You may think that there is only a slight difference in the width of row crop tyres, but depending on the size of your farm, the difference tyre width makes to potential crop yield is noticeable.
Spraying, for instance, at this time of the year requires numerous trips across your fields and the impact in terms of soil damage and crop damage with traditional wide tyres can really affect your bottom line.
Unlike wide tyres which crush the crops, narrow row crop tyres have less impact on the soil and allow young seedlings to develop correctly throughout the field. In addition to being easier to drive between the rows of crops with narrow tyres compared to wide tyres, the limited width of the footprint in the soil with narrow tyres reduces the number of plants damaged as well as the impact on your crop’s root system.
Ascenso’s narrow row crop tyres
Ascenso’s VDR 900 VF radial tyres are engineered to carry 40% more load than a conventional radial tire, or the same load at 40% lower pressure.
These tyres have been designed with stronger lugs, a large contact patch that gives excellent traction and with the unique and innovative design of Ascenso’s mud breaker technology, the self-cleaning characteristic of the tyre decreases slippage, delivers lower fuel consumption, and increases overall productivity.
With a set of high-tech narrow VF tyres, you can work with lower inflation pressures, use a high-capacity spray tank, wide booms, and see a significant improvement in crop yield, the company concludes.
A fixed cattle handling system is a permanent infrastructure used to manage and handle cattle in an efficient and effective manner. Many farmers will have at some point considered investing in a fixed cattle handling system to improve their operations and optimise their resources, but the planning and cost can be somewhat off putting. However, with the most recent round of the FETF grant funding, you could install a standard or bespoke fixed cattle handling system that will help manage your enterprise at a significantly reduced cost, IAE says.
Why make the investment?
Increased productivity: One of the main benefits of a fixed cattle handling system is the potential for increased productivity. With a well-designed system in place, you can streamline the handling process, reducing stress on both the cattle and the handlers. This will lead to improved cattle flow, faster sorting, and reduced time spent on various tasks such as weighing, TB testing and applying pour on treatments, ultimately resulting in higher efficiency and productivity.
A key design feature for improving the flow of cattle, IAE says, is to incorporate its 6.2m diameter forcing pen, which turns the cattle through 180 degrees so that as they move down the race, they are heading in the direction of where they came from; be that a field or housed environment. Naturally, cattle will always want to travel towards where they came from and therefore making that 180-degree part way through the handling system is a simple way to generate a consistent flow of animals.
Improved animal welfare: Investing in a fixed cattle handling system can greatly enhance the wellbeing of the animals. The system allows for better control and handling, minimising stress and potential injuries during loading, unloading, weighing, and veterinary procedures. By providing a safe and low-stress environment, you can ensure your cattle’s health and welfare, leading to healthier animals and improved overall herd performance.
To enter the handling system, cattle must flow through two seven-rail 4,880mm x 3,195mm holding pens, that are purposely designed to hold only a small number of animals at any one time. This is because cattle in small numbers remain calmer and move better, greatly helping to mitigate any stress the animals may feel.
IAE says its new and improved system now features seven rail panels standing around the holding pens; this is to accommodate a wide range of cattle breeds, ages and sizes.
Labour cost reduction: By implementing a fixed cattle handling system, labour costs are significantly reduced. The system’s design plays to the strengths of natural cattle behaviour, making it easier for the handler to work the animals. With fewer workers needed for these operations, you can allocate your labour resources to other essential farm tasks, ultimately saving time and money.
To create an environment that ensures the handler’s safety is prioritised, a safe working zone runs down the centre of the system and can be fronted by a safety gate to prevent the ingress of cattle. Handlers can see and work all aspects of the system from the zone and narrow personnel gaps allow quick entry and exit to the holding pens. For visibility of cattle in the race, IAE’s new drop down platform provides a safe method of viewing the cattle.
Ease of handling: A fixed cattle handling system provides consistency and ease of handling for both the animals and the handlers. With well-defined and easily navigable races and pens, cattle can be quickly and safely moved from one area to another. This reduces the risk of injuries to both the animals and the handlers, making the entire process more efficient and less stressful for everyone involved.
Cost-effectiveness and long-term value
When considering the cost-effectiveness and long-term value of a fixed cattle handling system, it is crucial to evaluate the pros and cons. While the initial investment may seem daunting, the potential benefits of increased productivity, improved animal welfare, reduced labour costs, and ease of handling cannot be ignored.
IAE’s new and improved fixed cattle handling system is currently eligible under FETF57. For more information about its fixed cattle handling system and the variations it can offer, visit the IAE website or contact the sales team directly.
