Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 416 i Farms and Farm Machinery

Case IH dealer TTMI, which operates five dealerships in Victoria’s Gippsland area and Tasmania, has it has taken over from Agrimac as the Case IH dealer in Warrnambool and will also open a branch in Colac early next year. From its beginnings in 1972 as a Case and David Brown dealer in Trafalgar, the business has been constantly evolving. In 2003 the name was changed to Traf Tractors and Machinery, and there was further expansion into Maffra and Leongatha in Gippsland, and then further growth into Tasmania with its Longford and Latrobe branches in 2018. The name was changed to TTMI in the same year. Dealer principal Jason Henry, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the agricultural industry, and group sales manager/director Andrew Snape, who began his career…

A new 40-litre spot sprayer and two portable hand sprayers have been launched for Spring as part of Silvan’s Essentials range, which is available now. Silvan says the range, which also includes rechargeable 12L and 15L backpack sprayers, has been specifically designed for general weed management, insect and pest control anywhere from a garden to a small property. The compact 40L spot sprayer has been designed for applying pesticides, agricultural and horticultural herbicides to weeds and insecticides to plants. Also included is a chemical resistant diaphragm pump that produces an open flow of 2.6L a minute, with a maximum pressure of 50psi. Other features include 3m of wiring loom with alligator clips, inline on/off switch and fuse. The sprayer consists of a translucent poly tank for viewing the content level…

Claas has a released a new 50-foot (15.3m) variation of its popular Convio Flex draper front, named the 1530. Now available in working widths of 15.3, 13.8, 12.3 and 10.8 metres, Convio models incorporate flexible knife bars, tables and side belts that enable them to flex up to 90mm upwards and 135mm downwards. They are ideal for harvesting crops that are close to the ground, such as pulses or lodged crops. Claas Harvest Centre product manager – Claas Lexion Steve Reeves says all Convio models are equipped with a large number of practical automatic functions that optimise performance and reduce operator stress. “Belt speed, reel traction and height are all automatically controlled for optimum crop flow and minimal grain loss in all crops and harvesting conditions,” he says. “In grain…

Living amongst the amazing surroundings of Epping Forest provides Scott Hampson and his family with much joy, but also a couple of challenges. Hampson runs Epping Forest Pastoral Company – a family business that’s been operating in the region for 120 years, and five generations, in northern Queensland. For many years, the beef grazing operation has relied on local suppliers for its vehicles and machinery. However, as it’s grown, the demand for quality and reliability has become paramount for Hampson. He found himself in need of two Cat D9T bulldozers fitted out with 30-foot stick rakes, scrub canopies and drawbars for his earthmoving exploits. “When we were looking to upgrade this time around, these machines weren’t available locally,” Hampson says. “I was looking for someone I could trust who could…

Sales of agricultural tractors in August were again strong, up by 22 per cent on the same month last year, and are now 2.5 per cent up on the 2022 year to date (YTD). This is a particularly strong result given the rush of buyers that occurred in June, keen to maximise use of the federal government’s Temporary Full Expensing Program. As we have been reporting for some months now, the industry’s ability to deliver tractors in such large quantities is due to the regular forward ordering that has been occurring for two years now in anticipation of supply challenges. The fact remains that if a farmer wants a specific “bespoke” tractor ordered from the factory then delivery will be at least 12 months Indeed, most dealers now are resisting…

Mojo Motorcycles, based in the Melbourne suburb of Altona North, is a distributor of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), scooters and motorcycles, including CFMoto’s range of off-road vehicles. Flying the flag for an exciting range of updated models from CFMoto, Mojo recently held a press day at the beautiful Witchmount Estate Winery to the west of Melbourne, giving the press and industry specialists the opportunity to get hands-on with the new machines. Michael Poynton, managing director and owner of Mojo Motorcycles, kicked off events by highlighting the strength of the long-running relationship between Mojo and CFMoto. “The one thing which we’ve seen with our relationship with CFMoto is they’re very responsive to the feedback that we provide,” he explained. “They move very quickly. They take on board feedback,…

