Market leading side-by-side to be displayed
Can-Am will be using the upcoming Northland Field Days (Stand E6) to give farmers the opportunity to see the Defender HD 10 for themselves.
Over the years, Ashburton- based Rotowiper has followed one main objective: to design and manufacture an effective, cost-efficient method of controlling/eradicating weed infestation in pasture and crops.
Receiving positive feedback from farmers and growers around the world, the company has achieved its main objective. However, recently it has been developing new formats to meet individual conditions in different markets around the globe.
The new Rotowiper TR series is a case in point. It is proving to be very successful, featuring ease of operation with simple height adjustment, delivered by a new single heavy-duty ratchet assembly. Likewise, the roller drive engagement is actioned with a simple spring-loaded pin, meaning the machine can be quickly disengaged for transport or re-engaged once back in the paddock.
Other features include a drawbar that can be raised vertically for transporting or storage, without tools, and stainless steel covers throughout to give the machine a quality appearance. However, more importantly, this also delivers durability and improves the machine’s longevity.
A redesign of the frame features larger box section steel, and a “box” style frame layout, both resulting in superior strength and durability. Heavy-duty stub axles are equipped with high-speed bearings to help endure the rigours of high-speed road travel road travel alongside the punishment delivered on unmade farm tracks and large acreages.
UTV style towing vehicles, the chemical tank has now been repositioned from the drawbar to above the application roller. This has removed weight transfer from the rear of the vehicles, while also allowing a levelling device to be fitted – if required.
Rotowiper is able to offer a bespoke production and configuration service.
The company recently completed its largest machine to date, offering a 24-metre working width and one metre clearance under the application roller. Comprising seven individual roller sections, the machine was developed for a Canterbury contractor who was dealing with bolters in the increasingly popular fodder beet crops being grown.
The machine’s layout allows excellent ground contouring over the full working width. By using a combination of hydraulic and electronic control, it quickly moves on from its original intended use by also dealing with other weeds such as Californian thistles.
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.
OPINION: The world is bracing for a trade war between the two biggest economies.