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Graham runs three John Deere 6150Rs for mowing, raking and hauling silage at Chelker House Farm in Addingham, west Yorkshire, with the trio of tractors between eight and nine years old. Graham is a third-generation farmer and runs the business in partnership with his father, Max, while his son, Sam, plays a key role in both the dairy and contracting operations.
Although the size of the tractors was akin to Graham’s previous machines, the tractors were significantly underpowered and rated at 136hp. Output losses when running the twin mowers and hauling silage on the hilly terrain were most notable.
“Output with the mowers in a good silage crop was around 7kph, but the biggest problem was when the front mower hit some already cut grass at the end of a row, the tractor just died and had nothing left to give, forcing the operator to lift or slow to crawl.”
The tailored ECU remap from Avon Tuning HD was installed by local service engineer, Tom Eckton, and along with carrying out the remap, he provides advice over the phone when required.
“We have only increased the tractor power to within the safe limits of the engine and drivetrain, as reliability is still key,” says Graham. “We have a lot of investment tied up in these machines, so we want to keep them in top condition. The tractor can now handle the mowers at 15kph comfortably and keep running to the end of the row even in the thickest crops. It means we can drop more grass per day which the forager can easily clear.”
Since the remap, the tractors aren’t using any extra fuel to counteract the increases in work efficiencies. “Any fuel use increase is offset by greater output when mowing and hauling trailers. Alongside this, the wider implications of running an underpowered tractor that can slow the forager down, is a big factor.”
Remapping has allowed Graham to run cost-effective tractors in his business, while improving power outputs to match the demand of his implements and increase work efficiencies not only from the tractors, but the wider harvesting process.
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Suffolk Plant Machinery Ltd has been awarded the Faresin telehandler range from Italy, offering professional machines for the agricultural, livestock, energy, straw, construction, commercial and industrial sectors from 2.6–6.5-tonne lift capacity with 6–17m lift heights.
Available ranges are:
Small: For facilities and work environments with limited space. Cab height: 1,935mm, width: 1,890mm, lifting capacity: 2.6t, lifting height: 6m.
FS Compact: High-level performance with great agility in tight spaces and unique visibility. Spacious and ergonomic cabin available in the lowered 2,250mm version. Lifting capacity: 3.2t, lifting height 7m with a unique 9m version.
FS Middle: A ductile machine offering management savings and high performance. Lifting capacity: 3.5–4.5t, lifting height: 7–10m.
Heavy Duty: High handling capabilities without compromising performance. Lifting capacity: 6–7t, lifting height 9–10m.
Big: Best choice for material handling operations in construction areas. Lifting capacity: 4–4.5t, 14–17m lifting height.
Full Electric: Includes models with boom lengths from 6–17m and lifting capacities from 2.6–4.5t.
The full range offers 39 options on model size and engines with many options for building a machine to your specific requirements.
The Italian factory, now in its 50th year, has over 400 employees. Suffolk Plant Machinery, based in Brundish, also covers East Anglia as main dealer for Sunward excavators, skid-steer loaders and access platforms alongside a growing range of StarTrac compact tractors. It also offers hire machines, servicing, parts and fabricating services.
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Tristan Dale of Dales Agri alongside the Maschio Gaspardo Chrono 508 Precision Drill.
Dales Agri is an agricultural contractor based near Macclesfield, covering the surrounding counties. The business has been providing agricultural services for over 35 years and was established by Anthony Dale, who now runs the business alongside his son Tristan.
Anthony and Tristan describe themselves as providing the full dairy industry service, from grass harvesting and baling (round and square bales), to ploughing and cultivating, all aspects of slurry, plus arable services including, combining and drilling.
Covering Cheshire, Staffordshire, Berkshire, Derbyshire and Norfolk, during the busiest times of the year they have a 25-strong team consisting of self-employed and sub-contractors, who ensure the Dales team can provide a full agri-service to their customers.
The Dales Agri team have been operating Maschio Gaspardo machines for a number of years; including ploughs, drills and a power harrow, before deciding to purchase a Chrono 508 high speed precision drill in 2021 from the Cornthwaites Group.
Set apart from the rest
Maschio Gaspardo product specialist & territory manager, Mac Simpson, says: “The Maschio Gaspardo Chrono 500 is a mounted drill which has a key feature that sets it apart from the rest. It can be set up to run with variable row spacings and is equipped with either eight or 12 planting units, making it suitable for sowing a range of crops with 45, 50, 70 or 75cm row spacings. This versatility makes it possible for the operator to switch from drilling sugar beet in the morning to maize in the afternoon, the conversion taking less than two hours.”
