'Next generation' machinery on show at Crops & Cultivation 2017

Crop enthusiasts from home and abroad turned out to Teagasc Oak Park, which played host to the ‘Crops & Cultivation 2017‘ event.

Prayers were answered as rain held off for most of the day at the Carlow venue today (Wednesday, June 28).

Both crop walks and machinery demonstrations were front and centre at the event, with some industry leaders in attendance.

Amazone launches new plough

There was a varied range of machinery and technology present at the event, to draw the public’s attention.

Amazone launched its new plough – the ‘Cayros XM‘. A demo unit was present at today’s event in the south-east.

Stephen Scrivener of Farmhand – Amazone’s Irish distributor – said that these ploughs will enter series production by the year’s end.

He said: “A market price has not yet been finalised.”

The plough at the event was a four-furrow reversible. It is described as a “farmer-affordable” unit. It comes with a 200hp-rated headstock.

30t chaser bin

A 30t chaser bin from Cross Engineering – based in Rathangan, Co. Kildare – also featured at the event. This machine was designed as both a chaser bin and a drill filler.

The company’s Mark Cross said that the bin is split, so it can accommodate both fertiliser and seed simultaneously.

“During harvest, both augers can be used for unloading into lorries,” Cross explained.

“One of these would cost about €115,000 plus VAT.”

Verge mower

Displayed by Anner Agri Farm Machinery, the FN verge mower is capable of cutting weeds such as rushes. However, this machine’s speciality is its ability to also cut hedges vertically.

Anner Agri’s John O’Donnell spoke highly of the machine, saying: “The mower is able for both heavy and light material – and can cope with stones. It will withstand a mountain of abuse; it will even cut furze bushes.”

The implement typically operates at 5mph. It costs €7,000 plus VAT.