The German Agricultural Society (DLG) has awarded four gold innovation medals ahead of its leading animal husbandry show EuroTier, held every two years in Hanover, Germany. To be eligible for a gold medal, a product must demonstrate a new concept and a function that either enables a new method or considerably improves a known method. Judges consider the effects on operating, work management, the environment and energy as well as the importance of the new product in practice and animal welfare when making the decision. DLG also awarded 14 silver medals, for products that have been redeveloped to create a considerable improvement in its function. Several manufacturers have indicated they are keeping a few new machines under wraps ahead of the event. DLG says EuroTier 2022 will host 1,700 exhibitors…

Victoria-based JN&R Engineering is known across Australia for its high quality, heavy-duty machinery, with the Leopard ejector in particular proving to be a very popular tool for farmers and earthmoving specialists. Replacing the older LE model, the Leopard ejector has carried its legacy forward with an increased load capacity, towing efficiency and versatility. “Our Leopard Ejector is designed to be towed behind a front wheel assist tractor,” JN&R Engineering director Gino D’Angelo says. “It’s targeted at farmers and smaller contractors, with an increased carrying capacity, an elevated pool to allow the material to flow easier, and dual side tilt at the rear, giving you the ability to lift either side of the machine and work in a raised position. There are also the rippers at the rear and it comes…

For those looking around for harvest labour, you might be interested in a recent decision by the High Court on employment law. Previously when employing staff, farmers have been locked into the Pastoral Award which, despite its name, includes broadacre cropping. The Award makes for interesting reading, covering everything anyone could ever think of when employing someone, including setting afternoon or night shift penalty rates level 1 ($26.73) to Level 8 ($33.26), overtime ($37.42–$46.57) and Sunday penalty rates ($37.42–$46.57). But that’s just the beginning as there is the non-casual loading of 115 per cent, for permanent night shift workers 130 per cent and for non-successive afternoons or night shift penalties for the first three hours 150 per cent. This is unless, of course, they are casual, then it is 175…

China’s dairy market will hold the key to success for the global dairy industry during the fourth quarter of 2022, according to a new Rabobank report. The agribank’s Q3 Global Dairy Quarterly says that Australia has enjoyed an 18 per cent bump in total dairy volumes across the last financial year, compared to the year before. Aussie liquid milk was the benefactor of overseas corridors opening back up, particularly to China, though the presence of lockdowns in China earlier this year did impact demand. The prospect of future lockdowns in China will continue to impact the dairy industry going forward, the bank says. “Rabobank remains cautious on Chinese dairy market assumptions, which already point to a more absent Chinese buyer into 2023,” the report says. “Import demand from other emerging…

Queensland Case IH dealer Stag Machinery Group was formed in 2020 through a partnership between Craig Brimblecombe of St George Machinery Centre, and Noel Baines, owner of Ag Requirements in Gatton, to run the former Wideland Ag Case IH dealerships in Toowoomba and Dalby. Now, less than two years later, Stag has acquired Toowoomba-based SEQ Ag and Construction, dealers of New Holland Agriculture and New Holland Construction equipment. Ag Requirements in Gatton will now assume responsibility for the Lockyer Valley part of the business while Stag, from its new Toowoomba location, will focus on customers in that immediate area. Under this latest expansion, Stag will retain the New Holland brands, selling them alongside its existing Case IH range. Noel Baines says this is a win for both farming and construction…

With the launch of the seventh generation of the Fendt 700 Vario, Fendt has expanded its power spectrum to up to 300 horsepower (373kW). The new engine, the optional 60-inch (152cm) track width, FendtOne onboard and offboard and a new generation of the Fendt Cargo front loader distinguish the series as an all-rounder in the world market, says Fendt. For the first time, the 700 Vario is available with speed up to 60km/h and technical innovations from Fendt’s larger tractors, such as VarioDrive, have been introduced. The new range has five models (Fendt 720 Vario, 722 Vario, 724 Vario, 726 Vario and Fendt 728 Vario) occupying the power range from 203 to 283hp (147–206kW) (ECE R120). The Fendt DynamicPerformance (DP) extra power concept releases up to 20hp (15kW) of extra…

