Hay making september 2014 (low res)

ountry News Co Reaching Australia’s richest agricultural region

Hay Making

E 20-PAUG RE T r 2014 FEpA tembe Se

Page 6

Henty to host new machinery — page 3 | Frost need not spell disaster — page 9 | Managing wet hay — page 14

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PAGE 2—‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014

hay making

Keeping a cap on it saves valuable fodder ay Cap inventor Phil H Snowden from Tocumwal reckons yet again, 2014 has proved how important fodder conservation is in Australia, in particular, hay baled in large square bales. ‘‘Australia is a land of extremes,’’ Mr Snowden said. ‘‘We have seen the drought in northern NSW and Queensland, very wet conditions in southern Victoria and frosted crops in South Australia, Victoria and southern NSW. ‘‘This has resulted in hay being transported thousands of kilometres. ‘‘If you are planning to make the most of the

seasonal conditions by baling fodder when the opportunity allows, then that hay has to be protected from the elements until it is needed.’’

As well as an inventor, Mr Snowden is a specialist fodder producer in the Riverina. ‘‘Protecting the hay once baled so it is in good condition when needed or transported is paramount,’’ he said.

Mr Snowden had been covering hay for 25 years and looked at the major problems with the systems that had been used, before coming up with his simple and safe way to cover large bale stacks of hay seven years ago.

He said Hay Caps paid for themselves in the first season by protecting the hay. ‘‘With the added bonuses of efficiencies in handling, safety and durability, Hay Caps have now been widely accepted as a better way of covering hay, with more than 800 farmers and contractors using them,’’ Mr Snowden said.

Hay Caps are still being made on the family farm in the Riverina using Australian recycled plastic, and distributed directly to customers all over Australia and overseas. ➤ For more information phone Hay Caps on 1800 429 227 or visit www.haycap.com.au

Hay Caps are made in the Riverina from recycled Australian plastic.

Holding it all together fter extensive trials, a A new high-density baling twine has been introduced

by Tapex for high-density balers.

Hercules was launched in Australia last season with excellent results.

Over three years, Tapex trialled this high-density twine to establish the correct weight-to-strength ratio for the new high-density square balers, and this product was used extensively in Australia in all brands of high-density balers during the 2013-14 season.

The weight of the twine allows smooth running through the bill hooks and knotters resulting in minimal miss-ties, so no downtime for the operators. It is also a soft twine compared to others in the market, resulting in minimal wear to the knotters, bill hooks and guides.

In addition to Hercules, Tapex has the tried and proven brands of Tapex and Kinnears, Trojan, Titan and Supreme for large square balers plus Premium Blue and Contractor Pink for small square balers and Big Roll round bale twine.

A new generation of netwrap technology is being used with higher strength-toweight ratios.

Lower lucerne harvest likely airy Australia reports the market for hay D has remained slow recently, and prices remain steady as a result.

A bale wrapped with Tapex PRO technology wrap.

The net is stronger, longer and gives full edge-to-edge bale coverage.

Tapex has announced Tama has launched a limited edition of Pink TamaNet 4500 m rolls and these will attract an $18/roll donation to support the McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses.

Also out this season is a new silage wrap with a better oxygen barrier. This is the first combination silage cover with a vacuum film.

It is a three-layer black/ white silage cover with a

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The barrier layer (vacuum) film separates from the top cover once in place on the stack. The separation is instigated by moisture from the silage.

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providing the best possible environment for high quality silage with minimal dry matter, nutrient and feed value loss.

Because it is one cover, it is far easier to install than a twocover system.

Also in the Tapex range is the Silacover branded pit and bunker covers in 12 to 18 m widths with gauge ranges from 150 um to 200 um.

These covers are tried and tested in Australia, having been sold here for 14 years.

The silage season has started in some areas and good yields are being reported.

Growers in northern Victoria are optimistic about the coming season’s cereal hay crop.

However, growers in the Wimmera/ Mallee are reporting poor crop performance and expect yields to be well down on 2013. This could impact the supply of cereal hay in 2014-15.

Vetch is being cut in western Victoria with baling set to start in coming weeks. There is still some demand for vetch hay which can be sourced from the Wimmera.

There is speculation the 2014-15 lucerne hay harvest could be lower than expected due to poor crop performance in some parts of Victoria and high opening water prices. This would see a continued shortage of lucerne hay throughout southern Australia.

Buyers who require lucerne hay are advised to speak to their hay growers now and lock in their price and requirements early to secure supply. ➤ Cereal hay: $160-$200/tonne. Prices are steady but are expected to ease. Slow trading as well as growers trying to offload 2013 hay is causing the price to ease. ➤ Lucerne hay: $280-$320/tonne. Trading is slow due to limited supply, and will remain tight. ➤ Vetch hay: $260-$280/tonne. Vetch hay can be sourced in western Victoria, in place of lucerne hay. ➤ Straw: $90-$110/tonne. Prices remain unchanged. There is some straw being traded, however, buyers are favouring discounted cereal hay over straw. ➤ Pasture hay: $150-$170/tonne. Trading is slow at present; there are good supplies of pasture hay available.

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‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014—PAGE 3

hay making

Henty to host new machinery ew Holland will have a host of new N products designed with customer needs in mind at this year’s Henty Machinery Field Days.

The field days start next Tuesday and run for three days.

The products will include the TT4 series economy tractor, the class-leading CR series combine, the power T8 Auto Command tractor and the new Roll Belt Baler, plus merchandise, toys and guidance technology.

The new TT4 economy utility tractor range will be a focal point at the field days.

Redefining the economy tractor market in this expanding segment, this range of tractors offers three models: the TT4.55, TT4.65 and TT4.75, producing engine powers from 55 to 75 hp.

The TT4 replaces the popular Series TT which revolutionised the economy tractor market when it was released in Australia in 2005, delivering proven technology, reliability, simplicity and low cost of ownership, at an economical price.

Business manager David Gibson said the new line-up of TT4 tractors enhanced the choice available to farmers, small holders, local government/municipalities and other operators who were looking for a highly versatile tractor. ‘‘The complete range is ideally suited to a wide range of both agricultural and nonagricultural tasks, including front loader activities, hauling and PTO work,’’ Mr Gibson said.

New Holland’s CR range of combines will be on display and guarantee industryleading grain and straw quality, with a mere 0.1 per cent cracked grain for improved profitability.

The new Roll-Belt variable chamber round balers were launched earlier this year to replace the BR700 series balers.

Delivering capacity increases of up to 20 per cent, these are available in 1.5 m and 1.8 m maximum bale diameters. ‘‘The Roll-Belt baler enables operators to specify the baler that suits their needs,’’ Mr Gibson said. ‘‘The standard rotor Super-Feed and professional CropCutter variants enable tailored baling, while the new pick-up, dual density system and endless belt design will deliver significant productivity gains.’’

New Holland’s flagship T8 Series tractor range has been further enriched with the introduction of the AutoCommand continuously variable transmission.

