Self-made tools: combine press and bale wrapper

Farm: “Jean-Luc Gaultier””
Location: Indre, France


Case study

Self-made tools: combine press and bale wrapper (.pdf)

 

Categories: ,

Description

Background

The farmer is alone on the farm, he had to find a solution to make his wrapping work quick and cheap. Indeed, in the absence of his innovation, the breeder could either buy a second-hand combined press and wrapping machine that costs between 20,000 and 60,000 € or he continues with both machines but it means two field trips and therefore double working time. He thus combines economic gain and time saving.

Detailed description

M. Gaultier rotates on these plots and on the whole of his Main Forage Area he uses 96.25 in both mowing and grazing. For the feeding of his cattle he makes both wrapped and dry hay.

It presses and wraps in a single tractor for 15 years. For this, he wears a press (New Holland Rollbelt 150) on the tractor and a wrapper (Mc Hale HS2000 Bale Wrapper). This technique, much less expensive than the purchase of a combined press / wrapper, is however not very widespread in our campaigns.

Results

This innovation allows the farmer to do his wrapping at the right time, quickly and in good conditions.

He thus gains in working time, he realizes an economic gain compared to the purchase of a combined machine.

Moreover it allows him to make early mowing and thus maximize the nutritional value of his forage and the growth of his meadows.

Adoption criteria

This innovation can work on all plots that can be mechanized and do not have a steep slope so that the ball remains in the axis of the envelope. It takes the habit and the hand of the practice but it is easy and accessible to all.

The farmer does not understand why there are so few farmers using this technique.

The saving in comparison with the purchase of a combined machine remains significant in the current context of the farm economy.

Future prospects

The breeder wishes to continue working in this way and does not wish to change his practice, that brings together all the advantages.

No threats or obstacles to this innovation for the breeder. The lack of knowledge of the technical possibility of other farmers may be or the desire to always have the latest equipment.

Farm description

  • 1 annual work unit
  • Beef breeding
  • 109 LU with 60 cows, Limousine breed
  • 80ha all forage crops: 12ha of permanent grassland and 68 ha of temporary grassland
  • Soil type: loamy-sand and clay
  • Production: 14 month-old slaughter, 400 kg of weight, average ranking U +

Climate

Temperate oceanic climate with, in recent years, many summer droughts.

 

Additional information

Farming system

conventional farming

Domains of innovation

machinery, tools

Main types of animal

beef cattle

Country

France

Product type

Case study

Language

English

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