Getting slurry from the farmyard to field is a task undertaken on every dairy, beef and pig farm in Ireland. Slurry tankers are the norm but umbilical systems are becoming more popular. The vital link in these systems are the flexible length’s of hose used. Alistair Chambers visited a little-known company in Wexford that knows alot about making these hoses.

With the current spell of mixed weather, we could be forgiven for thinking it’s supposed to be the middle of the harvest and straw season. John Deere however are pushing on with updates to its variable chamber range of round balers.

In Kilkenny, Eardly Agricultural Services introduced their latest offerings of both tillage and grass equipment. GPS systems, fertiliser spreaders and cultivators were some of the machines on demonstration.

Alistair test drives a new contender in the articulated loader market – Manitech. He gave it the once over on a silage-pit in Meath. Simon Henley looks back on a classic range of tractors – 6 cylinder Case from International Harvester. Its complex history makes for interesting reading.

Green with envy

Lastly and much to the envy of many readers, Alistair spent a day in Mondello test driving some very powerful cars from BMW. The M-series left a lasting impression.

Listen: farm tyre collection under discussion

FTMTA news round-up

Machinery news: Irish-made umbilical hoses, Manitech loaders and high-speed BMWs

Eardly Agri Services has introduced new machines for both tillage and grass equipment enthusiasts. John Deere has updated its variable chamber range of balers and Alistair Chambers hits the racetrack.