The new range-topping T8.420 develops a maximum 419 hp with engine power management making it what the company claims is the world’s most powerful continuously variable transmission tractor.

The New Holland Roll-Belt variable chamber round baler is available in 1.5 m and 1.8 m maximum bale diameters.

The TT4 economy utility tractor delivers proven technology, reliability and low-cost ownership.

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PAGE 4—‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014

hay making

Early rain welcomed arly September rain E bodes well for a good hay making season.

Hunter Rural agronomist Graeme Talarico said although spring got off to a poor start following low rainfall in August, the two separate rain events in the first two weeks of September promised a reasonable spring. ‘‘The next few weeks will be crucial,’’ Mr Talarico said, with one eye on the skies. ‘‘The last two weeks we’ve been lucky enough to pick up two bursts of rain to give us a much-needed boost. ‘‘July was wet — and in some places too wet — and we know how we went in August. ‘‘Some farmers started irrigating, it was so dry. ‘‘But we’ve had a good start to September and if we can keep going we will see a lot of hay cut. ‘‘The next four weeks will tell the tale.’’

Mr Talarico said soil moisture varied across the region, with the areas towards the west and into NSW looking drier.

Some grain crops would not make it to harvest due to frost damage and would end up as hay this season.

Mr Talarico said it was still too early to assess the extent of frost damage and it was too early to do much about it.

BOM predicts a drier spring drier than normal September to A November is more likely for central Victoria and southern and central NSW,

Cloudy skies above Graeme Talarico from Hunters Rural were promising more rain last week.

He said due to the variable weather it was hard to make generalisations. ‘‘Probably about eight weeks ago there was talk about spraying fungicide on broadacre crops and at the same time people talking

about putting sub in the ground. ‘‘So there you have two extremes in the spectrum.’’

Higher prices for temporary water at the start of the season could put a ceiling on how much hay irrigators were

prepared to make.

With the price running at about $130/Ml he would see it as a discouragement to dairy farmers by November.

Mr Talarico anticipated a strong silage season.

though early spring (September) is more likely to be drier than normal over a large part of southern Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting.

For the remainder of Australia, the chances of a wetter or drier than usual September to November are roughly equal.

Climate influences include a weakening negative Indian Ocean Dipole, and near average to warm temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean.

Outlook accuracy for the season is moderate to high over most of the eastern states and the Northern Territory.

Currently, tropical Pacific Ocean temperatures remain within neutral levels. The bureau’s seasonal outlook model expects the tropical Pacific to warm slightly, but remain within the neutral range for the remainder of the year.

About half of the international climate models still suggest an El Nin ˜o is likely. The spring rainfall outlook for the country reflects this forecast, with a weak drier signal across the south-east of the country, and warmer daytime temperatures.

The Indian Ocean Dipole index has been below −0.4 C (the negative IOD threshold) since midJune; 2014 is now considered a negative IOD year.

Model outlooks suggest the IOD is likely to be relatively short-lived, with the Indian Ocean returning to neutral in early spring. A negative IOD typically brings wetter winter and spring conditions to inland and southern Australia.

However, given its short life expectancy, the negative IOD is unlikely to be affecting the seasonal outlook.

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‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014—PAGE 5

hay making

Selling hay rakes to the world or more than 40 years the F Italian-based company, Sitrex, has been making and exporting agricultural machinery.

The small business operation from the early 1970s expanded and exported products to European countries first, and then to the United States, Canada and Australia.

The company specialises in hay equipment and exports almost all of its production to more than 60 countries.

Australian importer, D and D Machinery, has been selling Sitrex products since 1986 and general manager Max Allan said they were well-known for their hay rakes. ‘‘They’re a quality, Italian-made product,’’ Mr Allan said of the machinery. ‘‘They are one of the largest manufacturers of finger wheel rakes.’’

Although based in Griffith, Mr Allan has property at Nanneella and his grandparents were early settlers at Echuca Village.

Sitrex Columbia Hay Rake is technically designed to provide fast and careful raking, while it handles hay gentler than any other ordinary parallel bar rakes. Among its main features, along with gentle handling of hay, Columbia is particularly suitable for rough soils and it is more useful for low crops and for wide windrows at higher speed.

The Sitrex H/90 rake is simple to use. Various adjustments allow correct wheel pressure on terrain.

The oscillation of the rake’s main arms and of the wheel-holder small arms permit correct ground contact, even on undulating ground.

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PAGE 6—‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014

hay making

Bale carefully to avoid hot hay he heating of hay results in T losses of dry matter, digestible nutrients and energy as a result of a complex chain of biological activities.

Palatability will also decline as dust from mould spores develop. If heating continues, chemical reactions can begin, possibly leading to haystack fires due to spontaneous combustion.

Immediately after baling, the internal bale temperature rises as a result of plant respiration, enzyme activity and microbes associated with the plant in the pasture or crop.

Heating usually continues for a few days and then decreases.

This temperature decrease is then often followed by a further prolonged period of heating that can last several weeks and is due to the respiration of microorganisms (aerobic bacteria, yeasts and moulds) during storage.

In hay baled at the correct

moisture content, this heating will also subside, resulting in minimal losses.

The temperature decline is dependent on the drying or storage conditions and the type of bale.

It stabilises when the interior bale temperature is in equilibrium with ambient (surrounding air) temperature.

Heating is largely avoided if the forage is extremely dry at baling (under 15 per cent moisture), but this increases field losses during the harvest operations because the material is very brittle leading to leaf shatter.

These losses are minimised by baling at slightly higher moisture levels, but increase again if baled too wet.

Each type of bale should be baled at the recommended moisture contents to ensure safe storage and minimal losses during harvest.

Baling above the recommended

moisture contents will cause plant respiration and enzyme activity to continue, and increase due to the production of extra moisture and heat from this activity.

This mix of water and warmth will encourage rapid mould and yeast growth.

Eventually the interior of the stack or offending wet bale or bales can become so hot that charring can occur.

After this stage, heat build up can increase rapidly and chemical reactions can lead to the release of inflammable gases which can self ignite on exposure to oxygen. ➤ Effects of heating on hay: Heating of hay causes losses of dry matter (DM) and nutritive value.

The ideal conditions (heat and moisture) in heating hay results in mould growth which further increases losses as well as reducing the hay’s palatability due to production of mould spores.

Lastly, there is always danger of

a haystack fire due to spontaneous combustion.

Heating hay will always result in some degree of dry matter loss because the end result is that carbon dioxide, water and heat are given off.

The table below shows the effect of moisture content at baling on DM losses in lucerne after six months’ storage. ➤ Testing for heat-damaged hay: The extent of heat damage can be estimated in most feed testing laboratories by measuring the amount of unavailable protein.

This is measured and reported as acid detergent insoluble nitrogen as a percentage of dry matter (ADIN %).

Hay bales which have turned brown from heating will have also converted their nitrates to nitrites, and these are 10 times more toxic than nitrates.

