8 minute read
Queensland’s Finest
FarmFest returned in 2021 with over 20,000 people visiting Toowoomba on the first day alone. With so much to offer, Anthony Wingard checked out the best of FarmFest
After a COVID-19 induced hiatus, FarmFest roared back to life in early June, with sizeable crowds visiting the Toowoomba event to enjoy the latest and best the agricultural sector has to offer. Farms and Farm Machinery dropped by to check out the best new machinery – and a few old favourites.
CASE IH FARMALL M
Case IH debuted its new compact tractor – the Farmall M – which combines many of the features from the Farmall U, such as the transmission, brakes, hydraulics and electronic draft control, with the Farmall JX’s new front axle design and superior engine. The Farmall M is available in both 90 and 110 horsepower (67 and 75kW) models and also comes with Case IH’s new ActiveDrive4 automatic transmission, which replaces the clutch with buttons to improve gear changing. ActiveDrive4 covers a range of speeds, from 0.28km/h to 40km/h, and features 32 forward and 32 reverse gear options. Manufactured in Case IH’s Turkish factory, the Farmall M includes a redesigned cab, similar to the JX model but with a more ergonomic interior, and a repositioned air-conditioning unit to make the cab even more spacious for the operator. Case IH says the tractor is ideal for cattle and dairy operations but adds its versatility means they can undertake a wide range of tasks.
DEUTZ-FAHR WARRIOR RANGE
Deutz-Fahr’s new range of Warrior-branded tractors has touched down in Australia with the six-cylinder machines ideal for farming in Australian conditions. The Warrior range spans across seven different models of Deutz-Fahr tractors, with the horsepower options ranging from as low as 171hp up to 336hp (128 to 251kW). Among the Warrior range are the 6165 and 6215, which feature RC-shift transmission – essentially making the models run as a fully automatic tractor; with the option to also run as a manual with 54 forward and 27 reverse gears. The 6165 and 6125, along with the larger 7250, 8280 and 9340 models, also offer an alternative variable tractor transmission across the Warrior range which uses only 80 per cent of mechanical components in the field. Deutz-Fahr’s Warrior range is ideal for small farming operations, including graziers and dairy ventures.
FENDT 716
Fendt’s latest 716 tractor offers operators a much more refined cabin experience, thanks to the new FendtOne technology system. The new ergonomic armrest and hand controller for operation are big features of the 716, while a number of display screens and tablets, utilising the FendtOne technology, offer operators the best in data. A 10-inch (25.4cm) dashboard, 12-inch (30.5cm) terminal and 12-inch roof terminal display provide ample space to display information and data, while the 3L joystick and multifunctional joystick makes operating the 716 a relaxing, flexible experience. Both joysticks have freely assignable buttons, offering the driver even more flexibility while the 3L joystick, with Fendt’s front loader which has a third valve, means three functions can be undertaken at once.
NEW HOLLAND T8 350 GENESIS
The big unit of New Holland’s tractor range, the T8 350 Genesis is among the world’s most powerful conventional tractors. The T8 350 Genesis encompasses the power of 350 horsepower (261kW) but is efficient enough to meet Tier 4B emissions standards. To make life just a bit easier for operators, the New Holland designers made the tractor more visually appealing with small tweaks, such as the display screen moving places to sit on the steering column. New Holland’s SideWinder II armrest was also on show – another fresh design that makes operating the T8 350 genesis comfortable and intuitive, with all key functions placed strategically so they can be operated using just the fingertips.
MASSEY FERGUSON S 5710
Increased visibility from inside the cab has been the biggest focus for the designers of Massey Ferguson’s S 5710 tractor, with wide glass doors and curved quarter windows offering the best visibility in the field. The sloped hood on the S 5710 is also a distinguishing feature, giving drivers even more vision inside the cab when manoeuvring around the field. At 105hp (78kW), the S 5710 gets around thanks to a 4.4-litre four-cylinder Agco engine that complies with Stage V emissions standards.
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Massey Ferguson’s impressive Dyna-4 transmission – a 16 forward and 16 reverse transmission, which offers simple and convenient control – is optional on the S 5710, while the operation of gears can be changed either by the T-bar on the right or the left-handed Power Control Lever.
