Products to keep brassica seeds safe
Forage brassica crops provide an excellent source of energy and protein for grazing livestock at critical times of the year when the quantity and quality of pasture on offer is limiting livestock production.
Recently released in Europe, with expected delivery yet to be confirmed for New Zealand, the new Valtra A series tractors see a range of new transmission options that will get those looking for a compact workhorse.
Making way for the fifth generation of A series, the outgoing A4 tractors were always popular for livestock operations, resulting in more than half the production supplied with factory-fitted front-end loaders.
This fact has not been missed by the new A5’s designers who have focused on introducing powershift transmission options and an upgraded armrest control system usually seen on the company’s larger hp ranges.
At the heart of the tractor, the A5 series retains the three-cylinder, 3.3 litre AgcoPower engine in the three smallest models, while the four larger tractors in the seven-model range get the 4.4 litre, 4-cylinder engine from the same camp.
Horsepower output remains the same for the 3-cylinders, but the 4.4 litre units each gain 5hp over the outgoing A4 series. Both engine formats meet the latest Stage 5 emission regulations using a combination of DPF and SCR technology, with service intervals pushed out to 600 hours.
Like its predecessor, the A5 is offered in three different wheelbases, with three smallest measuring in at 2250mm, the middle pair is stretched to 2430mm and the two largest models are fitted with a 2500mm chassis.
A basic 12F/12R speed GL transmission is the base unit choice for all models, while a two-step powershift HiTech 2 set up, offering 24F/24R speeds is now available on all the three-cylinder models. Elsewhere the mid-range A105 and A115 get the choice of three gearbox options, with the base 12F/12R GL, a 16F/16R HiTech 4, powershift and a 32F/32R speed creeper set up that can get down to 100m/hour. The HiTech 4 unit is controlled electronically, while all models incorporate a F/R shuttle with an integrated handbrake.
Other notable features include the selectable AutoTraction control system, redesigned engine hood and wheels and the main power isolation switch incorporated into the ignition switch. Options include rear fender PTO control on the HiTech 4 models and the Valtra Connect remote monitoring system.
Can discarded beef skins become premium dog food? Would camel milk work for your morning flat white? These are just two of the questions that will be answered next week at an international conference in Palmerston North.
Meat the Need, New Zealand’s dedicated charity delivering locally sourced protein meals to food-insecure communities, is launching an online National Charity Auction.
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Irrigation New Zealand chief executive Vanessa Winning is stepping down after four years in the role.
Free workshops focused on managing risk in sharefarming get underway this week.
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