Dean Taylor: Dungbeetle does job

Ben Noetzli with the Dungbeetle, his answer to the chain harrow.

Dean Taylor revisits the innovation centre at National Fieldays

Hastings grape grower and drystock farmer Ben Noetzli says engineering and problem solving has followed him throughout his agricultural career, but this was the first time he has ever been in the Fieldays Innovation Centre.

Mr Noetzli was promoting the Dungbeetle -- his answer to the chain harrow.

He says his observations of a chain harrow were that they simply rubbed over the surface of the field.

"I wanted something that would really deal to the dung and improve the quantity and quality of pasture and increase pasture utilisation by cattle," he says.

His answer -- the aptly named Dungbeetle.

Mr Noetzli says his design is effective, using a three-stage process to lift, break up and evenly distribute dung.

When in operation, the first fixed scraper lifts dung and other objects, carries them forward and the natural shaking action of the Dungbeetle starts the breaking up process.

The second spring-loaded scraper further spreads the dung.

A row of tines completes the three processes, breaking the dung into ever smaller pieces and spreading it evenly.

Because many cattle won't eat pasture that grows through and around dung left on the ground, using the Dungbeetle means more pasture is used for the production of milk, meat or wool.

To find out more about the Dungbeetle, contact Mr Noetzli at 027 430 8640.