Sumo GLS wrestles compaction
A recent demonstration of a grassland subsoiler in the heavily compacted car park at Mystery Creek impressed visiting dairy farmers.
Designed for deep vertical tillage, the Great Plains inline subsoiler shatters yield-robbing compaction layers.
These layers are a known effect of horizontal tillage tools such as ploughs and discs, and of tractors or continuous repeated traffic.
The subsoilers have a working depth of 30-40cm with easily adjusted depth wheels. They are designed for use in autumn to help loosen the soil profile and restore uniform density but with minimal topsoil disturbance.
The subsoiler’s frame is made of high tensile, 9.5mm walled tubing for strength and durability. They come with 70cm (6 shank) or 75cm (5 shank) spacings.
A no-till, 25cm wide, winged point is used with the 19mm no-till leg to minimise surface disturbance yet maximise the soil shattering effect below the surface.
At the rear of the machine, individual 41cm diameter roller assemblies, made from 2.5cm solid bars, level the treated surface, enabling single pass seedbed preparation.
The shanks are protected against stones, rocks or timber by a horizontally mounted coil spring protection system with a trip force of 1360kg.
Reducing nitrogen inputs does not necessarily mean reducing profits, says DairyNZ principal scientist Ina Pinxterhuis.
Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick says farmers are prepared for winter grazing every year.
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) is launching a new round of grants to support projects aimed at enhancing dairy farming sustainability via the a2 Farm Sustainability Fund.
DairyNZ is inviting applications for an associate director position.
Dairy's superpowers are lifting their game on proving greenhouse gas credentials.
Taupo-based low-carbon dairy company Miraka has its sights set on using 100% renewable energy in the next decade.
OPINION: Is Canterbury milk processor Synlait back in business?
OPINION: The fate of methane inhibitor Bovaer in NZ farming is still up in the air.