How to Avoid Starting Agricultural Fires

Nobody who works in farming should seriously doubt the potential danger of fire.

Although most professionals working in the countryside will behave extremely responsibly in terms of reducing the fire risk, unfortunately, it is still possible to see examples of appallingly risky behaviours.

Here are a few top tips relating to things you should avoid, in order to help keep the fire risks in and around your land as low as possible.

• On grass and stubble, make sure you have mowed at least two mower widths of fire break around your buildings and your own home.


• Check all of your agricultural equipment to make sure that it is in tip-top condition. Don't have machinery leaking oil and/or fuel as it goes along. Be prepared to pay a specialist agricultural machinery provider to do your maintenance for you if you don't feel qualified to do so yourself.


• It is generally assumed that a fair proportion of countryside fires are started accidentally by people from towns who are unfamiliar with best practices and the risk in the dry season. So, keep an eye out for people that are being careless with things such as barbecues and speak to them if it seems sensible to do so. If it doesn't, contact the police.


• Be careful with glass and broken glass, getting it cleared away quickly. Depending upon the exact conditions, it can focus the sun's rays and start fires - just as you might remember experimenting with in school.


• Take particular care with supposedly cold barbecue remains. Embers can stay hot enough to start a fire for much longer than you might think. Always use water to douse any such remains before even thinking about putting them in a bin or elsewhere.


• Carry a water extinguisher or water tank with a hose with you when you are engaged in agricultural work a long way from mains points etc. In fact, this might even be a legal requirement in certain circumstances.


• Be careful with electrical connections running outdoors at or near ground level. Leaving aside any safety and related legal issues, cables can get hot and start to melt if there are wiring/load problems and that in turn can lead to fires outside. Electrical motors and machinery likewise.


• Be aware of the fire dangers arising from activities such as brazing, welding, forge work and soldering. Once again, follow legal guidelines tightly and make sure that you have things such as emergency water and fire blankets to hand, particularly if you are working outside.


• The dangers of carelessly discarded cigarettes and matches have been prominently stressed over many decades now, yet it still possible to see people being careless here. Don't be one of them!


• Make sure all of your vehicles have appropriate road surface clearance and aren't dragging things along like a damaged exhaust pipe, which is leaving a trail of sparks in its wake.

Even if not motivated by social responsibility, remember that the fines for starting fires unintentionally can go well into six figures. Things might become particularly severe if property is damaged or people injured or killed as a result.

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Why You Should Carefully Watch the Oil in Agricultural Vehicles

Much agricultural machinery is built for rugged use and is normally regarded as being pretty robust.

This leads some people in the farming industry to be a little cavalier about maintenance and particularly the oil in their vehicles and equipment. True, oil is not cheap and the obvious temptation is to ignore it if the piece of machinery concerned appears to be working fine.

That would be a big mistake though and here are just a few reasons why.

Wear Reduction

The whole purpose of using oil in a machine is to reduce friction.

That isn't just to keep the physicists happy - it has a real practical purpose because friction reduces the efficiency of operation in a machine and creates wear. In most cases, the more you reduce friction, the more efficiently your machinery will operate and the less susceptible parts of it will be to wear and tear.

Of course, some machines actually need friction in order to function but we'll park that one for another time!

If you use the correct oil and appropriate amounts of it in your agricultural machinery, including sit-on lawnmowers, its lifespan should be extended considerably.

Oil Deteriorates In Use

It still surprises some people to realise that oil acting as a lubricant in a moving machine will have a tendency to deteriorate over time.

The science behind that is too detailed to go into here but take it on trust that when the manufacturers recommend an oil change after a certain amount of use or a certain amount of elapsed time, they aren't doing so just to sell more of their product.

If you want your oil to continue to give the maximum possible protection to your machinery, you should make sure you change it regularly, as advised by the appropriate manual.

Oil Degrades Over Time

Another point to remember is that this wonderful substance deteriorates over time, even when it is not in use.

So, you may not have used that piece of agricultural machinery for a year or so but before trying to do so, it might be a smart idea to drain down and replace any old oil.

It's also equally advisable to be sceptical about any oil that's been kicking around for years in a tin at the back of a shed.