Anthony Dale comments: “When we first bought the drill we had a few initial teething problems; however, the back-up and support that we received from Maschio was excellent and problems were sorted really quickly.”
The decision to purchase the Chrono, was very much based on the speed, accuracy and ability to vary the row spacing, Anthony continues. “Before buying the Chrono 500, we were running two Gaspardo drills, a Mirka 8-row at 75cm and a Magica 8-row variable 45–80cm – but we wanted a machine that could cope with both fodder beet and maize and at the speed and accuracy we need to provide for our customers, which led us to the Chrono 500.”
Having built such a good relationship with Maschio Gaspardo, the Dales Agri team continues to test the products today. “We eventually became an unofficial tester as we kept pushing the machinery to the limits,” explains Anthony.
This year, they have drilled 80% of their maize at 50cm spacing with tramlines and are looking forward to seeing the results.
Tristan Dale says: “Although the Chrono can also be used for other small seed crops, such as OSR, we are currently using it for maize and fodder beet as these are very much the needs of our customers and the areas we cover.
“Due to the speed and the accuracy of the Chrono 500, we are able to drill on average 100–120 acres a day working at a rate of between 12–18kph, which is great compared to other drills available. We have had other drills in the past, but that aren’t as easy to swap out the rows and we really like that you can vary the pressure too.”
Anthony adds: “When drilling sugar beet, you need to drop the downward pressure because you need to be careful as the higher pressure can blow the seed out of the slot.
“And so, the accuracy and speed were the deciding factors for choosing the Chrono.”
Keeping ahead of the drill
One area that the team have found challenging is ensuring they keep ahead of the Maschio Gaspardo Chrono 500, as the speed means they need to have the ground ready to go sooner than previously required.
“The weather can be a real challenge for ensuring we keep well enough ahead for the drill. Due to the speed the drill can work at, if we’ve had too much rain it can make it difficult to ensure we have worked the land in time ready for the drill to pass, because as we know, that can also cause its own problems, such as compaction and soil structure damage,” explains Anthony.
The Dales Agri team also run a Maschio Gaspardo 8m Jumbo Power Harrow, that is used to stay ahead of the drill. The Jumbo is an ultra-heavy-duty power harrow suitable for extremely hard stony soil, due to its specially developed barrel style double taper roller bearing.
Mac Simpson points out: “The Chrono is also fully Isobus-compatible enabling all its functions and adjustments to be handled either through an existing tractor terminal or an additional Isobus controller. In combination with the electronically-driven seeding units and microgranular applicator, the GPS-compatible drill controller also provides automatic row shut-off/section control and the potential for variable rate seeding and fertiliser applications.”
Great investment
Both Anthony and Tristan agree the Chrono 500 has been a great investment for their business. “The Chrono 500 comes as a full package and so all the optional extras are included meaning we have the flexibility and convenience of the function adjustments from the tractor cab.
“The accuracy of the drill at such high speeds combined with the ability to change rows quickly has made a real difference to the business, meaning we only need to run one drill not two,” concludes Anthony.
If you would like to learn more about the Chrono 500 series contact your local Maschio Gaspardo dealer, or visit the Maschio Gaspardo website
For more information on Dales Agri visit the website
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As with all the Awemak products offered by PFC, there is no compromise on build strength and quality, the company says. The 3m setup with high or low disturbance leg options on the Sherp are protected by sprung auto reset. The standard hydraulic three-point linkage couples directly to the Ozyrus Discs with minimal down time to sperate and connect as required. Using hydraulic linkage allows ultimate precision adjustment to the depth control of both the Sherp disturbance legs and the 3m discs.
The Ozyrus discs have as standard, two rows of 12 discs with 560mm diameter, active side screens, deflector board between the row of discs, straw tines, hydraulic depth control, led lights and steel ring packer. There are various rear rollers and packers available with the option of doubling up to have a twin roller or packer.
The Sherp and Ozyrus combination is designed to provide effortless working efficiency as the operator can adjust on the go the working depth of the two components to suit ground conditions and soil types. Having the ability to separate the two components allows for more varied jobs to be carried out.
Chitting grain after harvest is the main consideration, and utilising the discs to work the top 1cm then reconnecting before drilling to work the ground allows the operator to create an ideal seed bed. On the PFC test farm, min-till has been used successful to replace the plough, reduce establishment cost and improve time management of the continuous wheat crop.
