How to Make High-Quality Grass Silage
Grass silage is pickled pasture, preserved through the conversion of its sugars into lactic acid by bacteria.
A new mower from Irish manufacturer Malone will be of interest as a no-nonsense, heavy duty machine for use in hay or silage production.
It has undergone two years of testing in Europe and NZ.
The new ProCut 3000 MP has a centre pivot layout and uses hydraulic suspension to ensure it floats over the ground, maintaining a consistent cut and ‘treading lightly’ over the sward to encourage rapid regrowth.
Offered in a 3.0m cutting width (2.6m and 3.4m units are in the pipeline) the 3000 MP has seven discs each carrying two 4mm heavy cranked, quick fit blades to deal with heavy crops, forming a swath with the help of swath wheels.
Heavy duty transmission components are supplied by industry specialists Comer.
The mower bed, carried from a large section support beam, has drive hubs protected by shear bolts that will break if the machine hits buried junk. This prevents shock loading in the driveline and the rear of the tractor and allows easy replacement in the event of an impact.
Following Malone’s mantra of ‘easy to set up and maintain machines’, the new models have easy access to drive shafts, slip clutches and greasing points, with a full width flip-up outer cover.
In the transport position the mower folds beyond vertical to 115 degrees, so pulling the machine within the extremities of the tractor for safe travel at high speed.
Former Fonterra executive Alex Turnbull has been appointed CEO to lead all five Yili Oceania Business Division companies in New Zealand.
Fonterra executive René Dedoncker is leaving the co-operative later this year to lead Australian agribusiness Elders.
Alliance Group and the Southland Stags rugby team have joined forces in a partnership that will see the the meat co-operative's farmgate brand feature on players' team kits and replica jerseys.
Fonterra's plan to expand its organic programme to the South Island is being well received by farmers, the co-op says.
Voting has started for the renewal of DairyNZ's milksolids levy.
The most successful catchment groups in NZ are those that have 'a source to sea' approach.
OPINION: A dairy version of fantasy football has been launched.
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