FARM EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY

1. The combine harvester, or simply combine, is a machine that combines the tasks of
harvesting, threshing, and cleaning grain crops. The objective is the harvest of the crop; corn
(maize), soybeans, flax (linseed), oats, wheat, or rye among others). The waste straw left behind
on the field is the remaining dried stems and leaves of the crop with limited nutrients which is
either chopped and spread on the field or baled for feed and bedding for livestock. The first
combine was invented by Hiran Moore in 1838. It took many decades for the combine to become
popular. Early combines often took more than 16 horses to drive them, and were later combines
were pulled by steam engines. George Stockton Berry joined the combine into a single machine
using straw to heat the boiler. The header was over forty feet long, cutting over one hundred
acres per day.

2. A four-wheel tractor is an engineering vehicle specifically designed to deliver a high

tractive effort (or torque) at slow speeds, for the purposes of hauling a trailer or machinery used
in agriculture or construction. Most commonly, the term is used to describe a farm vehicle that
provides the power and traction to mechanize agricultural tasks, especially (and originally)
tillage, but nowadays a great variety of tasks. Agricultural implements may be towed behind or
mounted on the tractor, and the tractor may also provide a source of power if the implement is
mechanised.The word tractor was taken from Latin, being the agent noun of trahere "to pull".
The first recorded use of the word meaning "an engine or vehicle for pulling wagons or ploughs"
occurred in 1901, displacing the earlier term "traction engine" (1859).

3. Potato harvesters are machines that harvest potatoes. They work by lifting the
potatoes from the bed using a share. Soil and crop are transferred onto a series of webs where the
loose soil is sieved out. The potatoes are moved towards the back of the harvester on to a
separation unit and then (on manned machines) to a picking table where a people pick out by
hand the stones, clod, haulm and reject clod. The potatoes then go on to a side elevator and into a
trailer or a potato box.

4. Two-wheel tractor or walking tractor are generic terms understood in the USA and
in parts of Europe to represent a single-axle tractor, which is a tractor with one axle, selfpowered and self-propelled, which can pull and power various farm implements such as a trailer,
cultivator or harrow, a plough, or various seeders and harvesters. The operator usually walks
behind it or rides the implement being towed. Similar terms are mistakenly applied to the
household rotary tiller or power tiller; although these may be wheeled and/or self-propelled, they

are not tailored for towing implements. A two-wheeled tractor specializes in pulling any of
numerous types of implements, whereas rotary tillers specialize in soil tillage with their
dedicated digging tools. This article concerns two-wheeled tractors as distinguished from such
tillers.

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5. A transplanter is an agricultural machine used for transplanting seedlings to the field.
This is very important as it reduces the time taken to transplant seedlings (when compared to
manual transplanting), thus allowing more time for harvesting. It also reduces the use of manual
energy.

6. A cultivator is any of several types of farm implement used for secondary tillage. One
sense of the name refers to frames with teeth (also called shanks) that pierce the soil as they are
dragged through it linearly. Another sense refers to machines that use rotary motion of disks or
teeth to accomplish a similar result. The rotary tiller is a principal example. Cultivators stir and
pulverize the soil, either before planting (to aerate the soil and prepare a smooth, loose seedbed)
or after the crop has begun growing (to kill weeds-controlled disturbance of the topsoil close to

the crop plants kills the surrounding weeds by uprooting them, burying their leaves to disrupt
their photosynthesis, or a combination of both). Unlike a harrow, which disturbs the entire
surface of the soil, cultivators are designed to disturb the soil in careful patterns, sparing the crop
plants but disrupting the weeds. Cultivators are usually either self-propelled or drawn as an
attachment behind either a two-wheel tractor or four-wheel tractor. For two-wheel tractors they
are usually rigidly fixed and powered via couplings to the tractors' transmission.

7. A manure spreader or muck spreader or honey wagon is an agricultural machine

used to distribute manure over a field as a fertilizer. Manure spreaders began as ground-driven
units which could be pulled by a horse or team of horses. Many of these ground-driven spreaders
are still produced today, mostly in the form of small units that can be pulled behind a larger
garden tractor or an all terrain vehicle (ATV). In recent years hydraulic and PTO driven units
have been developed to offer variable application rates. Several models are also designed with
removable rotating mechanisms (beaters), attachable side extensions, and tailgates for hauling
chopped forages, cereal grains, and other cropsA typical (modern) manure spreader consists of a
trailer towed behind a tractor with a rotating mechanism driven by the tractor's power take off
(PTO). Truck mounted manure spreaders are also common in North America.

