible for 70 per cent of these new jobs our track record speaks for itself in this area.

As well as the $2 billion Connections Project, there are also modernisation projects currently underway for the Sunraysia, Macalister, Cosgrove,

On top of the trade mission work, in March this year the Victorian Coalition Government launched our $100 million Food to Asia Action Plan.

This four-year plan commits to working in partnership with industry

on a range of new initiatives aimed at getting more Victorian food to Asia.

It includes market access work overseas, developing a skilled workforce here in Victoria, and also ensuring our roads, rail, port and airport infrastructure is supporting Victoria as the freight gateway to Asia.

Our $220 million commitment to the Murray Basin Rail Project is an important part of this plan.

Agriculture has been a formative part of Victoria’s history and I believe it will continue to play a leading role in our state’s future.

A future Coalition government will continue to work hard to put more dollars in farmers’ pockets and to ensure there are exciting opportunities ahead for the next generation of food and fibre producers.

Contact: Deborah Cole P: 03 9637 9940 E: deborah.cole@minstaff.vic.gov.au

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LAW REVIEW Property settlement and lottery winnings

 Alan Wright says the Lotto windfall

might not come at a worse time than when it gets tangled up in Family Law Court while people fight over the big bucks

By Alan Wright, Associate, Family Lawyer & Accredited Family Law Specialist

People are often interested in lottery winnings and what impact, if any, they have on a property settlement.

As always, the impact depends on the facts of the case.

The simplified facts of a recent case are as follows: 1. The parties married in 1987.

2. They separated in July 2008.

3. The wife won $6 million in a gambling venture in early 2009.

4. The trial Judge divided the parties’ assets into two pools.

5. Pool one comprised assets, liabilities and financial resources which existed at the time of separation. At the time

of hearing (November 2012) the net value of the pool one assets was approximately $2.5 million.

6. Pool two consisted of the assets, liabilities and financial resources which were derived from the wife’s gambling win. At the time of hearing, the value of the pool two assets was approximately $3.5 million.

7. Post separation the wife had four sources of funds, one source being money paid to her by a family company.

8. The Judge was of the view that it was impossible to identify the precise source of the funds used by the wife to purchase the winning ticket.

The trial Judge: 1. Concluded the parties made equal contributions to the pool one assets and that they should be divided equally.

2. Found the husband made no contribution to the purchase price of the winning gambling ticket and that the husband made no contribution to the pool two assets.

3. Decided the husband should receive $500,000 from the pool two assets to take account of his future needs.

In the end, and for convenience, the trial Judge gave the husband a little more than 50 per cent of the pool one assets and a

payment of a little less than $500,000.

The end result, nonetheless, was the husband received assets totaling approximately $1.75 million, and the wife received assets totaling approximately $4.25 million.

The husband appealed to the Full Court of the Family Court of Australia.

The Full Court: 1. Talking about the lottery win, said “We do not consider the source of the funds to be as relevant to Her Honour’s ultimate determination as the husband’s contends. Nor do we consider that Her Honour erred in determining that the husband did not contribute to the winnings”.

2. Said, the source of the funds should not determine the issue of how the lottery win is treated in a property settlement.

3. Said what is relevant is the nature of the parties’ relationship at the time the lottery ticket was purchased. It said: 4. “At the time the wife purchased the ticket, regardless of the source of the funds, the “joint endeavor” that had been the parties’ marriage had dissolved; there was no longer a “common use” of property. Rather, the parties were applying funds for their respective individual purposes”.

5. Dismissed the appeal.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE Visit www.afdj.com.au today to view your copy online 38

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

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It’s these qualities that set Starmaxx tyres apart and make them the best choice for agricultural applications.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

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TYRES Tyres4U brings in world’s leading brands to ensure Australian farmers get a grip Tyres4U, Australia’s leading independent farm tyre distributor, was established in 1980 to provide the widest range of quality farm tyres for all budgets and applications.

Firestone and Alliance are Tyres4U’s leading brands of premium quality farm tyres covering farmers’ needs to keep their tractors and implements moving all year long – and especially during harvest.

Firestone is a global leaders with headquarters in the US and which pioneered farm tyre technology with patented 23 degree tread designs and radial construction to improve farm productivity.

Tyres4U imports a wide range of Firestone farm tyres, including the new Advanced Deflection AD2 tyres carrying higher loads at lower inflation pressures and backed by the Firestone eight-year guarantee (details at www. firestonefarmtyres.com.au).

