December 2024 new product rollout

Claas introduces additional hay tools

The popular Claas tedders and mowers introduced in Europe earlier this spring will be rolling out to North American customers in time for first cuttings in 2025. An expanded Disco mower line and three new, wider Volto tedders will provide greater hay processing capabilities for domestic producers.

Volto 1300 T/TS and Volto 1500 T/TS tedders

The latest Volto tedders, the 1300 T and TS and 1500 T and TS, will provide the greatest working widths to date. These new high-performance tedders feature a new frame and chassis concept with optimal ground-contour following and soil protection, simple operation and folding geometry, optimized rotor guidance and a completely reengineered drive. Thanks to the new frame concept, both working widths are available in the standard trailed (T) version as well as the (TS) version with innovative self-steering chassis.

Photo courtesy of Claas.

Disco mowers

Disco large-scale mowers have been making their mark in the forage harvesting sector on large farms and for contracting work for 25 years. To mark the anniversary year, CLAAS is launching four new mower-conditioner combinations in North America for 2025: the Disco 9300 C Comfort, Disco 9300 RC Comfort and Disco 9300 C AS Business. They are also releasing a Comfort version of the Disco 1100.

RCI Engineering introduces new round bale accumulators

RCI Engineering is excited to introduce the 521R and 421R bale accumulators for John Deere round balers. The 521R/421R bale accumulators provide round baler operators with the convenience of carrying multiple bales and grouping these bales right where the operator desires. Whether baling in rolling hills or in a flat valley, the 521R and 421R bale accumulators from RCI can carry two bales while baling a third bale. Drop one, two or three bales anytime, anywhere.

RCI Engineering, a John Deere allied supplier, engineered the new 521R and 421R models based on the John Deere-manufactured models, with several changes. The 521R and 421R bale accumulators are fully integrated with the John Deere round baler, providing maneuverability and clear access to the bale net wrap compartment. Easy-to-access controls within the cab and an integrated camera system provide efficiency and ease of operation. Operators have full control of all functions while maximizing their productivity with the round baler.

Built with producers in mind, rugged features have been incorporated into the new design. All sensors and hydraulics are installed on the accumulator rather than the round baler, making the system simpler and easier to install. A hydraulic bale transfer arm and heavy-duty, reinforced wheels are also standard equipment.

Photo courtesy of RCI Engineering.

Renovo Seed announces 2025 elite alfalfa lineup

Renovo Seed will offer eight elite alfalfa varieties and three of their famous AlfaGrass mixes in their 2025 product lineup. The products, which are tested in multiyear, multiharvest plots prior to release, are poised to fit the specific forage needs of farmers and ranchers.

Renovo Seed invests many years into alfalfa trials, ensuring the varieties in their lineup can be trusted for quality forage and strong persistence. The Renovo Seed alfalfa lineup offers a variety of products, including everything from a Fall Dormancy 3 option for areas with harsh winters to a nondormant alfalfa suitable for Southern climates. With forage quality top of mind, Renovo Seed alfalfa and AlfaGrass mixes take yield and persistence to the next level.

The 2025 Renovo Seed alfalfa lineup includes:

SurvivorPlus – A 3.0 fall dormancy blend with diversity to ensure a great stand in a variety of situations.
Hopper Stopper – This option is highly resistant to potato leafhopper pressure and comes in at a 3.7 fall dormancy.
SalinityMax – Built for your high-moisture acres, this product was selected from saline seeps. It is rated at a 4.0 fall dormancy.
Prime Cut – This 4.2 fall dormancy variety was selected for its lower lignin content and outstanding RFQ and digestible fiber scores.
Final Answer – A yield leader when using conventionally bred alfalfa. This 4.3 fall dormancy is an excellent choice for beef and dairy producers.
Paramount RR – If you need an alfalfa variety with Roundup Ready Technology, this 4.4 fall dormancy variety is for you.
Full Throttle – This beautiful, bushy plant is a 6.0 fall dormancy and offers a full pest resistance package.
Scorpion – Coming in at a level 9 fall dormancy, Scorpion is suitable for hot Southern climates, extremely persistent and has quick recovery.

Renovo Seed’s AlfaGrass options are:

Haymaker – This combination of alfalfa, pubescent wheatgrass, intermediate wheatgrass and meadow brome creates quality hay and consistently produces in challenging dryland conditions.
The Hamilton – Designed for high salinity areas, this seven-species combination is suitable for haying or grazing in otherwise unproductive areas.
The Stockman – The Stockman combines the highest-yielding, best-quality grasses and alfalfa for excellent longevity and a great ratio of alfalfa to grass.