[October 2021]
^ David Hesford, his newphew Daniel Hesford and his son Alec Hesford with Seed Terminator #400
Just twelve months on from their 200th milestone, the South Australian based
company Seed Terminator is celebrating their 400th machine, and they’re not
stopping there with number 430 rolling out of the factory late last week.
Local farmer David Hesford invested in the technology for his family operation near Northam, purchasing the 400th unit through CLAAS Harvest Centre Northam branch. He shared he has always been keen on a Seed Terminator but didn't have the header to do the job until this harvest when they made a big leap upgrading their combine and investing in a Terminator all in one go.
He had been following the introduction of mill technology since the original hydraulic version and was watching the development of the technology to the proven platform it is today.
When asked why he chose a Seed Terminator over other options on the market, David said he “likes to buy Australian owned wherever possible” and shared that in combination with the quality of the product, long lasting mill components and ease of use, it was an easy decision.
He shares other farmers' concerns about weed control in the future, with concerns that there may be bans on burning and restrictions on chemical applications, “it's just another tool in the kit, we really need to get on top of weeds now. This is the time.”
Cameron Page, Sales Manager at CLAAS Harvest Centre Katanning shares “the uptake of the Seed Terminators on both 700 & 1000 Series CLAAS LEXION Combines in the Great Southern region is increasing each year. The units perform in the field and our customers have been reaping the benefits.” He feels the businesses are well aligned with customer satisfaction and safety front of mind.
Attached to the back of the combine harvester, the Seed Terminator mechanically pulverises the chaff and weed fraction, and kills 99 per cent of weed seeds.
Recent benchmark studies completed in 2021 confirm the highest kill at 99% on Australian Ryegrass, backing up previous independent weed kill testing results. This is backed by a paddock proven platform, with over 900 harvests under their belt spanning three continents.
The design is a mechanical system that uses the harvester’s drive to transfer power to two multi stage hammer mills. These grind, shear and pulverise the chaff once it has been separated out from the grain – ensuring even the toughest weed seeds won’t be back.
“Mechanical seed control is not a silver bullet but an incredibly useful tool on the tool belt in preventing or dealing with herbicide-resistant weeds by reducing the weed seed bank,” said Ned Jeffery, commercial manager for Seed Terminator.
“It’s about reducing the weed seed count carry over into the next season and increasing the lifespan of the chemicals,” he said.
Amidst assembling and shipping the Seed Terminator team paused late last week to celebrate dual milestones with September bringing the company's 5th birthday.
The new Seed Terminator Lonsdale Factory ensures uninterrupted supply of the proven platform offering quality, availability and prompt shipment of spare parts. CEO Paul Sandercock shares “sourcing Seed Terminator components is done up to 12 months in advance, we’re in a fortunate position to be uninterrupted by the covid pandemic interruption to supply. The consolidated distribution and integration of operations into a new facility at Lonsdale SA, with the capability of distributing up to 600 machines per annum is very exciting.”
The unit can be fitted to select CLAAS and Massey Ferguson models, New Holland CR models, all flagship Case IH models and all John Deere S series machines. Seed Terminator has John Deere and Case IH units available now, with shipments going out across Australia daily right through harvest.
The team at Seed Terminator know they are celebrating this success because of the partnerships they’ve developed in South Australia, Australia and overseas and wish to extend a big thanks to all those involved.
^ Rodney "Rocket" Russell and Cameron "Cam" Roberts from CLAAS Harvest Centre Northam fitted up the 400th Machine alongside Brett Asphar of Seed Terminator.