When supplementing fresh crop or pasture which also has high

nitrate levels, it is advisable not to use caramelised hay. ➤ Mould in hay: Hay palatability is reduced when it has been baled too moist and/or moisture increases due to excessive sweating or rain falls on the hay, because favourable conditions (moisture, nutrients, warmth) allow mould growth.

These moulds produce spores and when disturbed will produce a spore-ridden dust.

These further reduce the nutritive value of hay by using the nutrients (mainly energy and protein) for their own growth and reproduction.

Although not a common occurrence in Australia, this mouldy dust can cause ‘farmer’s lung’, an infection in the lungs, when inhaled in large quantities in enclosed areas such as a fully enclosed hay shed.

— DEPI

NUTRIENT LOSSES CAUSED BY HEATING OF HAY MAXIMUM STACK TEMPERATURE

LOSS OF DIGESTIBLE PROTEIN (%)

LOSS OF ENERGY (%)

Up to 45°C

Nill

5-10

45° to 55°C

10-30

5-15

55° to 70°C

30-80

15-30

70° to 75°C

100

40-70 Source: Simmons & Simpendorfer (1979)

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‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014—PAGE 7

hay making

Sorghum fits the bill

Stuart Rowsell, pictured with red kelpie Buddy, uses FeedEx for grazing and silage production on his sheep and fodder operation near Gunbower.

FeedEx sorghum is a highly productive and efficient summer forage option for northern Victoria.

summer forage could consider a hybrid forage sorghum crop this season.

That’s been Stuart Rowsell’s approach for the past five years at his 50 ha irrigated sheep and fodder operation near Gunbower.

Mr Rowsell has found FeedEx to be an impressive summer forage option for grazing and additional silage production.

FeedEx is a hybrid sorghum based on sorghum x sudan grass genetics with very strong early vigour and fast regrowth.

Mr Rowsell said his sheep performed exceptionally well when grazing on FeedEx, achieving a high level of feed utilisation. ‘‘The quick recovery of FeedEx from grazing is also very impressive and allows us to have an average of four grazing periods per season,’’ Mr Rowsell said. ‘‘We have found that if we can get the crop sown by early November, we’re able to graze it as soon as mid-December.’’

He added that applying nitrogen after each grazing helped make the most of the growth potential of FeedEx. Mark Palmer from Stephen Pasture Seeds said yields from FeedEx could be expected to be as high as 16 tonne dry matter/ha for the summer, with up to five grazing periods, if the crop was sown early and managed correctly.

He said sowing could start when soil temperatures reached 16 C. ‘‘FeedEx offers excellent digestibility at a crop height of 750 mm to 1200 mm, with more than 64 per cent of the dry matter

digestible and a crude protein of 17.4 per cent,’’ he said.

Mr Palmer said another major benefit of growing a high quality forage sorghum like FeedEx was its high water-use efficiency compared with other fodder crops. ‘‘Forage sorghum is very efficient with water, so you can grow more dry matter per megalitre of water than you can with lucerne, millet or perennial grasses.’’

At Gunbower, Mr Rowsell has found he can grow more feed with FeedEx sorghum than millet, with less water. ‘‘The water-use efficiency of forage sorghum is very appealing,’’ Mr Rowsell said. ‘‘With FeedEx, we have the potential to grow 1.5 times more feed than millet, while using three quarters of the water.’’

FeedEx can be grown in dryland situations or with irrigation.

While water use depends on soil type and watering frequency, Mr Palmer said he would generally expect forage sorghum to produce 4-6 tonne DM/ha/Ml. ‘‘If you’re looking for a forage crop to maximise productivity, FeedEx sorghum is your best bet,’’ he said.

FeedEx is available with KickStart seed treatment to protect seeds from insect attack and help the establishing crop overcome environmental stress. ➤ For more information about growing FeedEx this season, visit Stephen Pasture Seeds at the Henty Field Days (September 23 to 25) or Elmore Field Days (October 7 to 9 ).

ay bales can fall as a H result of instability caused by stacking them too high, not providing an adequate stack base, uneven compaction, settling over time, exposure to weather, and undermining by rodents and livestock.

Falling hay bales or the collapse of stacks can cause crush injuries or death.

Several people have died as a result of being crushed by bales, which have fallen from either fixed stacks or from trucks and trailers.

Risk control measures: Equipment: ➤ Use stacking and unstacking equipment that can safely lift the weight and can reach the top bales and is safe for the terrain. ➤ Lifting equipment, such as forklifts and attachments, should have a back-guard fitted to prevent bales falling onto the operator. ➤ Equipment Safe Working Loads (SWL) are not to be exceeded.

Systems of work: ➤ Ensure stacks are a safe

distance from overhead powerlines, and there is no possibility of mast attachments coming into contact with overhead powerlines. ➤ Stack smaller lighter bales on top of large heavy bales. ➤ Determine stack heights prior to beginning the activity, having regard to bale condition, terrain and equipment to be used. ➤ Undertake regular inspection of stacks, particularly in adverse weather conditions or when transporting stacked bales. ➤ Before de-stacking, check bale condition, and ensure bales will not dislodge and fall. ➤ If the stack is unstable, work from the opposite side to where the stack may fall. ➤ Begin de-stacking at the top tier.

Access to the work area: ➤ Keep people who are not directly involved away from the work area (especially children). ➤ Cordon off the area if the stack is unstable and other people are in the vicinity.

— Safework, South Australia

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PAGE 8—‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014

hay making

Silage needs good planning aking silage depends on M science and good forward planning; a crystal ball to predict the weather doesn’t hurt either.

Always aim to produce high quality silage because many things may and often do, occur, so its quality will be lower than targeted.

Before making any silage remember two things: never under-feed cows just to ensure that the pit is full or a certain number of bales of silage is made — it costs nearly twice as much per tonne of dry matter to produce and feed-back silage compared with direct grazing of that same pasture.

Many farmers, having attended a Dairy Australia/DEPI-funded ‘Feeding Pastures for Profit’ program can now identify when surplus pasture starts to occur much earlier than in the past and have seen the importance of high quality silage to produce milk.

So let’s aim for the best possible scenario, acknowledging that pugged paddocks, inclement weather, machinery breakdowns, late arrival of contractors, poor planning and so forth will occur resulting in poorer quality silage to varying degrees, some of which can be avoided/minimised and some which cannot.

How do we get and keep high quality silage? ➤ Cut early in the season when pastures are at or near canopy closure which is the optimum stage of growth for grazing in

Seal stacks, don’t just cover them. Try to complete rolling immediately after harvest is finished.

Avoid rolling the next morning because this just ‘pumps’ more oxygen into the stack. Rolling should have been keeping up with forage delivery from the paddock. spring. If conditions do suit and will depend on soil type, and if the entire harvesting job is done well, a pasture ensiled at or slightly past grazing height, will produce only marginally less milk than if that same pasture had been grazed by the cows.

Yes, yields will be low and more paddocks may need to be harvested but this is maintaining pasture quality in these cut areas and remaining areas of the farm.

Yes, the contractors will squeal because crops will be much lighter than most contractors (and many

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farmers) will be used to, but the contractors will be in their rights to charge a bit more money to harvest light crops, to cover their costs.