1956 COCKSHUTT 50 DELUXE
Built in the 1950s out of Ontario, Canada, this Cockshutt 50 has been restored with a new paint job and decals to mirror the same 50 D models in its day. With a six-cylinder diesel Buda engine under the hood, the Cockshutt produces 50hp (37kW) and uses 34-inch (86cm) wheels, which is quite large for its time. A true marvel of its time, this model was one of the first tractors to have a live power take-off (PTO) not connected to the engine, letting operators engage the PTO without stopping the machine. The model 50 was also the last of the Cockshutt branded tractors, before they began rebranding them as ‘Blackhawk’ models to promote the acquisition of Ohio Cultivator Company from 1956 onward. Nowadays, this Cockshutt 50 D is in the safe possession of John and Jeanette Kummerow, where it finds its place among a collection of over 50 tractors.
1980S FIAT 955 CRAWLER TRACTOR
This Fiat 955 still boasts most of its original components from its heyday in the 1980s, with the engine, gearbox, tracks and paint all in original condition. The 90hp (67kW) machine is one of the only crawler tractors from its time with three-point linkage PTO while the five- cylinder engine has also proved quite fuel efficient over the years. Developed and manufactured in the hills of northern Italy, the 955 thrives in hilly conditions where its tracks and versatility make it ideal for clearing wood and weeds in thick hill areas, however, it has still proven its worth in row-cropping functions as well. Most 955s can also be fitted with a blade at the front, including most others still in operation around Australia, where they can be used for small, nimble bulldozing operations.
1. Deutz-Fahr’s new Warrior range of sixcylinder tractors is now available 2. The Case IH Farmall M is available in 90 and 110 horsepower (67 and 75kW) models 3. This 1956 Cockshutt 50 has been restored 4. Fendt’s latest 716 tractor comes with the
FendtOne technology system 5. This 1980s Fiat 955 crawler tractor still has many of its original components 6. Massey Ferguson’s S 5710 tractor has been designed with a focus on operator visibility 7. The 350hp (261kW) T8 350 Genesis from
New Holland
bromadiolone rejected
Australia’s pesticides regulator will refuse an emergency request to approve bromadiolone for use as a broadacre mouse poison in NSW
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) plans to refuse an application from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) for an emergency permit to poison grain with bromadiolone in a bid to curtail the mouse plague that is sweeping the state. The NSW government announced a program in May to fund the treatment of farmer-supplied grain with bromadiolone, with the plan for the poisoned grain to be used either in a trail or in bait stations surrounding a crop. But the program relied on the APVMA accepting NSW’s application to allow bromadiolone to be used as a broadacre mouse bait, as it is currently only registered for use indoors and around sheds. This is because bromadiolone builds up in the food chain, meaning that any animals that eat the poisoned mice are also at risk of poisoning. APVMA chief executive officer Lisa Croft says in a statement that the APVMA is not satisfied that using bromadiolone around the perimeter of crops meets the statutory criteria for safety, specifically in relation to residues and the environment. “Before the APVMA is able to approve any application, we must be certain that it is safe, that it will work, and that it will not prevent our farmers from selling their produce overseas,” she says. “The APVMA’s primary concern is environmental safety, particularly in relation to animals that eat mice. “Although the APVMA intends to refuse this particular application, we have approved six other emergency permit applications to give farmers extra mice control options,” she adds. These permits relate to the use of zinc phosphide poisons, which are understood to be similarly effective, but which do not accumulate in the body. “The APVMA will continue to prioritise emergency use permit applications in relation to the mouse plague,” the authority says. It adds that the NSW DPI has 28 days to respond to the proposed decision to refuse the permit application, with the authority to consider any information provided before making a final decision. The news came one day after the release of the NSW state budget, which included a $150 million Mouse Control Package to help farmers, small businesses and households fight the mouse plague currently impacting parts of regional NSW. NSW also offered primary producers a rebate of 50 per cent on zinc phosphide purchases, up to $10,000, in order to boost farmer confidence in making advance orders on zinc phosphide ahead of Spring.
