Kverneland to debut Alentix fertiliser spreaders at Agritechnica
With Agritechnica just around the corner, it’s no surprise to see manufacturers drip-feed some information of new products worth a closer look.
Third-generation dairy farmers Hayden and Tania Edmeades run 500 dairy cows and associated young stock over 190ha near Putararu in the Waikato.
Like every dairy farm, a good mower is an essential tool, whether it’s for cutting winter feed or topping and tidying paddocks that have got away from the herd.
In the Edmeades case, the job falls to a Kverneland 2828M mounted disc mower, featuring seven discs that deliver a cutting width of 2.8 metres. With two seasons under its belt, Hayden says the stand-out feature is the mower’s contour following ability.
“We have a lot of sloping ground on the farm, some it quite gnarly, but the mower follows the ground exceptionally well, with no scuffing or sward damage. Once set, I really don’t have to make any adjustments from there on,” he says.
Featuring a centre pivoting design that creates even weight distribution across the full width of the cutter-bar, the mower is carried at a fixed height by the tractor’s three-point linkage, while a hydraulic cylinder takes care of lifting and lowering into and out of work.
The design also incorporates an integral hydraulic suspension system that is easily adjusted to cope with changing ground conditions or working speeds.
Handled easily by the farm’s 4-cylinder 110hp tractor, Hayden notes the mower “uses plenty of steel” in its construction, in this case a hefty 805kg.
The driveline sees power being transmitted directly to the first disc, removing the need for an inner shoe, which in turn means crossing already mown swaths is trouble-free, with no risk of bunching.
During operation, Hayden reports that the cutting quality is always good, with blades lasting well, but easily changed with the dedicated tool if required.
The round discs mean that if any objects are encountered, they do not “pinch”, while peace of mind is also kept in check by the mechanical break-back system.
For transport, the mower folds vertically to around 125 degrees, meaning that the cutter-bar and top cover is pulled in behind the tractor’s rear fender, reducing the likelihood of getting “tangled” with gateposts or other road users.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
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