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Effluent as a nutrient source brings the additional benefit of increasing soil organic matter.
With last year’s spike in the cost of artificial nitrogenous fertilisers, there has been a renewed interest in using dairy effluent as a nutrient source, with additional benefits gained by increasing soil organic matter, leading to improved water holding, aeration and drainage.
Research suggests that 100 cows, milked over a 270-day season will produce a volume of effluent equivalent to 590kg of nitrogen, 70kg of phosphorous and 540kg of potassium, meaning that well utilised material can help reduce the dependence on bought-in products.
Otorohanga-based Giltrap Engineering offers a range of slurry tankers with capacities from 5000 to 20,000 litres, running on tandem or triple axle layouts depending on size, with corresponding axles sized from 60 to 130mm and, dependent on specification, utilising 10-stud commercial wheel equipment.
Tank diameters vary depending on capacity, but all feature high-grade rolled steel of 6mm wall thickness, or 8mm in the case of the largest unit, with domed end panels to create integrity.
The vessel is carried on an integrated heavyduty chassis and drawbar assembly, with a large range of options to suit individual situations.
These include braking systems, various tyres, sprung/steering axles, suspended drawbars or mudguards. For those looking for proof of placement information, options include flow pumps and GPS coverage maps accessed through an easy to use touch-screen system.
The heart of the machine centres around a high-end Battioni-Pagani rotary vane vacuum pump with capacities of 6500 to 12,000 litres per minute, depending on model.
The vacuum/pressure system is protected by a double moisture trap, with relief valves in each circuit, with a sight glass to monitor filing, while the use of brass and galvanised fittings throughout gives effective corrosion protection.
Separate filling points allow the machines to operate in situations where there might be access issues, with the option of an Auto-Fill set up allows users to fill the tank without leaving the tractor seat, helping to promote cleanliness and more importantly, safety.
Detail design sees inspection hatches on the side and top of the tank for easy access for maintenance or cleaning, while up to three integral tank baffles prevents “surge” as the tank empties or fills. Machines are supplied with 150 or 200mm lightweight, sectional filling hoses, in lengths of up to 8 metres. A high-quality paint finish externally, with an epoxy paint coating inside the tank, should help the machine look good over an extended working life.
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed an agreement with Manitou to take over the distribution and retail rights for Manitou Agricultural Equipment covering the lower North Island and the South Island, effective August 1, 2025.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to improve cutting precision and wear resistance.
Alliance has announced a series of capital raise roadshow event, starting on 29 September in Tuatapere, Southland.
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced a new equity partnership in an effort to support pathways to farm ownership for livestock farm operators.
Following a recent overweight incursion that saw a Mid-Canterbury contractor cop a $12,150 fine, the rural contracting industry is calling time on what they consider to be outdated and unworkable regulations regarding weight and dimensions that they say are impeding their businesses.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says his officials plan to meet their US counterparts every month from now on to better understand how the 15% tariff issue there will play out, and try and get some certainty there for our exporters about the future.
Brett Wotton, an Eastern Bay of Plenty kiwifruit grower and harvest contractor, has won the 2025 Kiwifruit Innovation Award for his work to support lifting fruit quality across the industry.
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