The all-black mammoth that is the Case IH AFS Connect Optum is as rare as they come, but a Nowra dealer managed to be part of bringing one to regional NSW. Nowra Truck and Tractor general manager Daniel Arthur brought the towering black behemoth to the Berry Small Farm Field Days and noticed instantly it was a natural attention-grabber. The unique tractor was set to be purchased by a local contractor, who had approached Arthur about getting his hands on the beast after seeing the black Optum online. “He started his business in 2011 and has been a Case IH customer since then,” Arthur says. “He loves his machinery and knew he wanted this rare black tractor as soon as he saw it. “With his order for the tractor coinciding…

With three above-average seasons and record commodity prices, visitors came from all over Australia, with hay, tillage, fencing and grain handling equipment, tractors, headers and stock handling equipment proving particularly popular. Henty Machinery Field Days (HMFD) chief executive Belinda Anderson says exhibitors reported “enormous” sales from the event. “This is a record attendance in the 59 years of field days history. It is possibly a number we will never see again,” she says. “The combination of a public holiday, good weather and the return from COVID-19 created the perfect storm.” The show also saw a series of highlights with new machines and innovative technologies displayed. Here are some of the key events: Machine of the Year Among the vast array of machinery on show at the HMFD was MacDon’s FD2…

Toyota has announced that the newest edition of its HiLux Rogue will be coming to showrooms in October, bringing with it plenty of new features to have users tackling their work in style and comfort. Distinguishing itself from previous models, the Rogue has new 18-inch alloys (previously 17-inch) as well as new wide track overfenders and mudguards. Front and rear suspension have received a 140mm boost with ride height getting its own lift by about 20mm. The suspension gets an upgrade from Toyota’s engineers that involves adjusting the front damper angle, as well as lengthening the front suspension arm and front stabiliser bar which all contribute to increased efficiency. The rear dampers have also been moved further out towards the wheels due to the extending of the rear axle and…

Spraying agricultural chemicals accurately while keeping wastage to a minimum is a fine art that requires a thorough understanding of all the factors at play. These include the operation of the sprayer itself - its capacity, speed, coverage and drift control, as well as the chemicals being used. Much of the art comes down to knowing what nozzle type and size is needed to perform the task at hand. Hardi Australia, which manufactures the majority of Hardi’s sprayers and booms sold in Australia and New Zealand at its Adelaide facility, is an expert in application technology and achieving the control and accuracy required for optimal sprayer performance, with a wide range of application and nozzle technologies to meet your needs. The basics The three main pesticide groups are herbicides, fungicides…

More than 20 years ago, Kuhn Farm Machinery led a revolution against the fertiliser industry, with the introduction of its electronic massflow control (EMC) technology. The emergence of Kuhn’s EMC technology was a breakthrough innovation in precision farming. The days of spreading fertiliser at a set rate, with little consideration for the plant requirements or spreading accuracy, were coming to an end. Kuhn’s EMC technology has been designed to measure and continually adjust the application rate on each separate disc as required. The design means that operators no longer have the risk of over or under-application once the application rate (kg/ha) has been set. Managing the even flow and application of fertiliser across uneven terrain and undulating slopes will optimise the result for operators by improving the crop’s yield. Kuhn…

On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) recently announced $838,000 in funding to Hardwick Processors to install a 1MW (thermal) demonstration scale heat pump and upgrade the electrical supply system at its meat processing plant in Kyneton, Victoria. The heat pump upgrade will enable the site to produce enough hot water to operate at levels to improve shelf life and access further export market growth, while helping to reduce the site's reliance on natural gas by over 75 per cent. The project will also be able to benefit from Hardwick Processors’ previous commitments to reducing emissions by utilising existing on-site renewable energy supply infrastructure of 2.5MW solar PV and a 2MWh battery storage system. In 2019, Hardwick Processors was selected to undertake a feasibility study…

