ag-formation

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                                  Telephone (803) 734-2210
D. LESLIE TINDAL, COMMISSIONER                                        Becky Walton, Director of Public Information
P.O. Box 11280, Columbia, South Carolina 29211                                    bwalton@scda.state.sc.us
www.scda.state.sc.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2001

SUNBELT EXPO HARVESTING AND TILLAGE: “The Largest Farm Show in the World with Field Demonstrations”

MOULTRIE, GA---QUESTION: Why is the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition distinctive around the world? ANSWER: Because everyone--from a Moultrie farmer to an agribusiness from China--is welcomed into the fields to see the harvesting and tillage of crops. At this year’s show, October 16-18, visitors can observe the following in action:

THE ULTIMATE COTTON PICKER
Case IH will showcase its CPX610 Cotton Express at the Sunbelt Expo.  This six-row harvester picks from both sides of the cotton row, dramatically increasing efficiency. It has an immense, 10,500-pound basket capacity, so the farmer spends more time on the row and less time unloading at the module or trailer.  Case IH’s cotton picker also features a quiet and comfortable operator environment--with outstanding visibility day or night--and an optional automatic lubrication system.

CUSTOM SILAGE EQUIPMENT
MOULTRIE, GA---The demand for locally grown, quality corn silage from dairymen is creating a profitable opportunity for farming rotation.  Forage must be harvested in a timely manner to assure quality, so hiring a custom harvester has become a common practice.  The dairy industry is also recognizing the efficiency of kernel processing to increase silage digestibility.  This processing--built into the new harvesting machines has been shown to improve milk production and reduce the amount of total waste.  Silage varieties have also been created to allow farmers to plant two corn crops a year, with the second crop variety able to tolerate late season disease.  John Deere will harvest this second corn crop during the Sunbelt Expo this year, and present a strong business case for farmers: Net income per acre on average yield comes to $220 ($110/acre x 2 crops = $220/acre/year net).

TURF MOWERS/HARVESTERS
A growing number of grass mowers and sod harvesters, new to the field demos, will be at the Sunbelt Expo this year.  Peerless Manufacturing Company will demonstrate a new line of equipment from Canada--including the Kesmac Gang Transportable Reel Mower and the company’s Sod Harvester 2000.  The reel mower can mow up to 160 acres a day with less horsepower (45 HP tractor).  It is available in 5, 6 and 7 bladed reels which have a new design for better clipping flow.  A fingertip hydraulic control lifts wing frames for easy transport.  The Kesmac Sod Harvester--in 16, 18, and 24 roll or slab units--has an adjustable, independent cross-conveyor to prevent the tearing of sod. An ergonomically designed operators cockpit provides safe and easy access.

At the Expo, Lely Corporation will officially launch its Splendimo Triplo 801/801C--a disc mower/mower conditioner designed to meet the demands of contractors and large farm owners.  With a 27-foot cutting width, the triple mower is capable of achieving an output of up to 30 acres per hour with minimal power requirements.  Each mower unit has its own three-dimensional parallelogram construction--which creates “pull-type” characteristics for an even, clean cut.  The quality of the crop is guaranteed even at higher speeds.  Ample overlap enables sharp turns without leaving any uncut grass between mower units.  Lely’s mower hydraulically folds vertical to give a compact transport width of 10 feet.

Make a point to attend the show and go into the fields.  View the equipment in operation and ask questions.  It’s a great opportunity that comes only once a year.

The Sunbelt Expo show hours are from 8:30 am to 5 pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 8:30 am to 4 pm on Thursday. The three-day show will be held at Spence Field; four miles southeast of US Hwy 319 on Highway 133 near Moultrie, GA. Admission is $5 per day, per person. Children under 6 are admitted free with a parent. For more information, visit www.sunbeltexpo.com or contact the Expo office at Telephone: (229) 985-1968, Fax: (229) 890-8518, E-mail: info@sunbeltexpo.com -- Address: 290-G Harper Blvd., Moultrie, GA.  31768.

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