Disc mower range gets upgrade
Kuhn has announced an expansion of its range of disc mowers, distributed by Norwood in New Zealand, with the addition of two new vertically folding rear mounted models, the GMD 3515 and GMD 4015.
The Kuhn VBP 3100 series variable chamber baler-wrapper combination can now be equipped with the patented Kuhn Twin-reel film binding system.
The manufacturer claims this increases the baler’s versatility in silage production. The process has already been a proven concept on Kuhn fixed chamber baler-wrappers since its introduction in 2015.
The patented film binding system uses two regular 750mm stretch-film rolls, which offers several advantages compared to other film binding systems available on the market that are using wide mantle film.
Using regular, freely available wrapping film enables customers to benefit from a lower purchase price and use a much higher pre-stretch ratio compared to conventional wide film binding systems. This is said to reduce film binding costs by up to 37% and extends the intervals for changing film reels by around 30%.
Additionally, the customer’s inventory management is simplified by using regular stretch-film.
Thanks to lower roll weights, the film is easy to handle. Combined with the low lifting height and the user-friendly film roll holding system, this makes the exchange of film rolls on the VBP 3100 series an easy job.
The film and net binding systems are two separate systems, which enables the operator to switch between the two without the need for tools.
Why Film?
When producing round silage bales more and more often film binding is preferred over traditional net binding.
Film binding provides tighter, more compactly wrapped bales with better protection around the circumference of the bale.
The additional oxygen barrier guarantees better silage quality, and the improved bale shape enables more efficient storage. There are also many practical benefits for the farmer.
A film bound bale means easy unwrapping, even during frost periods. There is no collection of silage in between the wrap so no feed is lost.
Film-wrapped bales make waste management more efficient; there is no net and film to be separated, so all the plastic film can be recycled together.
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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