Sandvik has signed and completed an agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the equity interests in the Switzerland-based Sphinx Tools Ltd and its wholly owned subsidiary P. Rieger Werkzeugfabrik AG. Sphinx Tools’ offering primarily consists of precision solid round tools (micro tools) and surgical cutting tools. The customers are mainly within the automotive, aerospace and medical segments. The company will be reported within Sandvik Coromant – a division within Sandvik Manufacturing and Machining Solutions. “With the acquisition of Sphinx Tools we continue to execute on our shift to growth strategy,” CEO and president of Sandvik Stefan Widing says. “Strengthening our position in round tools is one strategic priority for our machining solutions business and with this acquisition we will expand our product portfolio in the high growth area of…

The Case IH Trident 5550 applicator with Raven Autonomy was unveiled at the Farm Progress Show 2022 in Boone, Iowa recently and will be in operation, in a limited capacity, in North America next year. “This is a significant milestone in our accelerated product development efforts between Case IH and Raven, highlighting our intense collaboration and robust product innovation following CNH Industrial’s acquisition of Raven in late 2021,” Case IH global brand president Scott Harris says. The Case IH Trident 5550 applicator with Raven Autonomy combines proven driverless technology with an agronomically designed spreading platform for a flexible autonomous solution. The technology stack is powered by guidance and steering, propulsion control, perception and path planning software developed by Raven. From a mobile device, operators can plan and complete an entire…

If you need a tractor that can handle the largest jobs on your large farm, look no further than Valtra’s new Q Series. The Q Series sits between Valtra’s fifth generation tractors, the T and S Series, but adds new flavour with its versatility and efficiency, Valtra says. The latest Finnish-designed, developed and manufactured tractor has been built for optimal fuel efficiency, sporting a 7.4L Agco Power engine and Agco CVT transmission with between 1,000 to 1,500rpm in max torque and low engine speeds of 1,850rpm. This engine means the Q can run at max power even at very low speeds. Valtra’s unique long stroke feature in the engine allows for constant high power and lengthens its lifespan. The Q can also be outfitted with the Valtra Unlimited auto central…

Ausmix has hit an all-time high in setting the standard for feed mixing capacity in Australia with its latest system. The Wodonga-based manufacturer has unveiled its latest triple screw mixer, which boasts 45 cubic metres of total capacity. The mixer was presented at Henty Field Days in September, with plenty of attention drawn to its capacity and all-Australian make. “This thing is a beast!” Ausmix marketing manager Zealand Hatch says. “We call it the XL45 because it has a massive 45 cubic metre capacity. “There are already three of these behemoths in our workflow, all three going to big feedlotters in New South Wales and Queensland.” Designed and built in Australia, the XL45 is the ultimate time and resource saver with its ability to churn through feed quickly and efficiently.…

In a huge debut for the Australian farming industry, Massey Ferguson has announced the release of both its 5S and 6S Series tractors. The MF 5S Series consists of five new models ranging from 105 horsepower (78kW) to 145hp (108kW), while the 6S Series covers models ranging from 135–180hp (101–134kW). The 6S models also have engine power management, providing an extra 15–20hp (11–15kW) when needed. Both the 5S and 6S Series are available in two specifications, Efficient and Essential, with a range of optional extras available, such as smart farming technology. In the 5S Series, rear linkage lift capacity has been increased to 5,700kg across the range, and up to 6,000kg in some specific circumstances, while the new, stronger front linkage capacity is increased from 2,500kg to 3,000kg. The 6S…