Oil Grades Matter

It's not unusual to come across people who operate on the basis of "Any old oil will do".

In fact, that approach is one that is going to potentially prove to be very expensive for you!

Most oils are usually graded based upon their viscosity at specified upper and lower temperature levels. Broadly speaking, when you start up a piece of machinery, the oil in it needs to be fluid enough at colder temperatures for it to flow and cover the components. As the machinery heats up, the oil has to be capable of staying thick enough to continue to cover the moving parts.

That's why you will often see two grades quoted on oil - based upon upper and lower temperature viscosity levels.

Take these viscosity grades seriously and always follow the manufacturer's instructions, even if it means spending a few dollars more to get the right oil.

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The Use of Agricultural Products in Business

With its varied allied sectors, agriculture is undeniably the largest source of revenue for millions across the length and breadth of India. Contributing a momentous figure to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation, sustainable agriculture that offers rural occupation and environmentally sustainable expertise, agriculture is essential for a comprehensive development of a nation. Did you know that over the years the Indian agriculture sector has witnessed a green revolution, a white revolution, a yellow revolution and a blue revolution? Here's how each era is defined:

Green Revolution: The period when agriculture in India increased its yields due to improved agronomic technology.

White Revolution: Operation Flood, the world's largest agricultural development program by Verghese Kurien

Yellow Revolution: The growth, development and adoption of new varieties of oilseeds and complementary technologies.

Blue Revolution: Management of water resources that steered humanity to achieve drinking water and crop irrigation security.

Agriculture, India's principal private-sector enterprise engages over 119 million farmers and an additional 144 million landless laborers. In India according to the saying, "Uttam kheti, Madhyam vyapar, Kanishtha naukri" agriculture is even deemed to be the most reputable industry. The above saying implies - supreme is farming, business is medium and servitude is the least desirable.

Agriculture as a business: Is it OR Is it not?

Firstly, cultivation is the only kind of business around the world which has both production and is accompanied by variable cost risks. Here are some examples why we made the above statement. A businessman who makes steel might bump into problems like worker & transporters strikes, instability in prices, variation of raw material, natural calamities etc. Yet these disturbances are incidents that happen once in a blue moon.

Conversely for a farmer, production hazards are almost an everyday occurrence. There may be no rains during the sowing season or for the duration of germination and growth periods. Furthermore pest attacks, hailstorms during crop maturity and enormously fluctuating price crashes can wreak havoc to the lives of farmers. These factors are the ones that make both production and price risks commercially unviable for farmers.

Secondly, agriculture is the lone kind of industry wherein you purchase everything retail and sell everything wholesale. If you are an e-commerce giant, you buy wholesale, but sell retail. Farmers are the only bunch who pay in retail for everything, no matter what the product is... from tractors to small machinery and seeds. But, they are obligated to trade their produce at wholesale prices.

The best way to get around this prejudice is to have farmer-producer cooperatives that will obtain all the requirements for the farmers... seeds, agricultural products, fertilizers etc from producers in bulk and make them obtainable by farmers at indiscriminate rates. However, the sad reality is that in a country like India where the middleman plays a huge role, such organizations are rare.

The time will soon come may be when our farmers will begin demanding ways to get around certain laws that given them and bring about another revolution.

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How to Fund That Zero-Turn Mower Purchase

Zero-turn lawnmowers aren't as expensive as they once were but even so, few people would describe them as 'cheap'.

Although the price differentials have eroded somewhat they're still likely to be more expensive than a roughly comparable centre-mounted mower and that means you may well have to think carefully about how to pay for one. So, if you're anything other than rich, read on!

The Basics of Economic Purchasing

Some people think that the cheapest way of buying something, including zero-turn lawnmowers, is to pay by cash if you have it available. It seems to be a no-brainer.

As a point of technicality though, they may wrong.

Let's say you have your cash currently invested and its earning you (e.g.) 2.5% net interest. If you take that out to pay for a new lawnmower, then it's no longer earning you that interest so that is a 'loss' to you even though you now have a capital asset in the form of a new mower.

