Equipment

 While our winter weather is behind us, equipment that wasn’t started (and even those that were) may begin to exhibit the battery drain of the past season.

It’s a killer on equipment tires. A juvenile delinquent with a hunting knife probably couldn’t do as much damage as cornstalks can. The outer stalk surface really wears on pickup teeth, rake tines, cams, bearings and slip clutches. Yet, although cornstalk baling is extremely hard on equipment, more and more producers are turning toward the practice.

Advances in seed genetics and other crop inputs continue to help farmers achieve higher yields. However, even with today’s high-producing seeds, maximizing crop performance depends on consistent, accurate seed placement.

In the world of farming, efficient, effective and economical have always been valuable traits welcome in just about any setting or application. When it comes to tractors and implements, those traits take on a completely new level of importance and expectations.

It’s hard for Jason Grady of J&M Baling in New Mexico to put his finger on the exact day the idea came to him. But when the idea came, he knew it would work. That idea, followed by a crude, “pretty ugly” prototype, and a few years of modifications have finally paid off as the Twin Pak double baler is in its final season of beta testing.

Farm show season is here, signaling a glorious time to be dreaming of new equipment for your operation. As fun as looking at new machinery and gadgets can be, it is also a stressful time due to the decision-making process.