Lely order book 'slightly better'
Dairy automation company Lely reported a 3.4% decline in total turnover last year but notes that sales are picking up.
Lely at Agritechnica 2015, in Hanover, introduced a new range of variable chamber round balers which are now available in New Zealand.
The versatile Lely Welger RP 160V E-link Pro, replaces the respected 415 and 445 ranges. It has newly designed chamber geometry and its Constant Pressure System produces high density, well shaped bales which combine to reduce costs and promote rapid fermentation for higher feed quality.
The Lely Welger RP160V E-link Pro uses a 2.25m, 5-tine bar, camless pick up and a 13-knife chopping rotor, with a short distance from the former to the latter ensuring good crop flow, and the heavy-duty split-gearbox driveline offering maximum performance in heavy conditions.
A further option is available indent only: the machine can be supplied with a wider 2.4m pick-up and the Xtracut chopper system that offers two knife banks with 25 knives and the option to select varying knife combinations from the operator's seat.
Maximum output is ensured by the maker's Easy Net Loading system which allows net fitting at ground level, reducing effort and time; and easily opened guards give access to the second, stored roll and allow good inspection and maintenance. Daily servicing is aided by centrally grouped grease banks and chain life is prolonged by an automatic lubrication system.
In the cabin, the E-Link Pro terminal has a bright touch-screen display for a machine overview and job recording, although the system is Isobus compatible, allowing the use of the tractor's own display terminal if preferred
Harry Smith, NZ service manager for Lely, who oversaw two years of testing of the new machine throughout NZ, commented "the high performance of the new RP 160V E-link Pro results from a combination of a larger capacity variable bale chamber, the hydro-flex drop floor system and a range of options for feeding and chopping. The overall design is very user friendly."
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.
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