Primex Field Days – Casino Positioned as being ‘Australia’s sustainable farming expo’, Norco Primex Field Days has evolved from a localised event to become one of the country’s leading primary industries expos. It now boasts in excess of 1,000 different companies on show and more than 25,000 visitors across its three days. When: November 10–12, 2022 More info: www.primex.net.au World of Drones Congress The largest drone congress in the Asia Pacific region, the World of Drones Congress (WoDC) connects drone leaders, businesses and academia with the latest industry developments, applications and policies. The congress’ program boasts comprehensive sessions with keynote and plenary speeches from domestic and international experts who will share the latest developments and applications in the UAV industry. This will be an online event. When: November 14–15, 2022…

Ford has announced that it is advancing its safety focus even further through putting its robotic systems – called Roberto, Ray and Rosie – through advanced driver assist system (ADAS) testing. “Having our three robots means we now run the full gamut of advanced driver assistance systems scenarios,” ADAS attribute engineer Chet Yakupitiyage says. “We can also run more tests on any given day or night and with more real-world accuracy than ever before.” Running through a wide variety of ADAS situations, Roberto is the in-car driving tester, with Ray a vulnerable road user and Rosie a guided soft vehicle target. All three are integrated with the test vehicles, able to precisely respond to whatever is thrown at them. With Ray we can simulate a child popping out from in…

Now more than ever, every drop and every dollar counts. As fuel prices continue to go through turmoil, the Aussie farmer needs every edge they can get. That’s where JSG’s newest Flomax International non-pressure fuelling system, named the TopFill System, enters the scene. With large machinery using significant amounts of fuel, you want to be confident that it is going nowhere but in the tank. “The whole purpose of these is to remove risk and cost in various industries,” JSG Industrial Systems product manager James Slowgrove says. Add to that the potential environmental impact and safety issues arising from diesel spills and Flomax’s re-fuelling systems become a preventative measure for an immense problem. “If you had a harvester and it ran out of fuel halfway through the crop, you’d leave…

Keeping an eye on your livestock or clearing out unwanted pests has never been easier with Zeiss entering the scope add-on game with the DTC 3/25 and 3/38. Zeiss has already built a reputation for producing some of the best riflescopes in the business, but its newest range of thermal devices can be clipped directly onto the front of your riflescope. Zeiss is relatively new to the thermal market but recently entered the game with a handheld thermal monocular, the DTI. This was followed closely by the Zeiss DTC thermal clip-on, which mounts in front of the riflescope. A shooter can use the scope normally and then clip the thermal device on when it’s needed. With a field of view of 18.4m (12.3m for 3/38) at a tremendous 100m, you…

After a couple of tough years for Australia’s table grape exports, recent data points to brighter horizons as the industry escapes the COVID-19 blues. A report undertaken by Rabobank’s research division revealed a drop in Australian table grape exports of 13 per cent in the 2021–22 financial year – the second consecutive year of falls. Exports to China dropped by 37 per cent in 2021–22 compared to the previous year, with Australia being among others, including Chile, that have seen their Chinese market trimmed. Australia’s grape exports dropped two per cent last year, which the report attributes to multiple factors, including COVID-19 and related border closures and labour shortages. Despite this, Aussie grape sales grew significantly in other Asian markets including Singapore (59 per cent increase), Vietnam (48 per cent)…

Exceptional growing conditions and high global prices are continuing to benefit Australian agricultural production and exports. The ABARES September quarter Agricultural Commodities Report is forecasting agricultural export earnings to climb to a record $70.3 billion for 2022–23 – almost 50 per cent more than what it was 10 years ago after accounting for inflation. ABARES executive director Dr Jared Greenville says that the industry’s overall forecast gross value of $81.8 billion shows it is performing strongly, with cropping leading the way. “Winter crop prospects in Australia are looking very promising at the beginning of spring – we’re forecasting a 55.5 million tonne harvest,” Greenville says. “Meat production is also rebounding, with the national herd and flock returning to predrought levels. “Favourable seasonal conditions are expected to persist, but global inflation…