The cost to you is, therefore, the purchase price of the mower plus that 2.5%

By contrast, if you were fortunate enough to get a zero-interest purchase deal from the provider or manufacturer, then you'll be far better off purchasing it on finance rather than using your own capital - assuming everything else is equal.

Your Options

So, here are some options for funding that new zero-turn lawnmower.

• Use your own capital. See the above discussion though and only consider this if firstly you're sure you won't need the capital in an emergency and secondly it would cost you less in lost interest than you'd be paying in interest through other channels.


• Dealer's or Manufacturer's Finance. This type of loan (which is what it is) may be amongst the easiest to get, assuming you have a reasonable credit history. At one time, the interest rates charged here weren't always amongst the most competitive but that's changed a lot in recent years. You might also get some extras thrown in too.


• Bank Loan. An old favourite and once upon a time both not too difficult to get and probably also one of the cheaper options in terms of interest rates charged. This has a changed a bit since the financial crises of 2008 onwards and today it's more dangerous to generalise. Today, many banks are MUCH tougher on acceptance criteria and their interest rates can't be assumed to be the cheapest around. They can also be sluggish in terms of decision-making.


• Credit Cards. Not that many people might have sufficient credit to fund a major purchase of this magnitude. If you do, make sure you understand the credit cost implications. Credit cards are typically one of the more expensive ways of borrowing money.


• Private Finance Companies. These aren't the 'loan sharks' they once were and many are reputable and regulated concerns. They are though, also often expensive in terms of their interest charges and watch out for punitive charges if you fall in arrears even by a day or so and only once.

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Importance of Quality Irrigation Services

There are many reasons why a business may require pump and irrigation services. For those who are living anywhere on this globe, water pumps are best supplied and installed by experts who know what they are doing. The mistake a lot of people make is to get these services from companies who do not have a great track record. Now you may save a little money by going with those unreliable companies, but you are going to get a product that will not last you for more than one or two years.

In contrast, the water tanks for wold wide businesses and residences that are installed by experts can last for many years to come - and the required repairs during that time are absolutely minimal. So what type of products and services are offered in relation to irrigation services? Whether you need water solutions for your agricultural, commercial or mining operation, you can contact an irrigation service provider. In addition, you can get a full slate of pumps, fittings and pipes as and when they are needed. It is also possible to get installations completed, along with on-site assessments. And if any repairs are required, you can get those done too, because the last thing you want is one of the important components of a water irrigation system working incorrectly.

The types of individuals and organizations that receive services from irrigation water equipment providers include agricultural companies who require sustainable solutions related to pipes, pumps, tanks, fittings and valves. In addition, commercial outfits that need turf irrigation components for school grounds or sports fields also receive services on a regular basis. Sports clubs, schools, local governments and water transport contractors are also regular customers. And some residential customers are also common, especially if they have property where a water irrigation system is necessary for the maintenance of their landscaping.

Aside from receiving complete installation services and small repairs, you can also get pump testing bays, machine equipment, pipe threading and pipe welding machines. Every item or spare part provided to customers should be extremely high quality, because customers need the best quality water irrigation equipment. Even though low quality products are cheaper, which would provide the customer with short-term savings, those products do not last very long. A cheap spare part may cost less right now, but it will need replacing in less than 12 months. In contrast, a high quality spare part remains in position for many years without any issues.

It is also possible to receive mobile services related to water irrigation systems, where someone can arrive at your site to complete installations, emergency repairs, general maintenance and site surveys. In some cases, you can get an expert to come to your location to assess the type of irrigation equipment and services you will require. This is especially helpful for customers who may not have a great understanding of irrigation and water pump systems. So they can get an assessment completed before water tanks and water pumps are installed.

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The Steps Involved in Cashew Processing

Cashew nut trees, though originally native to Brazil, have spread all over the tropical world and today, the major producers of cashew include Nigeria, India, Vietnam and the Ivory Coast. The key differentiator about the cashew nut is the fact that the nut appears outside the fruit. The cashew fruit is also called as cashew apple and the nut appears outside the fruit. The cashew nut is the seed and this is surrounded by a double shell. In order to finally reach the seed, which is the cashew nut, these shells have to be removed and this involves systematic processing.

• Cleaning

Initially, the raw nuts are cleaned and dirt, sand, stones and any other particles and foreign matter are removed.