Firestone has won many original equipment fitments by John Deere, Case and New Holland, amongst other leaders as they meet the requirements of heavy loads and higher speeds for wheat and cotton farming.

Alliance farm tyres, established in 1950, uses advanced farm tyre technology developed by Israeli engineers creating solutions for farmers in drought prone lands such as the Midele East and Australia.

Alliance has supply approvals from global and regional farm equipment makers such as AGCO, John Deere, Case New Holland, Bobcat, Caterpillar, Hitachi, Komatsu, Volvo, Krammer, Claas, Hydrema and Liebherr, with tyres that work off road, with minimal soil compaction and onroad as well.

To discover more about the growing 42

 Tyres4U works at the cutting edge of the tractor tyre segment with its import agreements with leading brands such as Firestone and Alliance.

range Alliance farm and forestry tyres, all backed by a five-year guarantee, see www.alliancetyres.com.au.

Alliance has had great success in Australia with flotation tyres, especially popular amongst sugar cane farmers in Queensland, and also has a great selection of robust row crop tyres for many applications.

As well as Firestone and Alliance, Tyres4U also imports Nokian, Advance, Armour and Tiron farm

tyres and tubes plus the new Bushmate reinforced puncture resistant ATV tyres and the widest range of truck and 4WD tyres as well.

Tyres4U Farm Tyre Hotline, based in Sydney is available free for Australian farm machinery dealers and farm tyre dealers to call on 1800 788 688 or send an email to Joe Ray, the new Tyres4U National Farm and OTR Tyre Manager at Tyres4U: joer@ tyres4u.com.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

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Apollo Vredestein has evolved during the past 100 years as a premium tyre manufacturer, with specialist fields in the agricultural and implement market sectors.

Today its ranges are original equipment on major machinery lines manufactured by high-profile machinery brands such as CLAAS, New Holland and Case.

Vredestein tyres engineer a range of radial tractor tyres up to 800mm wide, and a 42” rim diameter. Alongside this, the range incorporates an implement flotation line-up of tyres up to 850mm wide and with a 30.5” rim diameter.

Concepts adopted by the manufacturer aim at “excellent performance and lowest cost per hour”, achieved through comfort, traction, fuel efficiency and wear resistance.

At Vredestein constructors design and test construction in a product; material technologists develop the various rubber compounds in a tyre (sidewall, tread, etc.); and designers develop attractive and functional treads and sidewalls.

These developments are then combined at an interdisciplinary level within various projects to create tyres that excel in terms of design, performance and safety.

The Vredestein Traxion Plus radial tractor tyre provides users with a signature curved lug design which provides an optimum combination of comfort and traction.

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reduced soil compaction and ensure a long tread life, and even spread wear.

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by Agrar Technick in the Netherlands proved the Vredestein 710/75 R38 Traxion Plus tyre achieved a minimal 10 per cent slippage rate, resulting in an impressive “highest traction rating in its class”.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

Aussie’s mobile pump is proving a winner A NEW heavy duty, trolley mounted 4” trash pump has been named Power Equipment Australia’s ‘Hire Product of the Year’.

Called the “Aussie Site Boss” the pump is designed for tough dewatering and water supply applications in the hire, construction, mine and quarry markets.

The new trolley mounted machine was designed by Australian Pump to align with new OH & S rules relating to the movement of equipment on site.

“Traditionally pumps of this size would be moved around by two or three site workers or lifted by an excavator if it happened to be available,” said product

manager Brad Farrugia. The new trolley mount machine means it can be moved safely on site without personal risk or tying up expensive lifting plant.

The big 4” trash pump won PEA Hire Product of the Year for 2013 against a tough lineup of products from Husqvarna, Hyundai, Makita and Powerlite.

The heart of the system is a big 4” selfpriming centrifugal pump designed to pass solids in suspension.

It is powered by a 10hp Yanmar electric start air cooled diesel engine and built into a super heavy duty 38mm galvanised steel frame.

The pump features excellent self-priming characteristics with a vertical suction lift of 7.6m.

Battery isolation, emergency stop, integrated fire extinguisher and safety tags are all standard equipment.

The Site Boss is designed with safety and operator convenience in mind. It is a world first and has already been successfully marketed outside of Australia with sales to Europe and the Middle East.

Further information on this pump is available from Aussie Pump Gold Distributors around the country or on the Australian Pump website, www. aussiepumps.com.au.

Red-hot fire cart does the trick in the bush A NEW trolley-mounted version of the Aussie Fire Chief bushfire fighting pump is available from Australian Pump Industries dealers across Australia.

Called the Aussie Fire Cart, the pump can be easily moved around either farm or bushland property.

