Abma Dairies is located east of Leduc, AB in the heart of mixed farming country. The Abma’s have owned and operated Bourgault Equipment since 1987 and as Cor puts it, “It’s good equipment.”
In the spring of 1999 they decided it was time to move into direct seeding operation. They switched from an 8” cultivator and air seeder unit to a 5710 AHD with dry fertilizer MRB’s and a 5300 Air Seeder complete with VRC for on the go rate adjustment.
As is typical for this type of change, the Abmas felt the benefits of less trips over the field, less hours on the tractor, and less fuel burned were very important as man hours are limited in spring on a mixed operation.
Cor added, “It seems we have had less lodging since going to MRB’s as well. The timely application of fertilizer gives us the optimum fertilizer benefit." With the moisture conditions being so variable in central Alberta, they appreciate the versatility Mid Row Banders® gives them. Low, medium, or high disturbance seeding is easily controlled by switching knock-on openers on the shanks.
The Abma's farming operation consists mainly of canola, barley and wheat. Cor says the penetration is good, so sowing down out into dry land is no problem for their seeding unit.
The Abma’s find the versatility of the 3 compartments in their 5300 beneficial, allowing them to meter starter fertilizer in with the seed, and the nitrogen to the MRBs®. Are the Abmer’s satisfied with their switch to the Bourgault MRB® direct seeding system? Just ask them.