Study sets new benchmark machinery cost for zero-till

摘要

Is a no-till approach to arable cropping more profitable than other systems? 'Louise Impey looks at the second-year results from a benchmarking group.As machinery costs are the main driver of arable profit, no-till farms can afford to produce lt/ha less wheat than their more conventional counterparts.Speaking at the Groundswell event in June, accountant Gary Markham of Land Family Business pointed out that the 22% reduction in labour and machinery costs associated with no-till farming gave more leeway on wheat yields, because of the significant saving in working capital.Mr Markham's message to no-till farmers is, therefore, not to worry about losing a bit of yield, as margins don't suffer, even if output is lower.