However, farmers win out because the high quality silage will produce more milk than before and, if cut early enough when the surplus is being recognised, these paddocks should not miss a rotation and regrowth will be faster, thicker and of better quality. ➤ Wilt and harvest as quickly as possible and have the forage in the

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pit or bale within 24 to 48 hours if possible.

The longer a mown crop takes to reach its target dry matter content to ensure it undergoes the most efficient fermentation, the larger the quality and DM losses.

Also, an extended wilting period increases the risk of the next rainfall occurring, resulting in even higher losses.

So, early in the season, when the ground is damp, there’s little heat in the sun and you need to reach the target DM contents as

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quickly as possible. How can we do this?

Often, this is not easily achieved but with a few management tips and appropriate equipment, it is worth the punt and can be achieved by: ➤ Allowing the dew to lift before mowing. ➤ Tedding/spreading the mown crop as soon as possible after mowing, probably re-tedding at least the next morning, once the dew has lifted, and sometimes a third tedding for baling.

Or mowing pastures, clovers and young lucerne stands with a flail or tyned-type mowerconditioner and crops such as cereals cut at soft dough stage, summer forages and mature lucerne using a roller-type mowerconditioner and leaving the swath as wide as possible (75 to 90 per cent of mower width).

Applying a fermentation enhancing silage additive is strongly recommended to encourage a desirable fermentation because the forage will most likely be slightly wetter than ideal. Each dollar spent on additive should ensure at least a three to four dollar benefit, often more, occasionally less. ➤ Compact stacks and bales as densely as possible. ➤ Seal airtight as soon as possible after harvesting.

— Frank Mickan pasture and fodder conservation specialist DEPI Ellinbank

9 WHEEL $7,185.20 INC GST

‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014—PAGE 9

hay making

Frost need not spell disaster rosts are causing major F damage to grain crops around Australia but growers can avoid disaster by turning their frosted crops into hay.

Last September hundreds of growers used this option after a large portion of the east coast cropping belt was hit by a severe frost.

Feed Central was able to help growers from central Queensland to southern Victoria to market this hay, achieving good prices across the country.

With reports of frost damage already this year, Feed Central managing director Tim Ford said growers should be prepared and know their options. ‘‘A frost doesn’t have to be a disaster,’’ Mr Ford said. ‘‘Last year we helped several hundred growers after they turned otherwise quite good frosted grain crops into hay. ‘‘The good news is that a very large portion of that product sold at strong prices.’’

Mr Ford said frosted cereal crops made very good quality hay. ‘‘In fact, many growers reported making more money out of the hay than what they would have from a grain crop; so a frost is not always a disaster.’’

Mr Ford said while hay prices remained strong in most parts of the country, they were expected to ease as a new season approached before rising again in 2015.

Over recent weeks severe frosts have extended from Tasmania to

(Left) Feed Central laboratory services co-ordinator Amelia Chintock and fodder consultant David Earle prepare a feed test of frosted wheat at the Shepparton office. Testing that once took days can now be accomplished with a 24-hour turnaround.

(Above) A ground sample of frosted wheat ready for testing. the Queensland tropics, with some areas already reporting damage, particularly to crops sown early.

It has been estimated up to 30 per cent of cropping regions in some states have been hit by frosts with forecasts of more to come.

Mr Ford said growers with frosted crops had options, but there were a few golden rules to follow with hay.

Growers should seek the advice of an agronomist to ascertain the extent of the damage and to help determine potential yields.

Growers should make sure the hay is fully cured and made at low moisture; less than 14 per cent for

export and 18 per cent for domestic markets.

Choosing bale size is also critical because the right bale size will dramatically decrease freight and handling costs for both buyer and seller. ‘‘These days 8 x 4 x 3 bales are the most common and most efficient, with most contractors who operate good balers getting between 580-680 kg per bale, fully cured with a baling moisture of around 16 per cent,’’ Mr Ford said.

Most growers and contractors do quite a good job with baling and curing hay, but many growers take

a hit with cash flow shortly after baling, he said. ‘‘This seems to be the biggest problem with hay; baling costs are significantly more than grain harvest costs and hence growers are cash-poor at harvest. This results in many growers panic selling. ‘‘Talking to your bank manager prior to making hay about a shortterm facility is likely to dramatically improve your outcome as hay prices typically rise during autumn and winter.’’

Mr Ford said the economics were simple. ‘‘Many growers try to sell during

spring when demand is low and volume is high. ‘‘Good storage and the right finance will assist you carry that product through to when demand is high and supply is low.’’

The other big issue is storage.

To get the best price growers need to hold the quality of the hay until it is sold.

Mr Ford said hay sheds were the best option but hay caps and tarps were also a good option when used properly.

He said provided these golden rules were followed most people with frosted crops would be able to manage their situation reasonably well. ‘‘If you do get a damaging frost then it could be timely to think about making hay as the vast majority will be sold and there is every chance that the result could be quite good. ‘‘The key message is plan your storage and your cash flow. Most hay in this country is made in a 60-day window, but cows are eating 365 days of the year.’’

Feed Central provides hay certification and marketing services to a national client base and has marketed and sold more than 100 000 tonnes of quality assured hay in the past 12 months. ➤ Feed Central has information about making hay on its website at http://www.feedcentral.com.au/ makinghay.aspx or phone Feed Central on 1300 669 429 for more information.

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PAGE 10—‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014

hay making

Salvaging stem-frosted rops in areas of northern C Victoria and southern NSW have been affected by recent frost.

Temperatures have been measured at -5ºC near the base of the plants during some of the frost events.

While frost is a common feature at this time of year, it is unusual to see crops in the very early to late stages of head development affected.

Many questions are being asked about whether affected crops can be salvaged.

The earliest crops reported to be affected have been at the Zadoks 31 (Z31) growth stage.

This is the onset of stem elongation, with Z31 referring to the detection of the first node or joint. This node may be anywhere from 10 to 50 mm from the ground.

Crops have been reportedly affected in the range from Z31 to the booting stages of the head (Z45-Z47).

As a result, the developing or immature heads have been killed.

This has turned the area they are located in white, stems have weakened and they may be starting to decompose. Microorganisms associated with decomposition then increase rapidly in number over time.

The longer plants are left before any action is taken, the greater the

likelihood of entire crops being wasted.

The extent of damage to crops and areas affected will depend on many factors.

This includes the time of sowing, crop species and variety, stage of growth and frost severity.

Another complicating factor in determining the impact of frost on crops is that plants may be compensating by producing new tillers. It is not certain that these tillers will mature enough to produce a viable yield.

In moderately frosted crops, the remaining heads will compensate in part for the loss of their neighbours.

However, yields may also be low and therefore there may be no financial benefit in having left the crop to mature.

Cutting crops for hay or silage are two options that could be considered for salvaging frostaffected crops.

The success of these options in salvaging a crop will depend on the extent of the damage.

Where crops are already dying, or are well advanced in decomposition, they may not be salvageable and the best option may be to graze as soon as possible.

