104 | An alternative to aerial application Based at Ryal Bush about 15 kilometres north of Invercargill, the company is a true heartland Southland business. Along with the Bogballe, the company currently operates four late model CTI (central tyre inflation) technologically advanced spreaders and self-unloading trailers with GPS guidance and computerised spreading systems. Russell Fredric The addition of a new Danish Bogballe fertiliser spreader to Ryal Bush Transport’s extensive range of equipment is providing an alternative to aerial application in some situations. Sowing/bulk HPMV coordinator Ryan Donnelly says Ryal Bush Transport commissioned the spreader, which has a 2.5 tonne capacity and attaches to the rear of one of its four wheel drive tractors, last spring. Because it is tractor-based, it has the advantage of being able to get onto paddocks earlier in the season or when ground conditions do not allow truck-based spreaders, or ‘bulkies’, to operate and when they might cause some paddock or pasture damage. “We’ve had good feedback, especially from farmers that have seen them going over in Europe. It can save the cost of a helicopter, when some farmers get wet paddocks, they go to the helicopters,” Ryan says. Controlled by an in-cab computerised controller and display which incorporates smart technology, the Bogballe has the ability to run extremely accurate, precision-spread patterns without any gaps, regardless of changes in speed or field conditions. Depending on the demand, there is potential to add another Bogballe, he says. Along with the Bogballe, the company currently operates four late model CTI (central tyre inflation) technologically advanced spreaders and selfunloading trailers with GPS guidance and computerised spreading systems. Due to global pressures, farmers have been hit by substantially increased fertiliser prices, Ryan says. In some cases they have been cutting back on application rates, especially on lifestyle blocks, while in drought affected areas there is a tendency RURAL SERVICES » Ryal Bush Transport Ltd - Invercargill Proudly Supporting Ryal Bush Transport Ltd - Invercargill l ti l t t - I ill Productivity comes down to soil nutrition. Tel. 0800 227 559 www.ablime.co.nz Quietly leading the way in soil nutrition for over 100 years. i tl l i t i il triti f r r 1 r .
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