Farmer and hay contractor Scott Douglas will rely on the versatility and reliability of his New Holland T7 tractors and 1290 Big Balers ahead of a ‘quick, short’ hay season.
A farmer and hay contractor of 35 years is predicting a short hay baling season with lower yields following dry conditions in the NSW western Riverina and northern Victorian Murray River regions.
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Scott Douglas, of D&S Contracting, has 970 hectares at Barham and 120ha under irrigation at Leitchville, where he grows lucerne and hay and runs beef cows.
His contracting business has been producing bales for the region’s dairy and beef farmers for almost four decades.
“We produce a lot of round bales for dairy farmers because they often lack on-farm storage for square bales,” Mr Douglas said.
“In contrast, we do more square bales for beef farmers across the river, and they are also more efficient for freight.
“We also know that if the weather looks uncertain, we produce more round bales because they can tolerate slightly higher moisture levels.
“This makes them easier to manage compared to square bales, which need stricter moisture control due to fire risks in storage.”
During his time farming in the region, Scott has owned roughly 24 balers.
Ahead of this baling season he took delivery of two New Holland T7 tractors and two 1290 Big Balers, adding to a New Holland Pro-Belt Baler he bought last season.
All of his new machines were supplied by Rural Group Echuca, part of the AEH Group, which also has branches in Shepparton and Cobram.
Mr Douglas emphasised the need for versatile and reliable machinery to succeed in an industry with so many seasonal variables.
“New Holland balers are a reliable piece of kit, have low maintenance costs, and retain their value should I want to sell them down the track.
“The 1290 balers are a long-term investment in the future of our contracting business.”
Mr Douglas said he really liked the technology in New Holland balers, especially the automatic start-stop feature of the Pro-Belt Baler.
“It ensures consistent bale quality, as it wraps each bale precisely without operator intervention, preventing any overruns.
“The tube wrap turned out perfectly uniform, making all the bales look like a roll of lifesavers. Overall, the system works wonderfully.”
He said the winning combination had been the pairing of his new New Holland square balers and Pro-Belt Baler with his New Holland T7 tractors.
“The T7s from New Holland have been a great addition to the fleet. They’re versatile and ‘all-rounders’. “They’re big enough to get the job done, but still light and manoeuvrable for the smaller jobs.
“I’ve tried all the colours under the sun but have consistently returned to New Holland for their service, support, and price point.”