➤ Hay:

Hay is only an option where there are enough days of heat to promote fast curing.

Seriously consider mowing with

Have your crops been affected by frost this season? a roller-type mower conditioner that will split the stems.

This may help expose the decomposing interior of the stem to the sunlight and heat, thereby setting back the decomposing micro-organisms.

Even a flail or tyned-type mower conditioner can help increase curing rate.

If no mower conditioner is

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available, consider following up mowing as soon as possible with a tedder to spread the material out to increase the rate of curing.

Lift the tines to avoid picking up dust or soil.

Hay preservatives may need to be considered because the decomposing area in the plant stem may not completely dry down.

The use of a preservative will also allow slightly earlier baling if rain is threatening and/or to prevent the material being on the ground for too many days.

Hay quality may also be slightly higher due to less leaf loss.

Hay preservatives include some bacterial inoculants, buffered organic acid salts and a sulphur plus amylase-based product.

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‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014—PAGE 11

hay making

cereal crops is possible

Turning them into hay or silage is a viable option.

Talk to reputable representatives about the effectiveness of their products for this job.

Ensure that forage is not baled too green and remember that different size bales require different moisture contents for baling.

For example, large squares should normally be baled below

agriculture-and-food/dairy/ pastures-management/haypreservatives

about 14 per cent moisture.

Where hay preservatives are used this may increase by two to three per cent.

Experienced hay operators and preservative representatives in the field can provide specific advice.

Other information on hay preservatives can be found at: http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/

➤ Silage: The best option may be to ensile the crop as soon as possible.

Rotting heads in the cereal sheath will in effect inoculate the cereal silage crop with highly

undesirable bacteria if left too long.

Leafy cereals tend to have a higher buffering capacity than ryegrass plants so can be more difficult to ensile.

If plants are still green or slowly surviving and especially if near the booting stage, they will probably have good sugar levels which would have soon been converted into starch as heads of grain.

Bacteria involved in the ensilation process (fermentation) of the vegetative cereal plants need and will use these sugars to produce a range of acids, preferably lactic acid, which will pickle the forage.

If silage is kept air (oxygen) and water-free the frosted crops could still potentially produce a feed of reasonable nutritive value.

As with hay production, the wilting rate needs to be increased as much as possible.

If a tedder is used, a second tedding the second morning after the dew has lifted could be very beneficial.

Aim for 30 to 35 per cent dry matter for bulk (stack, bunker or bunstack) silage, 40 to 50 per cent DM for round bales and up to 60 per cent DM for large squares.

If increasing the dry matter percentage slightly higher for the large squares, either individually wrap or tubeline these.

Modules under plastic are risky if not done with experience.

Where crops are ensiled as bulk

silage they can reach acidity levels of about pH4.0 if the desirable fermentation occurs. This should inhibit many of the decomposing bacteria..

Unfortunately, baled silage undergoes a more restricted fermentation and may only reach about pH5.0 which on its own may not affect the undesirable bacteria enough.

Consider using a fermentation enhancing silage additive on frosted crops because of increased numbers of bad decomposing bacteria, the higher buffering capacity of vegetative cereals and also because weather at this time of year may not allow the desired DM level to be reached within two days.

Crops wilting greater than about two days will begin to lose sugars and nutritive value at an increasing rate.

Silage additives are made up of mainly bacterial inoculants, but also buffered organic acid salts and the sulphur plus amylasebased product mentioned above.

Once again talk to the additive representatives for more specific advice.

Finally, remember that the longer any forage is on the ground curing for hay or wilting for silage, the greater are the losses of dry matter and quality.

— Frank Mickan pasture and fodder conservation specialist DEPI Ellinbank

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PAGE 12—‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014

FORAGES TO MAXIMISE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

hay making

Visit Stephen Pasture Seeds stand at

Henty Field Days (23-25 September) or Elmore Field Days (7-9 October) and learn from our experienced team how the la latest forage varieties can maximise your productivity.

Lely’s revolutionary concept continuous baler is still in development and can be seen online operating in a paddock in The Netherlands.

Stephen Pasture Seeds – visit our website for the latest Ste information www.stephenpastureseeds.com.au Mark P Palmer - Northern Victoria Area Manager, Ph: 0400 895 650

NEW 2014 EDITIONS NE Fo your free copy of the For SPS S Lucerne Guide & Summer Sum Forage Crop Guide call 03 5335 8055

SUMMER UMMER UMME UMM UM MM MME M ME M E ER R FORAGE ORA ORAG OR O RAGE RAG R AG AGE GE GE CROP RO R OP GUID OP UIID UIDE U IIDE DE DE SP PRI PR PRIN PRING RING RIING R RIN IN NG G 2014 20 201 2 014 014 14 - A U UT UTUM UTUMN TU TUM TU TUMN UM UMN MN 2015 MN 20 201 2 015 01 0 15 15

LUCER UCERNE U UC CE CER CE ER RNE NE GU UID UIDE IIDE DE DE SPRIN PR PR PRI RIN RIIIN NG 2014 201 20 2 014 01 0 14 1 4 - AUTUMN UT UTU UTUM U TUM TUMN T TU UM UMN U MN MN 2015 201 2 20 0 015 01 15 1 5

ely unveiled a L revolutionary continuous baling Picture taken near Warrnambool

Stephen Pasture Seeds 27 Wiltshire Lane, Ballarat 3356 Ph: 03 5335 8055, Fax: 03 5335 8088 www.stephenpastureseeds.com.au

Stephen Pasture Seeds 27 Wiltshire Lane, Ballarat 3356 Ph: 03 5335 8055, Fax: 03 5335 8088 www.stephenpastureseeds.com.au

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system during its ‘Yellow Revolution’ event in two countries on September 4.

Called the Lely Welger CB Concept, the groundbreaking variable baler does not need to stop or slow down when baling any type of crop.

The new concept is revolutionary because it ties a bale while simultaneously starting the next one.

Lely calls it a true continuous baling concept, a true ‘Yellow Revolution’.

By continuously staying in motion, the operation is much more efficient and comfortable.

More high quality bales can be made now that no time is lost waiting for tying and releasing.

Driving at continuous speed will significantly

improve the comfort for the driver, but also reduce fuel consumption and minimise wear and tear as frequent braking is no longer required.

As soon as the desired bale size is reached a transport system moves the bale within the belt to the extended back of the baler. This creates room for a new bale to start immediately in the front.

After the first bale is tied by the net wrap system, the tailgate will open and drop the bale on the go.

The baler returns to its compact position, ready again to finish the bale which is being made in the front.

During this continuous process, a cleverly engineered belt buffering and tensioning system ensures a consistent tension on the belt

resulting in high density bales.

The new baler concept was developed by engineers at Lely and its American partner Vermeer.

The Lely and Vermeer co-operation dates back to the 1980s and has been successful ever since.

The Lely Welger CB Concept was introduced at the same time in Pella, Iowa in the United States and in Maassluis in The Netherlands.