8. The chisel plough is a common tool to get deep tillage (prepared land) with limited soil
disruption. The main function of this plough is to loosen and aerate the soils while leaving crop
residue at the top of the soil. This plough can be used to reduce the effects of compaction and to
help break up plough pan and hardpan. Unlike many other ploughs the chisel will not invert or
turn the soil. This characteristic has made it a useful addition to no-till and low-till farming
practices that attempt to maximise the erosion-prevention benefits of keeping organic matter and
farming residues present on the soil surface through the year. Because of these attributes, the use
of a chisel plough is considered by someone to be more sustainable than other types of plough,
such as the mouldboard plough. The chisel plough is typically set to run up to a depth of eight to
twelve inches (200 to 300 mm).

9. The portable sawmills can cut lumber with speed and accuracy, though the subsequent
steps of planning and drying must still be performed to produce finished lumber. Commodity
lumber in standard sizes can be made this way. The more common use, however, is in the
production of specialty timber products not readily available through lumber yards. The most
common ways they are used to generate an income are - sawing lumber for customers as a
mobile service, cutting and selling lumber locally, and cutting lumber that is directly used to
create a final product.[6] Portable mills are particularly effective for truing up logs for use in log
building, replacing the traditional use of a drawknife, which is inordinately time-consuming.
They are also used for low-volume production of specialty hardwoods used in furniture, and can
be used to produce the large timbers used in post-and-beam framing techniques.

10. A seed drill is a sowing device that precisely positions seeds in the soil and then
covers them. The seed drill sows the seeds at equal distances and proper depth. This ensures that
the seeds also get covered with soil. This saves them from being eaten by birds. Before the
introduction of the seed drill, the common practice was to plant seeds by hand. Besides being
wasteful, planting was very imprecise and led to a poor distribution of seeds, leading to low
productivity. Jethro Tull is widely thought of as having invented the seed drill, though earlier the
Sumerians used a single-tube seed drill, and the Chinese had also used a multi-tube seed drill. [1]
The use of a seed drill can improve the ratio of crop yield (seeds harvested per seed planted) by
as much as nine times. In short seed drill can be described as a modern agricultural implement
used for sowing seeds.

POSTPRODUCTION FACILITIES
Fruit and Vegetable Drying Machine
Specifically designed for small and medium-sized companies, it can get high quality
products thanks to an all-natural technological process at the forefront and it is designed to dry
herbs, vegetables, fruit, pasta, without sacrificing fragrance, color, aroma. In this plant the air
that is dehumidified, preheated and sanitized in order to perform a "delicate" drying process at
low temperature (up to maximum 35 C).
The plant is able to perform also the function of refrigerating room (lowest temperature
+2C) with the advantage of having two machines in one: refrigerating room and drying room.
The entire production process is standardized to guarantee a product that has always a high
quality index, on which it obviously does not affect neither the temperature nor the humidity
into which is placed the dryer.

Rice Milling Machine

The operation of removing the hard, rough, and brittle husk which encloses the rice grain,
and the cuticle immediately investing the kernel. This is accomplished primitively by pounding
and winnowing or in improved practice by passing the rough rice between millstones and the
separated grain through a special machine called a huller. The grain thus treated is said to be
cleaned.

Batch Type Grain Dryer

Batch drying is a system at which a certain volume of grain is being dried at a time. The
volume is fixed by the holding capacity of a dryer, and dried to required moisture. After
unloading the dried grain from the dryer, then drying for the next batch of grain can be
performed. Batch drying, therefore, requires loading and unloading time for each batch of grain
needed to be dried.

