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.
New findings from not-for-profit food supply and distribution organization, the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) have revealed a 42% increase in demand for food support in 2023 compared to 2022.
New data released by LIC and DairyNZ shows New Zealand dairy farmers have achieved the highest six week in-calf rate and lowest notin- calf rate on record.
Christchurch City Council and the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association (CAPA) have signed an agreement which will open more of Canterbury Agricultural Park for public use while helping to provide long-term certainty for the A&P Show.
This year’s Fieldays will feature a Rural Advocacy Hub - bringing together various rural organisations who are advocating for farmers and championing their interests as one team, under one roof, for the first time.
ASB head of rural banking Aidan Gent is encouraging farmers to speak to their banks when they are struggling.
Hunters around the country are hoping for some foul weather this weekend with the game bird season getting underway.