The current machine is a concept. Lely and Vermeer aim to continue extensive testing and fine-tuning of the machine in different circumstances with potential customers during the next few years.

If all goes well, commercial availability is expected soon after. ➤ For a visual impression go to www.continuous baling.com

App helps hay sales new app that will A allow hay-making contractors and regular hay growers to assess the quality of their product has been released.

Feed Central has developed the Australianfirst app which will give producers the ability to market their hay more promptly and to a wider audience.

Quality assurance and supply manager Ian Wickham said Feed Central was rolling out the program to accredit contractors and growers to do first round quality assessment and to list hay directly with Feed Central, starting with the 2014-15 hay season. ‘‘It’s a great leap forward for the whole fodder industry,’’ Mr Wickham said.

‘‘There is no national grading system and in the absence of national standards the app helps standardise assessments and gives buyers greater confidence to buy more hay sight unseen, while still allowing growers and contractors to market this product through their own channels,’’ he said. ‘‘Growers and contractors will be able to get their product online and available to sell much quicker. ‘‘With Feed Central’s unmatched turnaround time of 24 hours, by answering a few simple questions sellers of fodder are a chance to sell to the domestic database of more than 15 000 buyers within a few days. That’s a really powerful tool.’’

Mr Wickham said the app would fit in well for those wanting a feed test. ‘‘Buyers are demanding more information on the hay before they buy and it’s not just feed test they need to know about.’’

Quality assurance is protected in the process.

The hay will feature a stamped quality statement to establish if it is assessed by a Feed Central assessor or a self-assessment.

Growers can still have a Feed Central assessor visit their properties.

The assessors will also use the new technology, reducing reliance on a paper-based system. ➤ For more information, phone 1300 669 429.

‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014—PAGE 13

hay making

More hay solutions new John Deere 800 A Series mowerconditioner plus three new 400 Series fixedchamber round balers, including a wrapping baler model, has been added to the hay solutions range for 2014.

The European 830 centrepivot mower-conditioner is available in working widths of 3 m and 3.5 m, with a choice of impellers or adjustable rubber rollers for the conditioning process.

As an exclusive feature, the modular cutterbar allows high-speed mowing, and has been engineered to duplicate the load conditions of a selfpropelled machine.

The mower’s balanced design and high ground clearance also increase field performance, while a new floating suspension system allows the machine to closely follow ground contours.

The 830 is equipped with six discs and 58 pre-loaded tines, which significantly

increase capacity and crop flow under varying harvesting conditions.

Even in heavy and wet crops and at high working speeds, the parallelogram design of the conditioning hood maintains the optimum distance between the impeller tines or rollers and the hood at all times.

The F440R round baler and C440R wrapping baler are suitable for large livestock farms and contractors who produce more than 3000 bales a season and focus on silage production.

These are premium specification balers with long-life components, and have been specially designed to operate well in wet silage conditions.

There is a choice of 2 m or 2.2 m pick-ups feeding a high capacity inline MaxiCut HC rotor with 13 or 25 knives.

In addition to the rotor, these machines utilise a number of other components from the 900 Series

variable-chamber round baler, including a five-tine bar pick-up with heavy-duty bearings, and a full-width drop-floor system which enables the operator to remove blockages instantly from the tractor cab.

The F440M round baler is a multi-purpose machine aimed at small to medium size farms.

Designed to produce between 1000 and 3000 bales of hay, silage or straw a season, this model offers a choice of 2 m RotoFlow HC or MaxiCut HC 13-knife rotors, and is available in MultiCrop or Silage Special versions.

It also features the 900 Series baler’s high performance feeding system, new driveline and rotor, stronger shielding, wider and bigger tyres and other improved components.

All three 400 Series machines offer a choice of CoverEdge or Edge to Edge net-wrap or double twine wrapping systems.

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Gaffy’s Hire

Contract mowing and windrowing

The Case IH Magnum 380 CVT is just one of the tractors available as part of the Case IH ‘Big Red Forward Order’ campaign.

Massey Ferguson Swather Self-propelled Massey Ferguson swather, this machine has two fronts, one is a 30-foot windrower front with side knives for cutting through tangled crops and can deliver the crop to the left or right side of the front or in the centre.

Plan ahead to order now ustomer-driven C product design and proven technology are Case IH machinery hallmarks and the company says now is the perfect time for farmers and contractors to order their Puma, Magnum, Steiger, Quadtrac and Rowtrac tractors as part Case IH’s ‘Big Red Forward Order’ campaign.

Case IH product manager Pete McCann says customers who place their forward orders before September 30 for delivery before March 31, 2015 can look forward to better productivity and driverfriendly features in tractors built to their personal specifications. ‘‘Forward ordering allows you to get a machine built to your

individual requirements with the added benefit of locking it in at today’s prices,’’ Mr McCann said. ‘‘Having a machine built to your unique specs at the factory is usually much cheaper than installing extra features once the machine arrives in Australia. ‘‘Customers who have forward ordered in the past have told us they value the convenience of having their tractor arrive paddock-ready and the confidence of knowing it has the most up-to-date technology installed, all in time for their peak activity periods such as winter crop sowing.’’

Mr McCann said customers could feel comfortable that ordering early also delivered the best value.

‘‘Customers who forward order are protected so will always get incredible value, even if there’s a change in price. ‘‘Our financing solutions make new equipment more affordable, while the threeyear/3000-hour RedCover Plus Protection Plan provides even greater peace of mind.’’

With new Case IH tractor models available in Australia for seeding in 2015, farmers and contractors should talk to their advisers about their machinery needs, and see their local Case IH dealer to put together their ultimate tractor package, before the Big Red Forward Order offer closes. ➤ See your local Case IH dealer for more information or visit www.caseih.com

The other front is a 16-foot mower conditions front. What sets it apart from the rest are its five steel roller that condition the stalk and crimp every inch and a half for a much quicker drying time.

Both machines also have auto steer.

K-Line Speed Tiller hire The heavy construction of this machine means that it has the weight to help get depth when cultivating your ground while still been able to travel 8 to 15 kph, together with the large scalloped disks and the heavy cage roller it will leave your ground prepped for sowing.

Tractor hire Gaffy’s Tractor Hire have New Holland and John Deere tractors ranging from 110 hp to 200 hp with loaders available up to 140 hp.

• Jeantil 14 cubic metre manure spreader available for hire • Amazone Multi Disc 3 m wide with crumble roller • Two Agrowdrill 22-run seeders • 10-foot Chris Gow slasher

Phone Tim or Michael 0407 561 381 or 0428 100 555

www.gaffystractorhire.com.au

PAGE 14—‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014

hay making

Managing hay after it rains urphy’s Law says M that once you’ve baled your hay it will rain.

Many farmers are starting to realise the benefits of feeding or selling higher quality hay in recent years because they have learned that higher quality means more meat or milk production.

As a result some farmers are risking making slightly earlier hay and so increasing the risk of meeting rain head on.

However, earlier hay making can be greatly assisted by utilising mower conditioners and tedders.

Unfortunately the higher the quality of the hay, the higher the losses when bales become wet from rain.