Packaging Machine

a device designed for the assembly of unit loads from individual items. Usually a part of
automated assembly lines, packaging machines are the final step in the manufacturing process
and the first step in the transportation process. They may be automatic or semiautomatic and can
handle materials packaged in rigid, semirigid, or soft containers and materials not packaged in
containers, such as metal castings, sheet metal, rolled metal sections, and lumber. The machines
can be set up to handle items of a given standard size or items within the same range of standard
sizes, with the necessary adjustments being made either manually or automatically. They can be
used to make up unit loads on auxiliary devices, such as pallets or skids. There are machines that
only assemble loads, and there are machines that both assemble and break up loads.

Food Processing Machine

Food processing is the transformation of raw ingredients, by physical or chemical means
into food, or of food into other forms. Food processing combines raw food ingredients to
produce marketable food products that can be easily prepared and served by the consumer. Food
processing typically involves activities such as mincing and macerating, liquefaction,
emulsification, and cooking (such as boiling, broiling, frying, or grilling); pickling,
pasteurization, and many other kinds of preservation; and canning or other packaging. (Primaryprocessing such as dicing or slicing, freezing or drying when leading to secondary products are
also included.)

STORAGE FACILITIES

Storage means the phase of the post-harvest system during which the products are kept in
such a way as to guarantee food security other than during periods of agricultural production.
The main objectives of storage can be summed up as follows:

at the food level, to permit deferred use (on an annual and multi-annual basis) of the
agricultural products harvested;
at the agricultural level, to ensure availability of seeds for the crop cycles to come;
at the agro-industrial level, to guarantee regular and continuous supplies of raw materials
for processing industries;
at the marketing level, to balance the supply and demand of agricultural products, thereby
stabilizing market prices.

In order to attain these general objectives, it is obviously necessary to adopt measures

aimed at preserving the quality and quantity of the stored products over time.

Grain storage

Grain storage facilities are places for bulk storage of grains intended for consumption as
food or fuel sources, such as corn, wheat, rice, rye, oats, and various raw seeds. This does not
include warehouse spaces for storage of packaged seeds or finished grain products. It also does
not include seed storage facilities where plant seeds are stored for future cultivation.

Cold Storage
Availability of proper cold storages are important for preserving perishable commodities
like milk, meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits, ornamental flowers and other floricultural goods. These
cold storages give perishable food items a longer shelf life by preventing them from rotting due
to humidity, high temperature and micro-organisms. This results in a decrease in loss due to
spoilage. Different products are stored at different temperatures. Flowers will remain fresh even
in a moderately cool chiller whereas a product like meat needs to be deep frozen to prevent it
from turning rancid. The government trains managers and operators of cold storages to store
products at the optimum temperature, maintain machinery, hygiene and administration.
The Directorate of Marketing and Inspection of the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation provides consultancy and technical services to prospective entrepreneurs for the
construction, maintenance and operation of cold storages. Other activities that the Directorate of
Marketing and Inspection is involved in are preparation of a master plan for cold storage
requirements at micro/macro levels, conducting seminars, problem oriented studies and
coordinating research in cold storage.

Silage Storage
Chopped or forage-harvested silage is handled and stored in bulk. It can be harvested
using forage wagons, flail, single and double chop, and precision (metered) chop forage
harvesters. Buns are silage units formed above the ground, with no structural support. Sometimes
referred to as stacks or bun stacks. Bunkers refer to above ground storages with structured walls.
Pits refer to storages in the ground or built into the sides of hills.

FINANCIAL AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ASPECTS

The Financial Aspects of a Business
Owning or running a business is an appealing option for entrepreneur-minded
individuals. The attraction of increased flexibility and control must be countered with a
realistic appreciation of the financial aspects and responsibilities that come with running a
business. Proper planning is paramount at all stages, as is persistence and knowing the
available resources for both guidance and funding.