The Aussie Fire Chief is regarded as being Australia’s iconic high pressure firefighting pump.

The only pump of its kind in the world backed by an exclusive five-year warranty, the Fire Chief is claimed to not only outlast competitors but also produce an unequalled combination of pressure and flow.

With a maximum flow of 500lpm and with a maximum head of 75m, that’s over 100psi, the pump simply produces more

water at high pressure.

Powered by genuine Honda engines with a horsepower range up to 13hp, these pumps are loaded with user friendly features.

The big belly body enables the pump to prime fast from vertical lifts of 7.6m. The huge 7.5-inch diameter, hydraulically engineered, one piece impeller weighs up to 2.5 times that of competitors.

“It’s that big impeller that gives us the extra grunt. Combined with a superbly engineered volute it provides fast, efficient priming,” said product manager Brad Farrugia.

The pump features a flanged, bolt on suction port that means the check valve can be serviced without having to

dismantle the complete pump.

The flanged, three way outlet provides a choice of either two one-inch outlets or a 1.5-inch outlet for top performance.

The outlet ports are fitted with metal caps and chains, not plastic. A big port is built into the lower pump body for easy draining.

“It’s that huge, closed vane, single piece impeller that provides the extra performance,” Farrugia said.

“We came up with the Fire Cart idea because users want to be able to move the pump around the property rather than be tied to one location,” he said.

The guide is available from Australian Pump distributors around Australia or online at www.aussiepumps.com.au.

Raising the benchmark for dry pump technology AUSTRALIAN Pump Industries launched its new range of dry prime dewatering pumps at the huge 2014 CivEnex show.

The dry prime pumps represent a breakthrough into a new dimension for the Australian designer and manufacturer.

The initial range includes a three-, fourand six-inch dewatering pump.

Aussie Pumps set out to create a new standard for the market in terms of dry

prime design, efficiency levels and value for money.

“We have an unparalleled reputation for quality, self-priming trash pumps that can handle virtually any solid laden liquids,” said Aussie Pumps’ chief engineer John Hales.

“Those wet prime pumps are all designed around a simple ‘bullet proof’ concept that’s cost effective but robust,” he said.

The company is setting out to do the

same in the dry prime pump market.

The new product range simplifies the over complex design of other manufacturers, making maintenance easier and the pumps less expensive.

Called the Aussie Auto-Prime range, the new lineup delivers exceptional efficiencies and excellent solids handling capabilities. It offers the ability to automatically re-prime from a completely dry state.

NOVEMBER 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

45

FIRE PREVENTION Be bushfire prepared with power LIVING in Australia, it’s no secret that every summer brings with it the threat of heat and fire.

As temperatures rise over time, so does the risk of water sources drying up.

Contingency planning undoubtedly helps farmers and their families and livestock survive, so it pays to be prepared.

Honda is the world’s largest small engine manufacturer, and as such has partnered with nearly a dozen Australian fire fighting pump manufacturers who build reliable and resilient pumps for farmers and rural property owners around the country.

Each pump has to pass through a rigorous testing procedure before it can be powered

by Honda and labelled “Green & Gold Approved”.

Farmer Owen Clapham owns a Hondapowered pump, and after 21 years “it’s still going as good as new.”

Clapham entered his pump into a 2013 Honda competition and won the major prize of a Honda prize pack despite dozens of quality entries.

“We couldn’t have done without it,” he said.

“We don’t have access to the town’s water supply, so our Honda has been faithfully pumping our dam water for the vegie garden, kid’s pool and all the cleaning jobs around the farm for decades.

“And we know that, in the event of a fire, this little beauty will be ready to perform.”

Whether transferring water across paddocks or protecting property from the threat of fire, Honda-powered pumps are built to perform.

They’re one thing that won’t let you down.

According to Honda’s national engine manager Chris New if you already own a pump, then the lead-up to summer is

 A genuine Honda engine is the

first thing to look for in a quality fire fighting pump

the perfect time to have it inspected and serviced.

“No matter what brand of pump you use,” New said, “you want to make sure your pump is ready to work when needed.”

Of course, if you don’t yet own a pump and are interested in finding out more about the range of Honda-powered pumps that are available, visit http://poweredby. honda.com.au/Fire_Fighting_Pumps.

It’s one thing you don’t have to worry about When planning for bushfires, you need ultimate reliability.

Look for Honda-powered fire pumps.

For the full range of Honda-powered products, visit

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

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For more information visit davey.com.au or call 1300 232 839 NOVEMBER 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

47

RURAL FINANCE Putting the farming community into banking

IT goes without saying that community is central to rural and regional life.

