Everyone is feeling the pinch of higher fuel prices. While farmers in many states get a break on fuel taxes, most will still be paying a lot more for fuel than last year.
That’s why it’s important that equipment manufacturers are introducing new technology such as higher density balers that will allow them to transport more hay and forage products to the market using the same number of trucks and same amount of fuel.
One new baler model, which was introduced at World Ag Expo in the heart of alfalfa hay country, promises to be able to place 15 percent more hay in a three-foot by four-foot bale that can be up to nine feet in length. This can be especially beneficial for the increasing amount of U.S. hay going into the export market.
Other manufacturers are making upgrades to their baling equipment. One has added 12 inches to its bale case to help improve bale shape and result in easier handling of bales. And new Telematics are making it easier for managers of larger operations to monitor the operation of tractors and balers from remote locations.
The new extra density balers are designed with custom operators in mind, but marketers note that more conventional hay producers can use them without putting more hay in the bale.
What are you doing to reduce energy use on your farming operation?
Related Reading:
- Farmers Improving Fuel Efficiency with Tractor Maintenance
- How to Calculate Your Tractor’s Fuel Efficiency
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