| 7 ARABLE » Bayer The Bayer Regional Business Manager for Mid-South Canterbury, who was nominated by one of his customers. Improve soil, plant and animal health, while reducing costs through the e ciency of foliar feeding. In one pass - mix and apply: Granular Fert Dissolve Urea, SOA, DAP, Compound Blends Fine Particles Suspend Lime Flour, Mag Oxide, Trace Elements Small Seeds Chicory, Plantain, Red & White Clover, Turnip, Rape Biologicals & Organics Compost, Fish Hydrolysate, Seaweed Extract, Molasses Herbicides Broad-spectrum and Selective Herbicides “We’ve noticed how even the grass is growing and the grass sward is very, very thick. We have got a lot greater plant density since we’ve been using the Tow and Fert.” Allan Marx - Dairy Farmer To book your free on-farm demo today call: 0800 337 747 or contact sales@towandfert.co.nz Metalform's Tow and Fert is helping farmers tackle mounting environmental pressures while improving their bottom line through innovative liquid fertiliser, ine particle and seed application technology. The Tow and Fert range enables farmers to dissolve granular fertiliser in cold water for foliar application, resulting in signi icant reductions in fertiliser usage (for example nitrogen) without compromising grass production. "Foliar application of nitrogen has a much higher Nitrogen Response E iciency compared to granular application. Our customers are experiencing up to 50 percent reduction in nitrogen use without compromising dry matter growth," says Tim Henman, Tow and Fert Global Sales Manager. The technology arrives at a crucial time for farmers facing increasing regulatory pressures and soaring input costs. The company's lagship product, the Multi 4000, can cover one hectare in just three minutes at 12 kilometres per hour, with a 22-metre spread width. Its 4,000-litre capacity allows farmers to dissolve and suspend signi icant quantities of fertiliser e iciently, with the ability to load inmerely 15 minutes using its optional crane system. "We have developed a tool that dissolves urea in cold water quickly," says Tim. "The machines can hold insoluble ine particle products in suspension along with oversowing seeds and apply themwithout any blockages or issues like a normal boom sprayer might experience.” Importantly spraying fertiliser on pasture with a Tow and Fert machine helps farmers meet nutrient Tow and Fert Helps Farmers Meet Triple Bottom Line budget by greatly reducing the amount of fertiliser lost into the environment. Tim says the system's e iciency stems from its ability to deliver nutrients in a form that maximises uptake by both plants and soil. This improved e iciency not only reduces environmental impact through decreased leaching and greenhouse gas emissions but also translates into signi icant cost savings for farmers. The technology's versatility also allows farmers tomix multiple products simultaneously, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, humates, molasses, seeds, selective herbicides, and various micronutrients. This multi-product capability reduces the number of passes required, further improving e iciency and reducing soil compaction. Since its launch in 2010, the technology has gained traction across multiple continents, withmachines now operating in New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, UK, Chile, Uruguay, and South Africa. With ive models in its range, starting from the ATV-compatible Multi 500 up to the tractor-drawn Multi 4000, Metalformhas developed solutions suitable for operations of all sizes. All machines feature the company's patented recirculation boom design and are constructed with 100% stainless steel trash pumps, ensuring durability and reliability in the ield. “As farmers worldwide have the challenge of maintaining productivity while meeting increasing compliance, the Tow and Fert systemo ers a practical and proven solution to these concerns.” These records have recently been surpassed which is quite sad but just adds to the challenge,” says David. “You’re advising people and then to achieve records like this is a cool thing to do. It’s given me profile all around the world. I’ve travelled quite a bit to Europe and the USA so it’s opened a lot of doors.” In his role, David services Bayer`s distribution network, agricultural consultants and contractors while maintaining direct relationships with farmers. His longevity in the industry has seen him working with up to four generations of farming families, building trust through honest advice. “If you recommend something that’s not right it comes back to haunt you so integrity is everything,” explains David. “I don’t just recommend Bayer products. If we don’t have a suitable product then I will recommend another company’s product that will do the job.” His commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural professionals extends beyond his commercial role. For 28 years, he has served as a judge for the Methven Agricultural and Pastoral Association wheat competition, which has recently expanded to include Mayfield and Ashburton, effectively becoming a Mid Canterbury competition. “We encourage farmers to come with us on the day of judging so they can learn as they go. Most farmers don’t get out of their own comfort zones on their farms so it’s really cool for them to join the group and look at other people’s crops so they can compare them with their own,” says David. The agricultural legacy continues in the Weith family, with his son Sean now working as a researcher at the Foundation of Arable Research. “He’s done a PHD in plant biology so he’s quite a bright boy,” says David proudly. The award recognition comes after decades of dedicated service to the industry. “Winning the award is pretty humbling and it’s cool to be recognised by your peers. I must be doing something right I suppose,” says David who was previously nominated for the award and came runner up. David’s focus continues to be on introducing and overseeing innovative crop protection products while working with some of New Zealand’s most talented arable farmers. His expertise spans various crops, from cereals to high-value grass and vegetable seeds such as carrots, radish and brassicas, as well as fodder beet. As for future goals? “I’d like to help get those Guinness World Records back.”
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