MACHINERY: MEMBER PROFILE - HOME FARM, METFIELD, SUFFOLK
MACHINERY SCHEME REBATE MADE AMAZONE DEAL EVEN BETTER
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hydraulic or electric Limiter V or V+ border spreading systems, plus many other optional extras, make the ZA-V one of the most modern fertiliser spreaders in its class. The hopper tip, which tapers down to the shutter slide, prevents residues being left and makes it easy to clean, while the aperture is positioned very close to the centre of the spreading disc. This means that fertiliser is taken up extremely gently by the spreading discs at the lowest circumferential speed and then accelerated very gently to minimise damage and ensure even, accurate spreading. The spread pattern is maintained at all application rates and forward speeds, being completely independent of the spread rate. The entire spreading system is made from stainless steel and high-quality glass-fibre reinforced plastic, ensuring a long service life and high resale value.
The Fram Farmers Machinery Scheme rebate on a new Amazone ZA-V 2000 fertiliser spreader further sweetened an already good deal for member Ralph Creasy. “My father was one of the first to join Fram Farmers when it was formed in 1960 and we have been members ever since,” explains Ralph, who started his career by keeping chickens at Home Farm, Metfield in Suffolk.
Pakenham. Replacing an eight-year-old KRM machine, it is used by Ralph’s nephew, Paul, to apply all the fertiliser, except for P & K which are spread by a contractor on half the farm each year.
Having built up to 12,000 laying hens, Ralph got out in 1988 after comments about salmonella by the then junior health minister Edwina Curry triggered a crisis in the egg market. Since then, he has focused on the 320 arable acres of heavy land at Home Farm, which he runs with his brother, John, who also manages the 60sow pig unit.
The ZA-V mounted spreader is available in hopper capacities from 1,400 to 4,200 litres and can operate at forward speeds of up to 30 km/h, apply up to 390 kg/min and spread up to 36m, although 24m is used at Home Farm. ISOBUS communication, a weighing system,
Most inputs, including fertiliser, crop protection products and fuel, are purchased through Fram Farmers because Ralph values the cooperative’s independent advice, convenience and competitive pricing. He also trades oilseed rape, feed barley and feed wheat through the Marketing Department, and this year sold some forward to take advantage of higher prices prevailing at the time, with collection arranged for just after harvest to take the pressure off storage.
NEW EQUIPMENT When it comes to machinery, Ralph’s most recent acquisition has been the Amazone ZA-V 2000 mounted spreader, purchased ‘at a good price’ from the Suffolk Agri Centre in
“Having used urea in the past, I moved away from it because the loss of Nitrogen through volatilisation was significant and uneven spreading caused striping in the crops. After that I decided not to risk it and use only the best-quality Ammonium Nitrate-based fertilisers, which I order through Fram Farmers for delivery in November. CF Double Top (27N (30SO3) is used for the first application in February, followed by two applications of CF Nitram (34.5%N).
“The Amazone is a highquality machine which spreads accurately” “When used with quality fertilisers it helps us to produce very even crops. The spreader incorporates the latest technology, and I like the castor wheels mounted to the base of the machine which allow it to be easily moved around when not attached to the tractor.” For independent advice and further details on new machinery and spare parts contact Tom Mountain, Fram Farmers Machinery Buyer, on 01728 727700.
