AGCO and SDF join hands
Tractor and machinery manufacturer AGCO has signed a supply agreement with the European-based SDF Group, best known for its SAME, Deutz Fahr and Lamborghini tractor brands.
Available in working widths of 3, 3.5 and 4 metres, Amazone’s new Centaya-C harrow-mounted seed drills are said to allow precise seed metering and exact depth placement at operating speeds of up to 12 km/h.
It comes with either RoTeC pro single-disc coulters or TwinTeC double-disc coulters on 12.5 or 15cm row spacings. A 2,000-litre twin-chamber hopper allows different combinations and application rates of seeds, fertiliser or other inputs to be sown in a single pass. Infinitely adjustable electric metering units allow precise application rates of 0.5 to 400 kg/ha.
RoTeC utilises a proven ‘single shot’ process, where the two inputs – for example, fertiliser and seed – are individually metered and then conveyed to a single-entry point via a shared conveying system. By comparison, TwinTeC is a two-shot process whereby the two inputs are individually metered and conveyed to different entry points via separate conveyors.
The main hopper can be divided 70/30 or 60/40, to suit a combination of seed and fertiliser requirements, while also offering a large opening for easy filling and access to the hopper and metering units via the loading platform. Meanwhile, an optional storage compartment is available for additional bags of seed and the drill can be equipped with a quick-emptying device for fast seed change-over.
The SmartCenter control panel is used for calibration and establishing machine settings, while the metering system is controlled via the AMAZONE AmaTron 4 terminal inside the cabin.
The unit can be easily connected to other AMAZONE tillage implements, such as the KE rotary harrows or the KG rotary cultivators, via the QuickLink quick coupling system and can also be used in conjunction with the GreenDrill 200 for the simultaneous sowing of catch crops or fine seeds. This combination allows a third material to be applied to the soil surface via baffle plates, with seed fed directly from the 200-litre mounted hopper.
Now is not the time to stop incorporating plantain into dairy pasture systems to reduce nitrogen (N) loss, says Agricom Australasia brand manager Mark Brown.
Building on the success of last year's events, the opportunity to attend People Expos is back for 2025, offering farmers the chance to be inspired and gain more tips and insights for their toolkits to support their people on farm.
Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.
Precision application of nitrogen can improve yields, but the costs of testing currently outweigh improved returns, according to new research from Plant and Food Research, MPI and Ravensdown.
Professionals in South Waikato are succeeding in governance, thanks to a governance mentoring programme for South Waikato.
Timpack, one of New Zealand's largest wooden pallet and bin manufacturers, has been rewarded an exclusive contract to supply Fonterra.
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