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The company is based just outside the small village of Markethill in Northern Ireland.
Following the company’s formation in 2013, founders Mark and Dean Belford say they are proud to have been leading the business into rapid yearly growth.
“As children we made our own toys to play with in the garden. Our dreams were that someday we would own a factory making toys for other children,” commented Mark.
“As the years progressed, so did our enthusiasm for engineering. We have never seen engineering as a job or career – it’s our passion!”
MDE Machinery makes tree shears, silage forks, and buckets for forestry and agricultural industries. The company’s attachments are designed for excavators, wheeled loaders, telehandlers, and tractors, and specifically designed and engineered to efficiently handle a wide range of material.
According to Dean, MDE’s vision and dream now is to become a global manufacturer of both agricultural and forestry machinery attachments that customers can really put their trust in.
Proving how quickly the business has grown in a relatively short time, MDE’s products currently can be found in 24 different countries – including as far away in New Zealand.
Mark and Dean say they are always striving to push the MDE brand globally, and welcome any international dealers to be part of their team.
MDE works closely with its customers and agricultural machinery dealers to improve and discover new products. The company’s ethos is that, in order to design world market-leading equipment, it needs to take on board its customers’ opinions and ideas, and is constantly developing new products and ideas.
Two examples within the forage and silage portfolio of products include the MDE Rhino Pak silo compactor, which is designed to increase silo capacity, reduce feed loss/spoilage reduce silage slippage, and provide access to hard roll areas; and the heavy-duty Falcon pushoff buckrake, which features Hardox tines as part of a heavy-duty construction, designed for strength.
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A good drainage system helps to improve timely cultivations and drilling, and promotes good root structure allowing crops to thrive not only in wet conditions, but also to tolerate drier spells which are sure to follow.
Drainage by its very nature is long term, with correctly designed and installed schemes that can be expected to last 50 years or more, with improvements to soil structure and health being felt immediately the drains start to work.
For advice on either land drainage, ditch maintenance or water storage contact Colin or Chris at Allan Collyer & Sons.
The company is a dynamic family-owned and run business operating from a base near to Bungay in Suffolk. It operates mainly in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex and was started by Allan Collyer in 1980 as an agricultural land drainage contractor. His main ethos was quality and value for money and this still holds true for his two sons Chris and Colin who now run the company. Some of those first customers still regularly employ the company to carry out work.
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Barn Owl Wireless employs wireless sensors to deliver instantaneous updates on temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels through an easy-to-use web portal. This functionality allows store managers to oversee crop conditions from anywhere in the world. The system’s integration with Martin Lishman’s wireless fan controllers automates the cooling process, activating fans only when needed – conserving energy and significantly enhancing the quality and longevity of stored crops.
The FloorVent underfloor ventilation system is a standalone solution that excels in grain cooling with its high airflow perforated tubes, underfloor ducts, and Pile-Dry Fans. When paired with Barn Owl Wireless, it forms a cohesive grain storage management system.
The FloorVent system effectively expels hot air, prevents warm air recirculation, and guarantees uniform conditioning across the grain store, ensuring optimum storage conditions.
The FloorVent ducts can be replaced with manhole covers, allowing different sections of the building to be used for storage, and to make loading and unloading easier.
These systems not only streamline grain storage management but also improve overall grain quality, which Martin Lishman says showcases its commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for the agricultural industry.
For more information on Barn Owl Wireless and FloorVent, visit the Martin Lishman website
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The S7 has a new cab, styling and naming as well as integrated advanced precision agriculture features, offering a wide range of the leading technology already tried and trusted in the John Deere X9 combines.
The new S7 combines are equipped with the latest generation JDX engines. The 9-litre JD9X engine powers the S7 700, whilst the S7 800, S7 850 and S7 900 are powered by the 13.6-litre JD14X.
In addition, the new S7 adopts the X9 residue management system to further enhance overall efficiency. The unloading auger for the S7 also comes with the adjustable spout which can be controlled from the cab for easier and more accurate filling of the trailer.
The S7 combines offer advanced harvesting automation through optional technology packages that include automation solutions such as Harvest Settings Automation, where automatic adjustments of five internal combine settings take place during harvest; based on grain loss, foreign material, and broken grain limits.
Also new to the S7 is Predictive Ground Speed Automation. This predictive system senses the crop through several different sources, including satellite biomass maps and live automation camera feedback. The S7 uses this live camera feedback to detect crop height and/or down crop to further adjust the ground speed in real-time.
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