European tractor registrations down
A total of 108,800 tractors were registered across Europe in the first six months of 2022, with 31,900 tractors of 37kW (50 hp) and under and 76,900 of 38kW and above.
The risk of tractor fires caused by birds is very real and totally preventable, yet it continues to plague farmers and contractors on an annual basis.
As we enter a period of tight finances it will be prudent to ensure that plant and machinery is kept in good order to make sure it doesn't happen to you.
A key culprit is the starling, known to build nests in the dark recesses under a tractor hood or in the nooks behind the work-lights up on the cab roof, providing a ready fuel source easily ignited by hot exhaust pipes or shorting electrical cables.
Addressing this problem, Shoof International, Cambridge, markets Wingo, for applying to areas of tractors or machinery that are favoured by birds as roosting points. The formula contains a vegetable based gel oil with pepper and cinnamon; the birds don't like the feel of the gel on their claws, the astringency of the pepper triggers an alert reaction, and the scent of the cinnamon serves as a reminder, deterring the birds for up to two years.
The gel is supplied in a standard caulking gun cartridge for applying to favourite spots such as mirror stalks, work lights, hydraulic hoses and along the crest of the tractor's hood.
The product maker, farmer Tony Overbeek, applies it as necessary, taking extra care to replenish areas that have been cleaned off, for maximum efficacy.
The product has the added advantage of reducing bird droppings that pose a health risk to people and animals and that have a fierce paint stripping action on a vehicles' tin-work.
The scale of the problem caused by nesting birds is cited by rural insurance specialist FMG, which has had at least 170 claims relating to tractor fires in four years. The firm's current 'Stop and Pop' campaign encourages customers to look under tractor hoods.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.