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PFG Australia is set to import the latest new products from United States-based seed drill giant Great Plains Manufacturing.

Fresh from a visit to seed drill manufacturer Great Plains in the United States, PFG Australia representatives say they are impressed by their supplier’s range of innovative technical advances.

Dealers from different parts of Australia joined PFG Australia senior recently on a tour of the company’s Kansas facilities.

PFG Australia sales and product specialist for seeding and cultivation John Simpson says new products flowing from Great Plains’ research and development (R&D) will make the company a “Byword for improved productivity”.

Simpson, a trained agronomist says Great Plains’ philosophy and developments are already heading in the direction Australian farmers need to go with cultivation and seeding practices.

“We were keen to hear from the company about their latest products and farming techniques, and how they were investing most of their research,” Simpson says.

“We had the chance to observe products in action and see results first-hand.

“We also spoke to local farmers and dealers in the region to get their perspective, which is valuable when it comes to PFG’s machinery selection for Australian conditions.”

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Key new developments about to go into production include the Centurion cultivator drill, which will be available with fertiliser and the Turbo Max cultivator, due for release in Australia within the next 12 months

Growing out of a multimillion dollar development program, the Centurion is expected to set new standards for accuracy and ease of maintenance.

The Turbo Max cultivator employs vertical tillage techniques to achieve superb weed control and stubble management.

“The Turbo Max will transform the way we look at cultivation here, particularly in areas of broadacre farming, where there’s been a heavy reliance on chemical use to control weeds,” Simpson says.

Also new to the range is the trailing 40-foot (12.2m) Yield-Pro planter (pictured) with bulk cart for dry or liquid fertiliser and individual hoppers for seed.”

Simpson says Yield-Pro planters are already providing many significant advantages for cotton and maize farmers.

“They’ll now be available with the twin row maize unit, which allows staggered planting at 15-inch [38cm] spacings instead of 30-inch [76cm], dramatically increasing plant vigour and yield without any need to replace your harvest machinery.”

In addition, Simpson says a newly designed Air-Pro meter for singulating canola and cereals will provide real advantages with an 11-inch (28cm) diameter and 250 cells.

“Precision is excellent and allows you to sow at the lowest possible rate and achieve good germination,” he says.

Other improvements to the brushes and seed tube allow for canola singulation and improve performance for other small seeds.

“You’re going to see the benefit with any seed that is used at low rates and prone to static cling,” Simpson says.

“There’s a conversion kit available for those already using a Yield-Pro planter.”

PFG Australia currently distributes Great Plains products, including the Spartan air drill, with Great Plains openers and Clear-Shot seed tubes and the award-winning Simba X-press cultivator.

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