Alpego eyes electric power harrow
Distributed by OriginAg in New Zealand, Italian manufacturer Alpego recently showed its three metre Alysium electric power harrow at the Italian Eima Event, taking away an innovation award.
Distributed in New Zealand by Norwood, Pichon has expanded its SV effluent tanker range with the addition of the new SV12R single-axle and SV15R tandem-axle models.
The SV12R model offers a capacity of 12.2 cubic metres, and is the first single-axle model to join the SV liquid spreader series.
A clever, movable, bolted axle on the chassis, standard on this model, allows optimal distribution of loads between the tractor hitch and the axle. This is said to improve traction and driver comfort, irrespective of the final applicator, be it a spreader plate, dribble bar or disc-injection assembly.
Recessing the axles under the tanker body allows the fitment of tyres up to a diameter of 1900mm, which in turn can help alleviate soil compaction in difficult conditions.
The larger SV15R model offers 15.6 cubic metres capacity, using a tank design that allows wheel diameters of 1680mm – said to offer low rolling resistance and reduced fuel consumption.
The tandem axle with reinforced pivots is designed for loads of up to 15 tonnes per axle – while also being prearranged to retrofit the Teleinflation-adjustable tyre inflation option – and optimises ground surface contact and preserves the soil structure.
An optional load transfer bulkhead helps the towing tractor maintain traction and grip until the load is fully emptied, without transferring rearwards off the tractor coupling – an advantage in hilly areas.
Both models are compatible with Pichon’s wide range of application tools, including dribble booms, trailing shoes, incorporators, and injectors, alongside the BP2 auto filler arm, plunger, and turret.
SV models feature iControl terminals, which are available in joystick or a joystick version with touchscreen, while tanks come in a range of thicknesses, making it possible to attain a negative pressure close to -1 bar, which guarantees priming in difficult conditions and greater reception pit depths.
The chair of the Dairy Environmental Leaders (DEL) says the country's dairy farmers are at the forefront of environmental management.
On the edge of the hot, dry Takapau plains, Norm and Del Atkins have cultivated a small but exceptional herd of 60 Holstein Friesian cows within their mixed breed herd of 360 dairy cows.
The DairyNZ board and management are currently trying to determine whether, and to what degree, their farmer levy payers will support any increase in their levy contributions.
Milk production is up nationally, despite drought conditions beginning to bite in some districts, according to the latest update from Fonterra.
Dry conditions are widespread but worse in some places, with rain and drought affecting farms just a few kilometres away.
The Government's plan to merge the seven crown institutes presents exciting possibilities for plant technology company Grasslanz Technology, says chief executive Megan Skiffington.
OPINION: Results of regional New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) are trickling in but there's a worrying trend emerging.
OPINION: It seems that the work rate of some parliamentarians is well below par.