STUBBLE and damp, sticky soil were no match for an RFM CT double disc seeder when it was demonstrated at Horsham.

The seeder, which will be on show at next week's Mallee field days, managed to cleanly cut through stubble and not block up despite the arduous conditions.

    FAST FACTS
  • WHAT: Mallee Machinery Field Days
  • WHEN: August 4-5
  • WHERE: off Sunraysia Highway, 2km south of Speed
  • HOURS: 9am to 5pm
  • ENTRY FEES: adults $12, children under 16 free
  • MORE DETAILS: phone the field days office on (03) 5082 4301
  • Get your 12-page Mallee field days preview in The Weekly Times, July 28 

The demonstration day was attended by about 80 people.

Other machinery exhibited included Case IH tractors and self-propelled sprayers, Croplands trailed sprayers, tillage equipment and harvester parts.

RFM designer Paul Ryan said the CT double disc seeder was all about making the most of available ground moisture.

"The double disc seeding unit is ideal for cropping programs where stubble is retained," Paul said.

"It's all about trying to make better use of the moisture.

"The Ryan disc system is built on extensive agronomic research from a variety of cropping areas, from Queensland to western Victoria."

The Ryan discs can be retrofitted to tined seeders, providing the farmer with two options for seeding, according to Paul.

"Once the double discs are on, they can be easily removed and the tines put back on," he said.

"We have also had quite a few customers put just a couple of the disc units on and use them in conjunction with tines for an in-field comparison."

Agronomist and agricultural consultant Tim Starick, of Horsham, who uses Ryan discs on his seeder, spoke of the benefits of using discs for seeding in a zero tillage system.

"This year has been a magnificent one to see the differences between discs and tines," Tim said.

"The discs' ability to cut the stubble really stood out.

"A single disc system can push the stubble down into the ground - the seed sits on the stubble and it won't germinate.

"But the double discs worked really well, including in hog weed, paddy melons and the stubbles."

  • For more details, phone Paul on 0417 354 617.