Lawrence Papworth
Many factors influence field efficiency: heat of the day, tire pressure, type of fuel, idling the tractor, tire size, ballast, and a host of other possibilities. To discuss these many influences that impact field efficiency, the MonDak Ag Days committee has invited Lawrence Papworth, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Ag Tech Center, to speak at Ag Days. Papworth will discuss field efficiency with an emphasis on tractors at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 13 at the Richland County Fair Event Center.
“The tractor is the heart of field work so the highlight of my presentation will be how to set up a tractor properly,” says Papworth. “This includes ballasting, tires and inflation pressure. I will also demonstrate a calculator we developed which will assist producers in setting up their tractors.”
He adds, “Proper tire pressure can save producers both money and time. Radial tires are becoming very common on tractors and the biggest mistake producers make is putting too much pressure in their radial tires.”
Papworth points out that new tractors tend to be more efficient but that the increase in efficiency has been small through the years. There are also differences in fuel efficiencies among tractor manufacturers, and Papworth will discuss this as well.
He will also discuss seeding and tillage and little tricks that can increase fuel efficiency. “The general rule is don’t till the soil unless there is a need,” he remarks. “Some seeders that place nitrogen fertilizer at a shallow depth require less power to pull, resulting in less fuel consumption.”
Papworth has plenty of experience in his field. He attended the University of Alberta where he earned a BS degree in mechanical engineering. He has worked for the Alberta Farm Machinery Research Center and the Agricultural Technical Center for the past 23 years with the goal of finding ways for producers to save energy in their operations.
Papworth will present an interesting talk that has the potential to save producers time and money.
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