This higher quality is due to the higher amount of energy and protein in the plant.

When hay becomes wet, plant respiration, leaching and possibly mould, microbial and yeast growth later on, all result in dry matter and quality losses.

Following are some considerations which may be of assistance. ➤ If rain is on the way and you won't have all the

Wet hay can be costly for farmers. bales under cover (shedded or tarped) before it arrives, what can you do?

Stack small square bales into a triangular stook using three bales on edge.

Farmers often make stooks using two techniques.

One: Stand the bales on their ends in threes so that they resemble an ‘indian teepee’.

Two: Lay two bales horizontally on their edge so that they lean into each other at the top edge. This will form a ‘V’ into which the

Need a hand

third bale is then placed.

The uncut side of the bales should be facing up since it tends to shed the water more effectively.

The second technique is the better method for shedding rain off small square bales.

Large square bales can be stacked in small stacks around the paddock, but it is preferable to cover them with tarps or plastic sheets.

Round bales, if baled tight or net tied, will shed much of the rain.

To avoid the high losses mentioned above, round bales of high quality material should be shedded as soon as possible, or stacked and covered with plastic to minimise losses. ➤ What happens after the rain?

When the rain passes, if the forecast is for some fine weather (for two to three days), you may wish to leave the bales in stooks so that any breeze will increase the rate of drying.

The wet bales may be carted in last if reasonably dry, but should be stacked to allow air to move through, around and over the top of the stack to allow any heat generated by wet bales to escape and prevent needless heat build-up.

Alternatively and preferably, if shed space permits, use this larger area to stack the wettest bales with plenty of spacing.

Large square bales will

heat substantially if baled too wet, much less being rained upon once baled.

The larger denser nature of these bales do not allow them to ‘breathe’ and will heat substantially.

This greatly increases the risk of fire compared to small square or round bales.

It is particularly hard to gauge the internal dryness of wet round bales which have been left standing in the field for several weeks so be extra careful if they are shedded.

Bales tied using netting will shed rain much more effectively than string-tied bales, reducing dry matter losses by about 10 per cent for bales left outside.

Note that bales left in damp paddocks, in puddles or affected by floods are potential ‘fire starters’.

All bales which are rainaffected will be much damper than normal, even after a period of drying, so regularly monitor the stack for signs of dangerous heating, and do so for up to seven weeks. — Frank Mickan pasture and fodder conservation specialist DEPI Ellinbank

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‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014—PAGE 15

hay making

Buying fodder for dairy farms lthough a lot of fodder is A produced in the major growing regions of Australia, the quantity of fodder traded is actually quite small — about 30 per cent of total production.

Most fodder produced in Australia never leaves the farm gate, because it is more difficult to accumulate, store and transport than grain.

When you enter the fodder market for hay, silage or straw, you are competing mainly with other domestic dairy farmers, but also with other livestock producers such as beef feedlotters and with horse owners.

Eight to 10 per cent of the fodder traded in Australia is exported, mainly from Western Australia and South Australia.

About 90 per cent of this is shipped to Japan for use in dairy farms.

Dairy accounts for 62 per cent of demand for hay, silage and straw by sector. Export hay and straw takes 10 per cent, beef feedlots seven per cent and the horse industry six per cent.

Compared with grain, hay prices are much less transparent because a greater proportion of hay is traded directly from farmer to farmer, and hay marketing tends to be more by word-ofmouth.

Even so, an increasing proportion of total hay production

is being traded, and an identifiable hay market does exist.

As we pass through the yearly calendar of autumn planting, fodder users start to develop expectations about the size of next season’s hay crop and its quality in each region.

In spring, when the quantities of pasture production in each region become apparent, and it is clear whether or not grain crops will successfully yield grain, expectations about new-season hay volumes and possible prices further develop.

It is not until crops are cut and baled that initial hay price is determined.

This is usually based on what hay and straw exporters are willing to pay in mid-September.

Domestic prices usually settle in excess of export prices due to competition between domestic buyers in south-eastern Australia.

Other factors that then influence hay prices include: ➤ Quantities of hay in storage and percentage sold within the year. ➤ Livestock users’ demand and capacity to pay. ➤ Substitute costs (other fibre sources, other energy sources such as grain, other protein sources such as lupins). ➤ Payment for quality.

— Dairy Australia

Fodder tips:

Hay and straw prices are set each year when crops are cut and baled.

➤ Unlike grain, fodder is a domestic market. ➤ Hay prices are less transparent than grain prices. ➤ Consider your on-farm fodder buffer. ➤ Be proactive in developing a relationship with a professional hay producer.

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PAGE 16—‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014

hay making

Sticking to a winning formula ourth generation Riverina F farmer Chris Stillard and wife Belinda have been amazed by the impressive yields of Heritage Seeds’ sub-clover variety Antas since they first planted the crop three years ago. ‘‘I saw it in a trial plot at Cobram and I was blown away by it,’’ Mr Stillard said.

The Stillards farm the 160 ha dual-purpose block, Marboc, at Barooga.

They were so impressed by the crop they planted 6 ha for use in their hay business, which supplies the horse industry in Melbourne and on the Mornington Peninsula, as well as cattle owners across southern NSW and Victoria. ‘‘We are absolutely thrilled with Antas. It is a monster when it comes to clover,’’ Mr Stillard said.

He said Antas had been ‘‘very easy to grow’’ and he continued to be astounded by its massive yields. ‘‘The crop is so thick it’s incredible and it has turned out to be a very hardy plant with no real issues.’’

Antas has exceptionally vigorous establishment and is one of the highest dry matter producing sub-clovers available.

It has extremely good growth during autumn and winter, and its mid-late maturity ensures high production throughout the season.

It is widely adaptable to a range of conditions, including the

Chris Stillard relies on vigorous growing sub-clover for his hay business.

Stillards’ slightly sodic sandy loam and heavy clay soils.

The Stillards’ crop of Antas clover has been yielding between five and six tonnes/hectare for the past few years.

An important component of their business, which also includes a persimmon orchard supplying

Sydney markets, is selling small bales of hay to horse owners.

Mr Stillard said customers kept coming back for the clover hay. ‘‘The customer is boss and they love it, so we’ll stick with it.’’

He said water was a crucial aspect of getting the plant up and running on his farm, which has an annual rainfall of 450 mm.

‘‘We pre-irrigate and sow into moisture which helps it get off to a good start.’’

In previous years they have planted the clover in mid to late April at a sowing rate of 10 kg/ha.

Mr Stillard said it was a little later than normal in the planting window, because they weren’t ‘‘chasing any large amounts of

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For the past decade they have also been growing around 40 ha of Heritage Seeds’ popular lucerne variety SARDI Seven, a robust winter active lucerne with exceptional versatility for continuous cutting, hard grazing or blending with other species to produce high performance pastures. ‘‘We’ve been growing SARDI Seven for a long time now and it’s a hardy plant which tolerates flooding well. It is a good choice for our business,’’ Mr Stillard said.

