One of the case studies will be on Wimmera grain grower Geoff Rethus who has built a Controlled Traffic seeding system which uses a 24.38m wide NDF bar, John Deere cart and Harvest International double discs.

The seeding bar and cart is hauled by a Case IH Quadtrac and also includes a PJ Green small seeds system which is used to broadcast material such as mouse bait. The cart is also on tracks and there is a set of tracks at the front of the NDF bar in an effort to maintain controlled traffic on 3m centres and reduce soil compaction.

Geoff, who farms with his sons Luke and Tim, said this autumn had been one of the best starts to a cropping season in recent memory.

“It’s ideal conditions for sowing but we have a few challenges including a potential mouse problem,” Geoff said.

The Research Report will also cover all aspects of air seeder carts, including bin design, augers, calibration, metering systems, lighting and variable rate application capabilities.

Particular attention will be paid to safety and ease of use as many manufacturers have made recent design changes to areas such as walk ways, platforms, hand rails and access.

Gason, for example, has included gas struts with a locking mechanism for its bin lids. This helps reduce the risk of entrapment, for example by the lid being blown shut by the wind while someone is inside the bin.