Greendrill, a red-hot performer
Dubbed as a universal seeder, Amazone’s new GreenDrill 501 is said to be ideal for one-pass sowing of ‘catch crops’, fine seeds and undersown crops in combination with the company’s trailed cultivators.
The Gaspardo Contessa, a versatile cultivator/planter combination, has three key elements equipping it for multiple tasks in one pass, or individually.
First is a robust frame with large carrying wheels at the rear. Underslung is a choice of Maschio power harrow or Torro or Aquilla ranges with maximum power inputs of 380 and 300hp, respectively.
Second is a 2500L hopper assembly carried on a three point hitch directly above the rear wheels of the frame to spread the load; it can be used to carry fertiliser or seed for planting. The Gaspardo Flexseed roller system uses a volumetric design for fertiliser or seed output. The assembly has a wide opening with access stairs.
Third is the planting element that can be set up as a vacuum operated precision unit with either 6 or 8 rows at 75cm spacing, or a new 16 row unit at 37.5cm spacing that allows high plant densities per hectare and subsequent higher yields.
Alternatively, seeding can be by a more conventional double-disc opener drill system which is normally more suited to cereal production, offering 370mm staggered discs and 320mm press/gauge wheels that control planting depth from 0 to 8cm.
With operating widths of 4.6, 5.0 and 6.0m, control by Isobus and optional features such as E-drive and auto row shut-off via GPS signal, the unit should be useful to larger scale farmers or contractors.
One of New Zealand’s longest-running pasture growth monitoring projects will continue, even as its long-time champion steps away after more than five decades of involvement.
The Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsmen Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is advising consumers to prepare for delays as insurers respond to a high volume of claims following this week's severe weather.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.

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