• Drying

After cleaning, the nuts are dried in the open sun, in order to eliminate the moisture. In order to ensure that the nuts are dried on both the sides, they have to be rolled over on a regular basis. The drying process happens under the sun, usually in an open yard.

• Roasting

The outer shell of the cashew is extremely hard and needs to be softened. This is done by means of the roasting process. Here, the cashews are roasted in a cooker, which is supplied with steam from a boiler. The roasting time depends on the nature of the cashew and is judged based on experience.

• Cutting

Once the outer shell is softened, it is cut. The cutting process can be manual as well as automatic. In the case of automatic operation, there are special machines which do the task. But the blade setting is highly critical, to ensure that inner kernel is not affected. The manual method involves the use of either hand or leg operated machines. There is a greater control in this process and a higher percentage of kernels come out undamaged. However, great care needs to be taken, since the shell contains an allergic resin. This can be dangerous, if not properly handled.

• Drying in a hot chamber

Even though the outer shell of the cashew has been cut, there is an adhering seed coat or testa. This has to be removed. Since this seed coat is closely held on to the seed, the only way to remove this will be by drying in a hot chamber. Usually, the cashews are held in trays and hot air from a blower is passed over them. The temperature maintained is usually about 75 to 80 degrees Celsius. Once the testa is softened, further processing is easy.

• Peeling

In this stage, the testa is peeled. Although in the past, the manual method of peeling was used, this has now been mechanized. The most commonly used method is to blow the testa away by means of high pressure air. This will ensure testa removal without any damage to the kernels. Other methods employed include freezing, suction, passing the kernels via rubber rollers, etc.

• Grading and Packing

Finally, the kernels are graded. The broken pieces are separately sorted and the whole kernels also sorted based on their shape, colour and other parameters. Packing of different grades is done in a hygienic environment and the cashews are ready to hit the market for consumption.

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How to Protect Your Livestock

Even 'seasoned veteran' farmers are sometimes shocked at the scale of livestock theft they suddenly encounter.

One recent theft involved over 700 sheep from a farm, though incredibly the culprits were tracked down and arrested. Much of the flock was returned to the rightful owner.

However, much theft of this nature is never resolved and the losses and stresses can be huge for the farmer concerned. So, here are a few tips about how you can help reduce your risks.

• Where livestock is inside, make sure your premises are protected with locks and alarms. CCTV and PIR sensors are now very affordable and should also be considered.


• There are various forms of animal tagging and identification systems - the specifics may vary depending upon which country and/or state you're in. Make sure you use them and also consider other non-removable ways of marking your animals to make them easily identifiable. That in itself won't stop the theft physically but it might deter some thieves who want 'quick disposal' afterwards and a limited chance of identification of the animals concerned.


• When livestock is outside, don't make it easy for thieves by leaving things that could be used to help the loading of animals (e.g. loading ramps or some forms of agricultural machinery ) near your perimeters at night. Keep that sort of equipment somewhere central under lock-and-key instead.


• If the animals concerned are particularly valuable, prime breeding stock might be an example, then you might wish to consider hidden trackers. These can be almost undetectable and if acted upon promptly by the authorities, the result can be the fast arrest of the thieves.


• Work with your neighbours and other farmers in the area to form mutual support groups. Take notes of vehicles and registrations that appear to be strange to the area and 'hanging around' for no obvious reason. Contact the police sooner rather than later. They'll go and check things out and if all is legitimate then fine. If not, it's a theft prevented. In passing, most police services would far rather prevent crime than detect it after the event, so they won't worry about the time invested in this sort of prevention.


• If you don't already, keep a dog on your property. OK, it's perhaps not a viable deterrent for your fields a long way away from your home base but it will be a powerful deterrent to thieves looking to pick up some of your animals that are being held locally. Most livestock thieves REALLY detest dogs.


• Don't travel around your land to a set routine. Surprisingly, many thefts happen not in the dead of night but during broad daylight. If you have a certain routine which means you're never in XYZ location until late in the evening, then thieves can get to know that and consider the rest of the day to be safe from your arrival. So, deliberately vary your schedule as much as possible.

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