Reduce your weed burden
Weed wiping has taken many formats over the last 50 years or more, with some systems achieving much better results than others.
Showcased at the recent Waimumu Field Days, Rotowiper’s latest addition to its tractor mounted wiper range, the big 12m span machine dominated the site, complementing the current 6m (working width) FU600 and the 9m FU900 Fold-ups.
Like the other Fold-up models, the 12m is designed for three-point linkage mounting, featuring five sections that easily fold to a 3m transport width.
Rotowiper owner, Dougal Lamont says, “the 12m model on display is aimed at large scale farmers, here and in Australia, and is designed to be flexible across uneven ground, making it suitable for all types of terrains, including rolling country”.
The 12m unit tips the scales at two tonnes. It has three ‘balloontyred’ oscillating wheels, rearwards of the three centre sections, that take care of working height, complemented by individual wheels at the extremities of the outer wings.
Utilising the same herbicide application technology used throughout the wellknown Rotowiper range, the big unit features twin 200 litre chemical tanks, five distribution pumps, and a control box offering auto-function, timer and manual control options.
Each application roller uses a hydraulic motor, allowing the operator to apply chemical to each roller separately. The start-up procedure is designed to avoid overloading the 12v system with pumps starting in sequence, then the reverse during shutdown. Lamont suggests the 12m unit will retail at about $55,000.
http://www.rotowiper.com/
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.

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