Title: “Flexiseeder” A new modular approach to improve the correlation / cross over of results

1. Title: “Flexiseeder” A new modular approach  to improve  the correlation / cross over of results  between plot and field research and commercial agriculture, horticulture and viticulture Stevens, E.J., Leuchovius, T., Gaardlos, T., Russell, A., Zuerrer R, Bakkegard, M. Theme: One planter for Zero tillage, Reduced Tillage and Cultivated ground www.flexiseeder.com

2. Winds of change - affecting developing and developed economies • Over past 6 months, energy & economic food crisis + growing reality of climate change has • Increased emphasis on zero & reduced tillage while not abandoning cultivation • Highlighted need for flexible management strategies - (“Flexiseeder”) • Generated renewed global interest in small- to medium-size multi-purpose equipment for research and commercial production

3. Flexiseeder project – Team Approach • Spawned at IAMFE 2004, St Petersburg when the Seed and Seed Drilling Technology Help Group formed • Flexiseeder Project comprises two parts • Flexiseeder plot and farmer drills – Abstracts / Technical Notes 001 to 006 • Fodder oat global network – Abstract / Technical Note 7 … (SEE POSTERS / EXHIBITS)

4. Seeder Project - Aims and Objectives To improve correlation & cross over of results  between plot and field research and commercial agriculture by • designing, developing and manufacturing • multi-purpose zero tillage modules that • equally suited to reduced tillage and traditional cultivation – for • research, extension & production Zero tillage – Reduced tillage – Cultivation - Plot & Farm

5. New Zealand has analogues in Europe, North, Central and South America, Africa & Asia … used for networking • Crop breeding / out of season nurseries / multiplication & production of seed • Farm / field seed drilling technologies & sales • New global application – plot seeders! “Learning from the past”

6. Early Oyjord plot seeders modified to take NZ / Australian farmer drill coulters …. Tribute to IAMFE 1977 / 78 1975

7. Historical perspective … • European and North American equipment too light for most local conditions … • especially while seeding native pasture and newly developed scrub and forest land Small-scale farm drills and farm drill parts used on / for plot seeders in New Zealand and Australia since the early 1900s …beginnings field experimentation Swedish equipment better / best

8. Besides Oyjord - others built. Oyjord portion feeders mounted • These farmer and plot drills still in use today after 35 to 40 years of continuous application … • covering arable, & reduced tillage + light zero tillage (for seeding pasture and brassica) for • research, extension, early generation seed & farm production Seeding Fodder Oats, May 2008

9. Fitted with a range of Australian knock-on tips Still readily available / used Outcome – excellent farmer participation + good cross-over & early acceptance / field application of results

10. Cut-down drills & parts for up-grades sourced from these kinds of NZ machines for example … Looking back now – ahead of time Still used today for arable / light direct drilling

11. Conclusion • Very good model, but old plot equipment too light for today’s zero tillage including farmer outreach • Must up-grade and/or replace with equipment • Suited primarily to direct seeding, but also • capable of good reduced tillage and arable seeding • Limited resources – need new alternatives • What to do?

12. Went back to the farming scene • Reviewed 2000 - 2004 work with Taege under SEMEC, reported at IAMFE 2004 St Petersburg plus background presented– IAMFE 2000, UK

13. Talked to farmers, agronomists, plant breedersPart A – S tynes laid back successful • 250 farmer drills built, sold / started through SEMEC farmer groups 2001 – 2004 • Plus

14. … two seeders converted to plot seeders …repeating history NZ CFRI, 2004 SLU / Ag Society, 04/05 Tynes good .. but still need disc options & tool bars should rotate

15. During early era, farmer disc drills designed & built in NZ & Aust. “cut down” and used for heavier direct drilling for research and extensionwith good results – still applicable for plot drills Discs? Collected, modified & evaluated On-going

16. Meanwhile old Tume Harrow (1970s era) donated to SEMEC by SLU Sweden arrived in New Zealand for evaluation as plot drill frame with rotating tool bars Resulting modules

17. Flexi Cell Wheels & Belted Cone .

18. Flexi Cell Wheel .

19. ProgrammableDrive Olympic www.canterburytrap.co.nz

20. Distributor

21. Continuous Seeding .

22. Basal Fertilizer

23. Air Distribution & Delivery

24. Air Distribution & Delivery

25. Coulters and Tips .

26. Flexi Coulters and Tips . Amazone Kongskilde

27. Flexi frame – light, open plan .

28. Flexi Frame: Heavy duty and mid-mounted • g

29. Flexi Frame: Farmer – open plan • m

30. Sum up - Substantial gains from planned“cross-over” of equipment modules • Improves correlation of results - research and end-user • Cost effective & efficient - overlaps research with production – brings researcher and farmer closer together • Improves extension and up-take of research results • Applies in developing & developed economies