Deere’s manure sensing system

John Deere’s Manure Sensing System jointly developed with Kotte Landtechnik and Fliegl Agrartechnik in Germany, has received a technical innovation award at the FIMA Show in Spain. The system uses near-infrared (NIR) technology to help adjust slurry spreader application rates to match field conditions.

Based on data from yield mapping, soil sampling, N-sensors and other sources, the required application rate can be set in the John Deere GreenStar 2630 in-cab display before starting work.

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The NIR sensor is able to measure the key constituents of the slurry being applied (dry matter, total nitrogen, ammonium, P and K) in real time.

The system automatically adjusts the final flow of slurry to deliver the quantity of nutrients required. If a John Deere tractor is used with the spreader, Deere’s tractor implement automation (TIA) system allows automatic speed control of the application rate adjustment, based on the tractor’s forward speed.

Calling silage trailer makers

At the Journal we are compiling some specifications details of 18ft (5.4m) silage/grain trailers and would like to hear from manufacturers with your trailer specifications. We will compile an article on the differences and all suppliers in the coming weeks.

If we have not already contacted you please send your specifications by email to: mmoroney@farmersjournal.ie and we will get back in touch with you.

Tier 4 tractor efficiency

Choosing a new Tier 4 tractor with a good fuel efficiency rating can help boost fuel efficiency by up to 15% compared with older tractors, according to the University of Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory.

With new engine requirements and many tractors equipped with engines from the same manufacturers, there are often only small differences between tractor fuel efficiency.

They found that fuel efficiency ratings can range from 4 horsepower hours per litre to 3/hp/hr/litre or below, depending on the size of tractors. The higher ratings give the better the fuel efficiency.

University of Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory statistics revealed that with tractor diesel costing €0.90/litre, a difference of just one hp/hr/litre can translate into annual cost savings of over €1,000 for a 200-hp tractor used 500 hours a year.

Michael Eardly open day

Michael Eardly Machinery will be holding an open day at 34 Hebron Industrial Estate, Kilkenny (telephone 087-7954597) next Thursday 13 March between 2pm and 10pm.

You will see the full range of Farmhand machinery on display at the open day. This includes Amazone spreaders and tillage equipment, Krone mowers, balers, tedders, rakes and wagons, APV grass seeders and harrows, Spearhead hedgecutters and Zuidberg front linkage and tracks.