Major line-up for Agriquip
Irish manufacturer Major Equipment Intl Ltd has appointed Taranaki-based AgriQuip as its distributor of Major branded products in New Zealand.
Thinking about subsoilers, few farmers in New Zealand and beyond will be unaware of the McConnell Shakaerator; after all it's been around for 35 years.
It differs from traditional subsoilers in using vibration to reduce draught requirement, meaning a smaller tractor can be used, and a smaller fuel bill to complete the job.
In practice an eccentric weight is mounted under the machine's headstock and connected to the tractor's PTO. The resultant vibration allows the low draught legs to penetrate easily and in doing so improve vertical drainage, ease compaction and help promote vigorous grass root growth.
Ideal in typical NZ situations for removing pugging created by overwintered stock, the machines are also said to be ideal for removing the tractor 'pans' typically found 200-250mm below the surface. Depending on the selection of a 24 or 30 inch length leg, working depths of up to a maximum of 350-400mm can be achieved respectively.
Easily optioned to suit specific tasks, the grassland version is supplied with individual spring-loaded disc assemblies which slice through the surface mat to allow the subsoiler legs into work without creating any bulldozing of the sward.
At the rear of the machine a full width large diameter smooth roller offers incremental depth control, as well as helping to reinstate the surface after the machine has passed through, ensuring the pasture is brought back into production pronto.
Dependent on soil type the units can be equipped with standard or long-life points, and the 2.5m frame can be equipped with two-five leg assemblies dependent on terrain and available power.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
OPINION: The world is bracing for a trade war between the two biggest economies.