The Stillards plant SARDI Seven from late April until July at a rate of 15-20 kg/ha.

They cut the lucerne, which is watered using a combination of sub-surface and flood irrigation, from late September until early April.

The flood irrigated lucerne yields around 12 tonnes/ha and is cut five times each year.

The sub-surface irrigated lucerne is cut six times each year and yields between 20 and 24 tonnes/ha.

Last year the Stillards also planted their first crop of the new SARDI Seven series II variety, which they hope will perform just as well as its predecessor. ➤ For more information, phone Heritage Seeds territory manager Reece Hardwidge on 0428 178 719.

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‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014—PAGE 17

hay making

Harvest solution for tough jobs ohn Deere has added several JS-Series new features to its popular Harvesters and introduces the performanceenhancing 645FD Hydraflex Draper to help producers improve harvesting performance and efficiency for soybeans, rice and small grain crops.

The S-Series Harvesters already set the standard for grain harvesting performance, but the company claims several new features take productivity to the next level.

John Deere engineers have made several design changes to S680 and S690 Harvesters, including the use of Tough Crop Packages consisting of Active Concave Isolation, interrupter bars and heavy-duty separator gates, to squeeze more throughput out of machines and increase tough small grain harvesting capacity. ‘‘Operators working in tough separating and threshing conditions can now increase harvest throughput by 20 per cent, when the harvest window is closing, not taking losses into account,’’ said Emily Priebe of John Deere Harvester Works about the new Tough Small Grains and Tough Rice packages for the S680 and S690. ‘‘Producers in tough small grains will also see a 10 per cent capacity increase while maintaining their loss level,’’ Ms Priebe said.

Active hydraulic concave

The new, wider 645FD Hydraflex Draper with a 13.7 m (45 feet) operating width means more ground can be covered in fewer passes. isolation design — the first of its type in the industry — reduces concave noise while processing uneven crop flow.

The hydraulic system eliminates shear bolts and eye bolts, which removes both the expense and downtime that occur when a bolt breaks.

Next, the new PlatformTilt (fore/aft) feeder house enables the operator to ensure proper cutter bar positioning under changing terrain and ground conditions, without leaving the cab.

When harvesting corn or soybeans, this feature alone can

increase harvest efficiency throughout the day. ‘‘The four-strand feederhouse chain and 20 cm drum improve crop feeding into the combine by 10 per cent to better utilise machine capacity,’’ Ms Priebe said.

As well, longer augers mean

smoother unloading on the go. The new 8.6 m (28.5 feet) unloading auger option is 70 cm longer than any auger now on the market to more easily accommodate unloading on the go with wider platforms and grain cart tractors equipped with duals.

The 645FD Hydraflex Draper also enables operators to maximise their time in the field. ‘‘Growers can harvest 10 per cent more acres in a day, which matches capacity with the S680 and S690,’’ Ms Priebe said.

The 13.7 m (45 feet) operating width — an increase of 1.5 m — means more ground can be covered in fewer passes.

The wide centre feed section and the 35 per cent greater slipclutch capacity maximise draper performance.

Shorter, streamlined end dividers reduce trampling losses, while an increase in reel finger strength improves both durability and performance. ‘‘These changes are the direct result of listening to our customers and then finding solutions that solve real problems,’’ Ms Priebe said. ➤ For more information about the Tough Small Grains and Rice packages for the S-Series Harvesters, the 645FD Hydraflex Draper and other harvest solutions, visit the John Deere website at www.deere.com.au or phone 1800 800 981.

PAGE 18—‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014

hay making

The good, the bad and here is a wide range of T storage options suitable for chopped silage.

There are a range of options for storing chopped silage.

These range from relatively inexpensive buns or stacks to concrete bunkers requiring high capital investment.

Factors to be considered when deciding the most appropriate system for your farm are: ➤ Long-term farm goals. ➤ The length of time the silage will be stored. ➤ Location of the storage site relative to harvesting and feedout. ➤ Accessibility for harvest and feed-out equipment. ➤ Available capital. ➤ Compliance with safety requirements.

The storage system should be designed and managed to minimise losses of dry matter and quality.

Poorly designed systems can be expensive in the long-term. They may be high maintenance, have high labour requirements and can be dangerous.

Seek expert advice before construction to avoid these problems.

The four most commonly-used storage options for chopped silage are buns or stacks, above-ground bunkers, hillside pits and underground pits.

Portable clamps, stretchable bags, tower silos and trench silos are also used, but are uncommon.

Hillside and underground pits are not an option in areas where soil type or a high watertable rule out underground storage.

Construction cost will vary with the structure and the materials used.

Expensive structures can be justified if the usage rate is high, so spreading the fixed cost per tonne of silage fed.

➤ Silage buns or stacks: These are a short-term option, with a storage life of up to two to three years.

The forage is dumped onto the ground, rolled and covered with plastic, which is weighted down (usually with tyres) and the edges sealed.

A firm base can improve trafficability and reduce waste when feeding-out during wet weather.

Advantages: ➤ No construction costs. ➤ Flexibility in location, that is, near a feed-out site or in the harvested paddock. ➤ Can be located with less regard to terrain than pits (for example, rocky soil or sub-surface water. ➤ Are adaptable for selffeeding.

➤ Above-ground bunkers: These are walled structures into which chopped forage is dumped, spread and rolled for compaction.

‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014—PAGE 19

hay making

the best silage storage Plastic is used to achieve an airtight seal, and then weighted down.

These are another short-term option with a potential storage life of two to three years.

Concrete is usually preferred for construction of bunker walls, although various materials are used.

Silage acids are corrosive and this needs to be considered when selecting material for construction.

Because above-ground bunkers are permanent or semi-permanent structures that are regularly used, convenience of location is especially important.

Locate bunkers to minimise travel time during harvesting and feed-out.

In most cases, proximity to feedout is more important because it occupies more man hours, over a longer period of the year.

Advantages: ➤ Can be reasonably inexpensive to construct — the life of the structure is usually proportional to the construction cost. ➤ Lower plastic costs per tonne of silage made compared to buns. ➤ Relatively easy and safer to roll than buns. ➤ A solid base enables allweather access. ➤ Depending on construction can be expanded relatively

inexpensively using a common wall.

Disadvantages: ➤ High cost structures — must have high usage rates to spread overhead costs. ➤ Earthen floors can make wetweather access difficult, particularly if the design has not allowed sufficient floor slope for drainage.

➤ Underground pits: These pits are dug into the ground, with the removed soil being used to cover and mound over the pit to shed water.

They are the most commonly used as long-term or drought storages but are only recommended for drier areas.

Advantages: ➤ Relatively inexpensive to construct. ➤ Ideal for long-term storage.

Disadvantages: ➤ Not recommended for shortterm storages. ➤ Not suitable for areas with a high watertable. ➤ Pit should not be used during wet weather. ➤ Potential safety risks if pits are deep and/or walls are unstable.

— NSW DPI

Proximity to harvest is a consideration with silage storage.

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PAGE 20—‘Hay Making Feature’, September, 2014