Production — page 163

Automatic chute opener Daleco Industries has brought the ease of automatic garage door opening technology to grain chutes. The electronic Grain Chute Opener uses a hand-held transmitter to signal the 12-volt, DC motor on the chute opener to open and close the door. It works from a radius of 30 metres. The device saves ladder […] Read more

Rotary cutter Schulte has introduced a new 10-foot rotary cutter available in trailing and semi-mount configurations. The semi-mount F10 accommodates CAT two and three standard and quick hitches and is equipped with a 13.5-inch hydraulic swing to the left and right. This gives 27 inches of cutter movement for better manoeuverability. The central double spring […] Read more

Agronomic practices for hemp There is growing interest in the production of fibre hemp, says Stan Blade, plant breeder and agronomist at Alberta Agriculture’s northern crop diversification centre. “Since 1995, fibre hemp research plots were grown in various parts of Alberta to evaluate the potential of this crop for both seed and fibre production,” he […] Read more

From truck to sprayer Hy-Trux Ltd. has introduced a new chassis that turns a pick-up truck sprayer into a low cost, high-clearance sprayer. The chassis fits half-ton, three-quarter ton and one-ton trucks, including extended cabs. It is a two-piece frame that allows the unit to float over rough terrain for a smooth ride and low […] Read more

New fertilizer knife Harvestechnologies, (formerly Atom-Jet Industries) has introduced a new fertilizer knife for banding anhydrous ammonia. The Blade is designed to provide low disturbance and eliminate “puffing” and freezing. It has a carbide tip for soil penetration and long life. Only one-half inch wide (1.25 centimetres), the Blade promotes quick sealing and prevents escape […] Read more

Clamp-on lights Cross Country Electric has introduced clamp-on lighting packages for farm implements. Traditional lighting from the tractor has become inadequate when using larger implements and longer, multiple implement towlines. Cross Country can build weather tight lighting for air seeder tanks, cultivators and other implements. Write Cross Country Electric, Gerald Oloske, Vimy, Alta., T0G 2J0 […] Read more

Double decker trailer Lift-Off Tri Haul Ltd. has introduced a double decker lift-off stock trailer for smaller animals. The unit has the same lift-off top as the company’s regular stock trailers, but has a removable second level and double side openings to vent both levels. The openings can be closed for cold weather hauling. Extra […] Read more

Selecting alfalfa variety The number of available alfalfa varieties makes it difficult to select one. “In many cases, it’s difficult to obtain comparative production and longevity information, particularly on some of the new private varieties,” said Harvey Yoder, a forage crop specialist with Alberta Agriculture in Lac La Biche. Some provincial agriculture departments provide regional […] Read more

Sheep and goat manuals Veterinarians Jim and Meg Smart of Saskatoon have recently published guides for production of sheep and goats. A Practical Guide to Profitable Sheep Production and A Goat Production Guide are manuals covering issues such as breeding, lambing/kidding, lactation, post weaning and the dry period. There are sections on nutrition, diseases and […] Read more

Pesticide licence As of Jan. 1, businesses in Saskatchewan that use pesticides must have a licence issued by Saskatchewan Agriculture. The pesticide service licence costs $20 a year, expires Dec. 31, and must be renewed every year. “The requirement … will affect most aerial applicators in Saskatchewan,” said Trent Catley, pesticide investigator with Saskatchewan Agriculture. […] Read more