On June 17-18, „Grain Road 2015” took place, organised for the third consecutive year by AB Kauno Grūdai. This year, the field day was held in the Šakiai district, at Antanas Blockis' farm. The farmer currently cultivates 1500 hectares of land. Nearly 1000 of the most progressive Lithuanian farmers arrived to inspect the well-tended and maintained crops. Farmers also had the opportunity to observe demonstrations and were surprised by the evening programme.
During a day visit to the crops, an environmental issue was examined. The regulations for applying chemicals for crop spraying are becoming stricter, making it an increasingly relevant question of how to maximise benefits by reducing costs and using chemicals more effectively. Therefore, one solution for performing farm work more efficiently is to use the highest quality machinery from the best manufacturers, in this case, crop protection machines. With technology advancing rapidly these days, the technical design elements and data of sprayers have been perfected, allowing farmers to work safely and to a high standard in adverse weather conditions and in areas with varied terrain.
During the event, UAB „Ivabaltė“ presented and demonstrated two brands of self-propelled sprayers: the Dammann-trac 2000 H S4 Highlander and the Challenger Rogator RG 635C. The sprayers were demonstrated in winter oilseed rape crops reaching up to 1.80 metres in height. The demonstration was impressive, allowing attendees to witness the advantages of the sprayers and compare the capabilities of machines with different ground clearances.
Without the latest technologies, there will be no good harvest.
The German-made Dammann sprayer looked impressive in the fields thanks to its exceptionally high clearance (1.1 to 1.8 m). The structure mounted on the booms consists of a closed chamber, which allows for operation even in windy conditions: the spray stream is not dispersed. This sprayer is suitable for both standard spraying and is also effectively adapted for use in maize and rapeseed crops. Dammann was the first company in Germany to manufacture a self-propelled sprayer. Today, this manufacturer has specialised in the series production of plant protection machinery for over 45 years. Dammann is the only manufacturer in the world to supply three-axle self-propelled sprayers as standard, which are also used successfully on farms in Lithuania. In 2009, at the international agricultural machinery exhibition, Agritechnica, the Highlander sprayer won the Machine of the Year award. Another unique feature of Dammann is that the manufacturer supplies sprayers capable of working with several types of chemical preparations (the preparation can be applied at up to six different rates across the entire working area). Furthermore, as part of technological advancements, an algorithm was developed which ensures that an even amount of the chemical is sprayed onto the crops when the sprayer turns. For this innovative technical solution, Dammann was awarded a silver medal at the international „Agritechnika 2013” exhibition. In 2014, Dammann introduced a rotary tank cleaning and mixing system which, according to research carried out by the JKI (Julius Kühn-Institut), ensures that the sprayer is cleaned to a standard of 97.7% purity.
Also during „Grain Path 2015“, the Rogator RG 635C sprayer from the Challenger brand, part of the AGCO group, demonstrated its advantages in the fields of farmer Antanas Blockis. Challenger brand sprayers are continuously improved, with innovative technical solutions presented each season. The capabilities of these sprayers are extensive and suitable for various crops and farm sizes. In 2014, according to an official manufacturer's announcement and testing conducted in France, this sprayer can operate at speeds of up to 30 km/h (under suitable terrain and ground conditions). The Rogator is one of the sprayers that was specifically developed and adapted for the European market. These sprayers are characterised by their high manoeuvrability, with an internal turning radius of just 3.14 m. Challenger sprayers are equipped with hydrostatic, 4 WD continuously variable speed regulation. In its standard configuration, this sprayer is manufactured with adjustable ground clearance ranging from 0.75 m to 1.20 m (with standard tyres). Track width adjustment can be selected as fixed or hydraulically continuously variable within a range of 1.80 m to 2.25 m (with standard tyres). Engine power ranges from 129 kW/175 hp to 178 kW/242 hp. Spray liquid tank capacities range from 3800 to 6000 litres. To ensure a good harvest, it is crucial to carry out crop maintenance tasks early in the spring, when the fields are still wet. For such conditions, it is possible to equip Challenger sprayers with wheels up to 710 mm wide.
It is very important to mention that Dammann and Challenger plant protection machines are manufactured with a certified operator cab that is the safest on the market, meeting Category 4 safety requirements.
In addition to sprayers, UAB „Ivabaltė“ exhibition allowed farmers to view and test many other technological innovations. Beside the machinery exhibition, the uniquely designed black Challenger MT775E STEALTH was demonstrated, of which only 28 units were produced worldwide. The tracked tractor caught the eye of many farmers and was the most popular highlight of the evening. Attached to the tracked tractor for testing was a German company KERNER's chisel plough – Kerner Comet KA, with a working width of 4.8 m. The manufacturer „Kerner“ is known for its extremely durable and sophisticated implement designs, which are adapted for working in heavy clay soils. The demonstration continued with a „Fendt 396 Vario“ tractor and a 6 m. „Kerner Eros EA 600“ seeder. In addition to these machines, a whole range of FENDT tractors (312, 516, 724, 828, 939) were showcased at the exhibition, which farmers could drive themselves. The following products were also presented: JOSKIN products – slurry tankers, trailers, and muck spreaders. The German brand RAUCH's intelligent spreader Axis-H 30.1 EMC+W, and LELY haymaking equipment – mowers and a round baler.
In the evening, after visiting the UAB „Ivabaltė“ exhibition, the farmers enjoyed a delicious dinner and the event programme, which was hosted by Violeta Mičiulienė. There was also an auction, during which the money raised was presented to fulfil the dreams of the children at the Šakiai Children's Home.
