There are a number of elements that add to the risk of fire on harvesting machinery.

Most of these can be monitored, maintained and addressed to avoid fires.

According to Kondinin Group research, dust and trash build-up on the machine and bearing failures account for around half of harvester fires.

Mechanical failures are implicated for one in 12 harvester fires. While static electricity is regularly blamed for starting fires, static discharge does not have sufficient energy to ignite crop dust.

Reducing harvester fires requires minimisation of the fuel and the ignition source with regular clean downs of the machine, particularly in dusty crops and those that have suffered mould and disease. In extreme cases a blow-down every boxful may be required.

Bearing failure is the cause of one in four harvester fires. Buy an infra-red thermometer (around $50) and monitor bearing temperatures, keeping a log of discrepancies.

Some pulse crop plant material can ignite at temperatures as low as 130°C. While this can vary by seasonal conditions, there are plenty of components on a harvester that exceed this.

(Source: GRDC.com.au)

Essential Energy is encouraging residents across regional New South Wales to be prepared for storm season and aware of electrical safety during wild weather events.

Manager Community Relations Northern, David Crough said severe storms could damage homes and the electricity network, causing unplanned power outages for customers. “Traditionally, the storm season occurs from October through to March but it’s never too late to prepare your property for severe weather by removing debris and overgrown vegetation from around the home and clearing gutters,” said David.

“Residents are advised to have a battery powered torch handy, along with candles and waterproof matches, and a list of emergency contact numbers including Essential Energy’s 24-hour 13 20 80 number.”

“It’s also useful to have a portable radio with spare batteries to keep you informed of the situation, non-perishable food, a can opener, some spare clothing and fresh drinking water.”

During a storm, residents are advised to stay indoors, unplug sensitive electronic equipment like televisions and computers, and check social media via mobile phones for updates.

“Take care when walking or driving after a storm as fallen powerlines can be hidden by vegetation or other debris,” said David.

“Stay at least eight metres away from fallen powerlines or any objects in contact with them, always assume they are live and report any network faults to Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80.”

The grain harvest is getting underway across the region and this means that there will be a lot of extra trucks and agricultural machinery travelling on our local roads.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding drivers to share the road safely this harvest.

“Many road users are unaware of the size of some of these agricultural vehicles and hey can find it confusing or daunting when aced with these vehicles on the road.

“Farmers will be driving tractors, combine harvesters, augers etc. These are slower moving, occupy more of the road and take longer to stop. This usually on roads where car drivers and other vehicles are accustomed to driving at high speeds.

“When approaching an oversize vehicle you should be patient, reduce your speed and wait for a safe opportunity to pass. Start slowing down sooner than you normally would. Give the vehicle a lot of room. Don’t drive right behind the agricultural equipment because the farmer can’t see you,” said Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor.

Please take care this harvest and share the road safely.

For further information please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.

The 5 Star Senepol and African Hybrid Bull Sale was held at CQLX Gracemere in Queensland last month. The sale was a huge success for Geoff and Alison Maynard of Mt Eugene Jambin.

A total of 78 out of 80 bulls were sold on auction with the remaining two sold afterwards. The average of the sale was $6,853, with the top of the sale, Lot 25 a purebred Senepol, selling for $16,000 to the Heatley Cattle Co in Northern Queensland.

Clayton and Sarah Maynard from Southern Star Rural, Canowindra had 13 lots for auction at the sale. All lots sold with a top of $6,500. On offer at Southern Star Rural are a variety of purebred Senepol, and crossbred Senepol/Angus (Senegus) and Senepol/ Charolais (Senelais) bulls.

For more information contact Clayton Maynard on 0439 029 204 or email clayton.maynard@southernstarrural.com.au

45,838 bales were put before the trade this week as Fremantle returned after a weeks recess.

On the first selling day prices were quickly discounted, with 18 to 23 microns experiencing 25-50 cent losses, with the lesser style and spec lots posting the biggest falls, while the best style and strength lots in the finer micron ranges managed to record small gains. Day two saw a reversal with price movements shifting into positive territory, with the entire merino spectrum selling at levels 10-20 cents above the previous day. The NRI managed a 16 cent rise, to finish the week at 1,636, an overall loss of 14 cents for the week.

The skirting market saw prices generally reduced by 20-30 cents, with higher VM lots most affected, as buyers favoured the FNF types. The crossbred sector also shed 15-30 cents as did the oddment market with most types and descriptions dropping 15-20 cents.

Next week’s offering reduces slightly, currently there are 42,872 bales rostered for sale.

Source AWEX.

RIDGEHAVEN BREEDING EXCELLENCE

Ridgehaven Poll Dorsets is a family run stud at Cudal aiming to breed rams that sire profitable prime lambs. With a focus on combining visual traits, such as structure and muscle shape, and performance recording systems, Ridgehaven rams are consistent and balanced throughout the whole drop. This year’s sale offer an outstanding lineup of rams, showing early growth and maturity, depth of carcass and structural soundness. Inspection of the rams can be arranged prior to sale day on Thursday, 14th September.

COOTA PARK SALE

The Coota Park Blue-E 2017 annual on property production sale is on Tuesday, 5th September at 2pm in Woodstock, near Cowra. On offer are 50 bulls and 20 cows and calves. Coota Park Blue-E cattle are known for their hybrid vigour, efficient conversion of grass to meat, low methane and growth yield marbling efficiency. Blue-E’s are a line of Angus x Shorthorn cattle developed by Jon, Harvey and Barbara Wright of Coota Park. With Jon’s experience as cattle manager at the Trangie Research Centre, Coota Park built its own efficiency testing facility.