Improving and maximising pasture production is a challenge for every farmer, but Bourgault’s seeding solutions go some way to making it come true
It goes without saying that covering more ground in the paddocks each season naturally leads to increased production and therefore increased financial returns.
Having a seeder capable of covering larger areas in less time will help the bottom line for any farmer.
Seeder manufacturer Bourgault has its frame mounted seeder (FMS) range, which provides versatility for farmers by offering sizes from 6m to 9m sowing width and tanks between 4,800L or 7,200L, all designed to increase productivity.
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The 7,200L HD872 seeder
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What are the benefits of seeders, though, and what should farmers be thinking about to maximise the return they get from their efforts?
The first answer, Bourgault says, is regular pasture renovation.
A good soil structure lets air and water flow through the soil, while also preventing the negative side effects of excessive compaction such as nutrient lock-up.
For low-disturbance, no-till seeding, Bourgault offers the PLW single-disc opener.
The manufacturer describes this as the “ultimate in low disturbance seed placement”, thanks to the compound angle of the disc, which gently lifts the soil, places the seed then closes the furrow with a large rubber tyre, all to ensure the soil is firmly replaced with good seed-to-soil contact.
Bourgault also highlights its PDM Pro hydraulic drive metering units with Evenstream distribution towers, which the company says accurately measures and distributes the correct amount of seed.
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Bourgault’s FMS range has options covering 6m to 9m sowing width
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This means every seed counts and is an easy way for a farmer to save money without reducing yield; a particularly relevant concept as input costs rise.
Mixing species and planting companion crops to increase biodiversity and a plant’s natural defences against pests and diseases is another concept becoming increasingly common.
Benefits of this include giving animals a varied diet and further reductions in fertiliser and chemical inputs later in the season.
A challenge faced by farmers when undertaking a diverse seeding program to reap these benefits is finding machinery capable of handling it.
Bourgault has a solution. The manufacturer’s FMS range offer four-tank metering and several seed distribution options, which means farmers can plant several crops simultaneously with ease, whether they are broadcasting cover crops or split-row sowing.
The FMS also offer a narrow 3m transport width, BulkBoom crane for bulk bags or eight-inch (20cm) folding auger options for loading the seeder.
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The CD848 FMS 4,800L seeder. Bourgault FMS seeders offer four-tank metering and several seed distribution options
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