Case Study
Twin-drill system supports flexible establishment at Suffolk farm
Farm Profile
Customer:
EJ Barker & Sons
Location:
Westhorpe, Suffolk
About:
580 ha (1,450 ac) of a variety of combinable crops
The Challenge
Investing in long-term soil health and flexibility
Balancing soil improvement, reduced establishment costs, and versatility across soil types, Suffolk farmer Brian Barker and his cousin Patrick made the bold decision to invest in two drills.
“The idea of running two drills may surprise some people,” Brian admits. “But the flexibility it gives us – to tailor our approach to each field, season, and crop – made it a smart investment.”
From inversion tillage to targeted establishment
Historically, the Barkers used a mix of non-inversion tillage for first wheats and ploughing for second wheats. However, they wanted a more sustainable and cost-efficient solution.
“We didn’t feel moving completely to direct drilling overnight was realistic for all our soils or cropping,” says Brian. “A twin-drill system allows us to adapt more gradually.”
Choosing the right tools: Sumo DTS and DD
After evaluating a range of strip-till drills, the Sumo DTS stood out for its:
- Individual coulter units with constant pressure
- Accurate seed depth control
- Low-disturbance narrow tines
- Ease of calibration and checking
“It’s a machine that looks like it was designed by someone who’s actually done the job of drilling,” Brian notes.
For full no-till establishment, the Sumo DD offered the same benefits – minimal disturbance, narrow openers, and hydraulically adjustable downforce, allowing consistent penetration in variable conditions.
Our Solution
From inversion tillage to targeted establishment
The Barkers invested in a 5 m Sumo DTS and a 4 m Sumo DD, sourced through local dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen. The DTS is operated using a 320 hp Challenger 765C, while the DD runs behind either a 260 hp Fendt 826 or a 160 hp Fendt 516.
“With cultivation passes removed from the process, our figures showed that a two-drill fleet could be run for less than the cost of one high-end unit from another brand,” says Brian.
This setup gives them the flexibility to match drilling method to soil type, moisture, preceding crop, and current crop.
Machine Specifications
While still early in the transition, benefits are already emerging:
Results
“The DTS has been great for establishing autumn crops and will also be used for spring beans,” says Brian. “The DD is ideal for spring wheat, barley and linseed going into cover crops.”
Though some challenges like slugs may increase, overall input costs are expected to fall as the soil improves.
Why Sumo?
Interested in Achieving Results Like These?
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Product Guide
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