Written by Ian Clayton-Bailey from BTT UK
At Bentfield Bury Farms, the winter wheat and barley were meticulously sown using specially imported Bourgault Tillage Tools 6-inch openers, a departure from the standard 4-inch versions commonly seen across the UK.
This decision, made by Farm Manager James Mayes, reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation and efficiency in agriculture. With approximately 800 hectares of combinable crops thriving on predominantly heavy soils, optimizing our seeding equipment is paramount to our success.
James’s decision to transition from the standard duet coulters on the farm’s 2009 Horsch 6m Sprinter drill to the Bourgault Tillage Tools versatile opener system (VOS) 4-inch coulters in 2017 was driven by a strategic imperative to reduce cultivation efforts and mitigate moisture loss. This strategy allows us to adapt our drilling techniques, whether it’s direct drilling into stubble or onto pre-cultivated land, to prevailing conditions for optimal crop establishment.
As a family farming partnership, with active participation from the owners, we continually seek to enhance our operations. The appointment of Sentry Farms as a managing consultant in 2015, with James Mayes at the helm overseeing farm operations, has further enriched our knowledge base. With James’s extensive experience spanning over two decades and a keen understanding of agronomic policies, we’re well-equipped to leverage the full potential of Bourgault Tillage Tools cutting-edge technology.
Whilst wheat remains a staple crop for our operation, recent accolades, such as the East Anglia gold awards for exceptional yield and potential achieved in 2023, underscore our dedication to excellence. Bourgault Tillage Tools VOS coulters, with their paired row tips, play a pivotal role in our success by ensuring precise seed placement and maximizing seed-to-soil contact for robust germination and crop establishment.
The transition to Bourgault Tillage Tools 6-inch coulters marks a significant milestone for us. These wider coulters enable seeds to be deposited in broader paired bands, facilitating better spatial distribution and ultimately leading to a more consolidated crop canopy. This consolidation is instrumental in maximizing photosynthesis potential, particularly when we approach a spring season.
Early results have shown promising results, affirming the viability of Bourgault’s wider seed bands. Initial trials, conducted with three 3-D printed synthetic coulters in autumn 2020, provided valuable insights, paving the way for larger-scale trials. A full set of Bourgault Tillage Tools 6-inch coulters, supplied by the Canadian manufacturer, was integrated into our drill last autumn, further validating their efficacy.
The transition to wider seed bands promises multiple benefits, as articulated by James and confirmed by our experiences. By facilitating better spatial distribution and a more consolidated crop canopy, these wider coulters have the potential to enhance yield potential while minimizing surface disturbance and retaining soil moisture—a boon for soil health and disease management.
Looking ahead, as we contemplate the potential investment in transitioning our entire fleet to 6-inch coulters, the feedback from our drill operator, Danny Hawkes, is encouraging. With no discernible increase in power or fuel requirements, and minimal drawbacks, the advantages of Bourgault Tillage Tools wider seed bands are clear.
In conclusion, the adoption of wider seed bands represents a significant step forward for Bentfield Bury Farms. With Bourgault Tillage Tools cutting-edge technology, we’re poised to achieve greater efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in our agricultural practices, reaffirming our commitment to excellence in farming.
