Baker No-Tillage Launched In Europe

Baker No-Tillage Launched In Europe

June 14, 2012

The crusade to encourage more farmers to adopt no-tillage techniques on their properties is being taken to Europe.

Baker No-Tillage, a Manawatu based developer and manufacturer of a revolutionary new drill, is holding an international conference and field days in Germany and France next week (June 18 to 25) to encourage more European farmers to adopt no-tillage methods.

Nearly 50 owners of Baker No-Tillage drills from nine different countries are attending including 19 from New Zealand.

Baker No-Tillage drills penetrate through crop residue or vegetation on top of the ground and sow seed and fertiliser in different bands at the same time. This process causes minimal disturbance to the soil, traps the humidity, preserves the micro-organisms and soil life and prevents carbon in the soil from escaping into the atmosphere.

No-tillage is the equivalent of keyhole surgery as opposed to conventional ploughing which is invasive surgery. The result is increased yields and the near elimination of crop failure and soil erosion to achieve an end result of sustainable food production which can feed millions of families.

The conference will end with a keynote address from founder, scientist and entrepreneur, Dr John Baker, who was nominated for the World Food Prize this year and whose nomination carries over to 2013.

A significant guest speaker is Dr Theodor Friedrich from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation who is calling for a fundamental change in farming production to meet the challenges of feeding the world. FAO recognises Baker No-Tillage technology as the best in the world.

General Manager of Baker No-Tillage, Bill Ritchie, says the conference provides the opportunity for crop owners from around the world to observe and interact with farmers using the same technology in Europe.

“Even although they face vastly different soils and climatic conditions the same technology applies,” Bill says.

“Our technology is going to happen. What we’re doing is showcasing our no-tillage drills in Europe.”

Bill Ritchie intends the conference and field days to make clients, observers and interested parties better informed about the no-tillage system and create a forum for them to share their experience and knowledge.

“No-tillage is the only way of providing enough food for the planet,” he says.

ENDS

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