Remote switch-off might save lives
Voluntary milker in tune with the cows rhythms
By Andy Moore
AN automatic milking system which allows cows to wander in and be milked under their own free will has been developed by Alfa Laval Agri and will go on sale in the UK next year.
Dubbed the VMS (Voluntary Milking System), the concept evolves around the cows natural milking, feeding and resting cycles.
As an integral system, VMS is designed to fit into most existing barn layouts, which have milking cubicles, feeding stations, rest and waiting areas.
"The VMS system is the foundation for a decisive shift in the dairy industry," says Han Gisel Ekdahl of Alfa Laval Agri. "It offers healthier conditions for cows and better, more flexible time management for producers."
From when the cow enters the system, a transponder collar identifies each animal and, having activated a mechanical sequence, adjusts the space inside the tandem box to accommodate the size of the cow.
With the cow in the tandem box, an arm guides a teat cleaning unit, attaches cups and disinfects each teat – the washings are separated from the milk circuit.
The machine enables quarter milking with four optical indicators, which measure individual output produced by each quarter and overall milk yield.
Control is through a touch-screen interface called ALPRO Windows, which is compatible with PCs for monitoring milking, feeding and breeding. Other hi-tech features include a Smart gate, designed to deny access to cows which visit the VMS too often, while an OptiMix system provides total mixed ratio (TMR) feeding according to individual cow needs.
In addition to the claimed labour saving advantages, the VMS is said to provide a stress-free working environment for cows and increase milk yields. *
Tractor power rules
POWER continues to be the name of the game in respect of tractor sales.
According to the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) the first half of the year saw sales of tractors below 100hp fall by 3% and, for those above, an increase of 40%, when compared with the same period last year.
The AEA points out that this increase in size may be connected with the current trend to restructure farms and that larger arable units have been purchasing their tractors earlier than in other years.
In terms of regional sale volumes, the greatest advance has been in Scotland, where a 25.9% increase has been registered. Pleasing as this improvement clearly is, it should be viewed in the knowledge that Scotlands tractor market last year was severely depressed – and the figures represent something of an improvement, and little more.
Overall, tractor sales are showing an increase of 8.5% on last year but the north, south-west and Northern Ireland regions are still recording lower registrations than in the same period last year. *
More Kuhn direct drills
KUHN has now introduced 3m and 6m versions of the 4m direct drill it launched last year.
The 3m SD 3000 and 6m SD 6000 include Kuhns articulated triple disc drilling technique and the Venta pneumatic seed delivery system.
Comprising a single opening and two drilling discs, the triple disc system has a pivot point equidistant between the opening and drilling discs. This is designed to ensure accurate seed placement into the cut slot, even when the drill is turning.
For trashy or compacted soils, standard serrated opener discs are available, or for cleaner soils, rippled discs can be specified to create a wider slot. To minimise the risk of blockage, the large diameter discs are staggered and feature wide beam and longitudinal clearances. Scrapers are fitted between the drilling discs to prevent any soil build up.
Two sets of twin wheels provide transport and depth control, while a suspension system automatically engages as soon as the drill is put into transport position.
Hoppers, which have capacities of 2000 litres (3m) and 2600 litres (6m) are positioned between the opener and drilling discs, enabling a 3m transport width to be achieved.
The 3m drill is priced at £27,680 and 6m at £50,830. *
Remote switch-off might save lives
UNATTENDED powered farm machinery, such as crop dryers, augers and generators, pose a constant threat to the roaming child or uninitiated visitor.
But a device designed and marketed by Canadian firm Excel Innovations could help to cut the dangers posed by such machinery.
As reported in the Western Producer, the Body Guard system allows a person to turn of an engine from a distance of up to 75m by pressing a button on a small radio remote control, not unlike a remote car lock control.
The company says it can make the system work on any machine which has a 12v electrical system and, in terms of engine type, diesel, petrol or electric versions can all be stopped.
Multiple transmitters and receivers are available to suit situations where there is more than one machine in operation.
Excel Innovations reports that, in Canada, over 100 people die every year in farm accidents and child deaths constitute a significant part of this total. *
Jan-June 1998 Jan-June 1999
HP range Units % of total Units % of total % change
1999/98
0-40 528 10.2 356 6.3 -32.6
41-60 149 2.9 136 2.4 -8.7
61-70 291 5.6 197 3.5 -32.3
71-80 357 6.9 412 7.3 15.4
81-90 780 15.0 736 13.1 -5.6
91-100 1,266 24.4 1,270 22.5 0.3
101-120 780 15.0 983 17.4 26.0
121-140 716 13.8 1,001 17.8 39.8
141+ 316 6.1 545 9.7 72.5
Unknown 10 0.2 1 0.0 –
Total <40hp 4,665 5,281 13.2
Grand total 5,193 100 5,637 100 8.5