FAST FACTS
- When choosing a tractor, a farmer should take into account the machine’s intended purpose and the implements that will be hitched to it.
- It is important to ensure that your equipment is compatible with the latest technology.
- Farmers need to understand what can realistically be achieved with their equipment.
Having the right tool for the job is the first step in getting things done correctly and timeously. But when choosing a tractor, the myriad options available can leave first-time buyers feeling overwhelmed.
Buying a tractor is a costly affair, and a great deal more so if you choose the wrong machine! Jaco du Preez, product and marketing specialist for tractors at New Holland, advises novice buyers to first consider what the tractor will be used for and which implements they will attach to it.
“A tractor can’t do any work without an implement; this combination is crucial. Once you’ve determined this combination, you can start shopping for the tractor.
“Next, consider the power (in kW) and size of the tractor, its transmission, and features or technology that will benefit your applications. Based on the available capital, you can then adjust your shopping list down or up,” he says.
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
Tractor technology progresses rapidly, and single-pass implements are becoming obsolete. Today, dual- and triple-application implements are used to optimise time and lower the cost of inputs, such as diesel. This has led to an increase in power requirements.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 10, 2021 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 10, 2021 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