Rural Bank managing director Paul Hutchinson says the business “feels proud to back the Australian farming community, a unique group of individuals striving to succeed and grow in a tough but rewarding industry”.

Hutchinson said the farming community faces many challenges, and one of these relates to attracting young people into the sector.

He said from the 2011 ABS Agricultural Census the wider industry knows that those farmers who are still working are getting older, with the median age now approximately 53, up from 44 in 1981.

“The farming community is also experiencing labour shortages, with the number of people choosing agricultural studies trending downwards,” Hutchinson said..

“To do our bit, we are pleased to be offering three scholarships in 2015, as part of the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited Scholarship Program, to encourage young

people to choose a career in or supporting the farming industry,” he said.

“The next round of applications opens on December 1 this year 2014 and closes on January 23 next year. For more information, visit ruralbank.com.au/ scholarship.

Hutchinson also said backing the Australian farming community also requires a commitment to understanding the needs of the sector alongside unwavering enthusiasm for it.

He said such a commitment requires firsthand experience and that the bank is pleased that its “depth of expertise” has recently been enhanced with the appointment of Rupanyup pulse grower David Matthews as a non-executive director to the Rural Bank board.

“Mr Matthews became involved in the banking industry in 1998 when he led a push to return banking services to his home town of Rupanyup, in Victoria’s Wimmera region,” Hutchinson said.

“He became chairman of the Rupanyup Minyip Finance Group, the not-forprofit company that launched Australia’s first two Community Bank branches, in partnership with Bendigo Bank,” he said.

“As the Community Bank network grew, Mr Matthews helped establish the national body that represents the now 300-strong branch network of Community Bank branches.

“An agribusiness operator and exporter, and head of strategy and new business at Wimmera Grain, Mr Matthews brings to

the appointment tangible knowledge of the agricultural sector.

“Mr Matthews also brings significant immediate experience and he is looking forward to doing what he can to remind the broader Australian community of the value agriculture brings to the nation.”

ABOUT RURAL BANK A wholly-owned member of the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Group, Rural Bank is the only Australian-owned and operated dedicated agribusiness bank in the country.

Hutchinson said it is backing farmers by providing them with financial tools that help smooth out seasonal fluctuations in income and expenditure.

He said the bank’s specialist farm finance tools are available nationally via a network of banking partners, including Bendigo Bank and Community Bank branches and Elders Rural Services.

“Through these experts in the field, we deliver customers with unparalleled choice and access within regional and rural communities and on the farm,” he added.

“Funds deposited with Rural Bank are returned to country Australia in the form of loans to farmers and we also support the Australian farming community through a countrywide program of community involvement activities.”

Contact: Rural Bank P: 1300 660 115 W: www.ruralbank.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE Visit www.afdj.com.au today to view your copy online 48

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

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Polaris Industries........................................................................37 www.polarisindustries.com.au Power Equipment Pty Ltd.........................................................51 www.powerequipment.com.au Southcott Hydraulics...................................................................5 www.southcott.com.au Starmaxx.....................................................................................41 Sungold Field Days....................................................................33 www.sungoldfielddays.com.au Trailco Irrigation..........................................................................11 www.trailco.com.au Tyremax (for Vredestein)............................................................39

East Gippsland Field Days........................................................31 www.egfielddays.com.au Great Western Tillage................................................................19 www.gwtillage.com.au Grizzly Ag............................................................................. 1 & 23 www.grizzlyag.com.au

Tyres4U........................................................................................43 www.tyres4u.com.au Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics...............................................15 www.2wglobal.com Yorke Penninsula Field Days Inc..............................................35 www.ypfielddays.com.au

Hitachi.........................................................................................20 Honda Power Equipment..........................................................46 www.poweredby.honda.com.au HydroSmart.................................................................................17 www.hydrosmart.com.au IB International...........................................................................13 www.ibinternational.com.au Keech Australia............................................................................7 www.keech.com.au Kuhn Farm Machinery Pty Ltd....................................................9 www.kuhn.com.au

50

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2014

BETTER FLOTATION. IMPROVED MANOEUVRING. MORE FLEXIBILITY. If soil conditions often make short planting and harvesting windows even shorter, the new Case IH Magnum Rowtrac can help you start sooner, work longer and enjoy higher yield potential. Its agronomic design means reduced compaction and a better growing environment for your crops. To find out more about this revolution in track technology, visit www.caseih.com or talk to your local Case IH dealer.

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