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The Rural Voice, 1979-07, Page 12Mahon, of Hilton Farms. Ltd. and the two men have worked out a deal - Van Loon combines Hilton Farm's corn in exchange for using the manurigation equipment twice a year. Although the equipment can represent a S30,000 plus investment, since the manure can be spread earlier in the spring and in less time, the equipment can be shared by neighbouring farmers. Gary Van Loon found since he's using pig manure, he didn't have to worry about adding moisture prior to irrigation. This spring he used the equipment to cover about 25 acres on his home farm, spreading about 250,000 gallons of manure. However, with 3,400 pigs on two farms he could be spreading over a million gallons a year. Mr. Van Loon said he's well pleased with the experi ment to date. He said this spring he was spreading manure when the fields weren't fit for hauling manure and he could leave the gun going in the field while he did other work. He said farmers using manurigation should soak the pipes the first time through. Gary Van Loon spread his manure on fields where he'll be growing white beans. Although he didn't make any adjustments for this in his commercial fertilizer purchases, eventually he hopes to cut down on these purchases by using the manure. Mr. Van Loon said it only took him three days to spread the manure and about six hours labour to move the pipes, compared to 25 to 30 hours of labour which would have been required if he spread it with a tractor and tank. He said he plans to cover the same field about every two years. One difference he noticed in the manurigation method was that there was less runoff of fertilizer since it has a better chance to soak into the soil when it goes on at a slower speed. Like Doug Mahon, Mr. Van Loon feels avoiding soil compaction and getting on the land before it's ready to work are the main advantages of manurigation. The drawback is the price of the outfit which still must be purchased through companies selling water irrigation equipment. Gary Van Loon said he thinks the equipment lends itself to a joint ownership system since it offers more flexibility in timing when you can spread the manure. Also, since there isn't that much wear and tear on the equipment, he doesn't foresee that there would be much upkeep once the initial purchase is made. PICNIC Ft CAMPGROUNDS The new owners John & Judy George invite you to come & try our facilities. Excellent Picnic Area for Groups or Families Planned for 1979— •Miniature Golf *Creative Playground •Paddle Boats •Sunday Afternoon Concerts •Improved Beach Camping by the Day, Week or Year PHONE 527-0629 R.R.#4 WALTON PICNIC, Et CAMPGROUNDS Et DANCE HALL Now under new management. Your hosts John & Judy George will be pleased to continue to serve the area for * Anniversaries * Banquets * Weddings (Except Friday Nights) CATERING AVAILABLE Phone 527-0629 R.R. 4 Walton HOW IT WORKS: 20" disc. blades, mounted on individual pivots, are rotated by hydraulic motors to cut bean plants off below ground surface. Each pivot -mounted section rests on two depth wheels. Two or three windrows are produced, depending on the number of blades. The Smyth Bean Cutter can be mounted on the front or on the rear of a tractor. This compact machine is not bothered by mud or trash. Canada's first rotary bean cutter is a product of the George Smyth Welding and Machine Shop. THE FIRST NEW IDEA IN BEAN PULLING IN 70 YEARS. SMYTN Welding andMachine Shop RR 2, Auburn, Ontario (519) 529-7212 PG. 10 THE RURAL VOICE/JUNE 1979