 Market Analysis
In order for a business to succeed, there has to be a market for its products
or services. To determine if that market exists, get expert help to conduct a market
analysis. This identifies your customers, and describes their purchasing needs and
habits. The information can help you see if you are likely to make money or lose
money before you get started if your business is a start-up company. It will also
assist you if you are contemplating introducing a new product or service.
Start-up Funds
If you are just starting your business, you need to determine a realistic and
accurate amount of money needed to start it. This includes all equipment
appropriate to your business, such as computers, office furniture, manufacturing
equipment and communications equipment. If you need to hire a few employees,
include that in your start-up costs, as well as basic operating costs. Make sure the
funds are sufficient to last you until you have enough projected revenue coming in
to cover your expenses.
Allocation of Funds
Your plan needs to detail how much each aspect of the business is going to
cost. For example, separate out totals for annual salaries, rent, utilities, insurance
and benefits, taxes and so on. Divide these into fixed costs and variable costs so
you have an eye toward those costs that might change or be influenced by outside
factors, such as economic or political changes.
Financial Statements
Once your business is operating, you need financial statements. This
requires accounting and financial expertise. If you dont have it, seek the advice
of an expert, such as a chief financial officer or certified public accountant.
Included are a balance sheet, which is a short-term snapshot of financial health;
income statement, detailing the profit or loss over a period of time such as a fiscal
quarter or year; and a cash flow projection, which balances costs to sales to gauge
future profit margins. Financial statements are important as your own checks and
balances and also if you seek outside funding, such as a bank or government loan.
Financing Sources
Funding a business at start-up or growth must come from somewhere. If
you are not funding it yourself, or if it is not coming from company sales for laterstage growth, for example, chances are you will need to seek outside financing.
Outside options include venture capital funds, state and federal programs such as
grants and loans, or a private investor. It is important to understand the
requirements for each, as well as having a payment plan outlined that is backed up
by your financial statements.

Entrepreneurial aspects
They were funded early on
Entrepreneurs like to feel self-made, straight out of their own pockets, but
rarely do they get far on their own dime. Everyone from the creators of Amazon
to the brains behind Seamless had an ample source of seed funding to turn their
dreams into real services. Most deserved it too, or we would not have many of the
services we love today. But just so you know, initial funding and some wisdom to
manage it can make all the difference.

They dont know code

Entrepreneurs like to feel tech-savvy and have us think they wrote the
code behind their masterpiece. But many of them hire teams of underpaid coders
to make things click. Oftentimes, the person you see featured in BusinessWeek is
the business man, not the tech guru. So if you dont have all the computer
prowess but still have the ideas, theres plenty of hope for you.
They werent profitable for a long time
Entrepreneurs lose money, sometimes a lot. But its their ups-willoutweigh-the-downs gambling mentality that helps them pull through. Take
Xbox, widely regarded as the best gaming console today, which lost Microsoft
over $100 per sale back in 2001 when it came out. A few years later it was the
most-sold video gaming console. The point is, no one starts out in the green.
Entrepreneurs often whether large storms in fees and sunk costs before seeing a
pretty bottom line.
The idea was not unique
Entrepreneurs take ideas to the next level but where the idea originated is
almost always unclear. Of course, from the public standpoint, it helps to pin a face
to an idea regardless of the initial he said/she said. Take Facebook, the classic
example portrayed in the Social Network. Zuckerberg simply had the coding
genius to do what a few others wanted to do, and that alone makes him the Godly.
If you guys were the inventors of Facebook, youd have invented Facebook,
Zuck famously remarked to a panel of lawyers. Just keep in mind if youve got

the next million dollar idea it may already be in development, but its always a
good idea to keep quiet about it and push on anyway.
The numbers were fudged along the way
Entrepreneurs fudge numbers and this helps big time. No one notices some
guy who sold a website for $200, but for $20,000? Thats serious business. Its
numbers like these that get people reading and more importantly from the
entrepreneurs perspective, reinvesting time and money. So be forewarned, if
someone can lie about a number to their benefit, they usually will. As Amy J.
Cuddy discovered, it helps to fake it before you make it and this is easily done
in the books.
The lifestyle is not posh
Entrepreneurs are really good at toughing it out. Everything from living in
a garage like Steve Jobs did to eating packs of Ramen and living off 3 hours of
sleep is common before the idea takes off. So despite the pictures of awesome
homes and lavish weddings, know that if you want to get there, youll have to
wade through cups of old coffee and suffer many an all-nighter first.
Their community was not big
Entrepreneurs like to feel social proof. They have a massive band of
followers and that convinces you and a lot of others to hop on board too. But,
really? Its pretty easy to fudge numbers online (like profits) so next time you see
a ridiculous follower count, maybe you should say hmmm. And if your
community is small, dont worry! With the power of social networks, sometimes
all we need are a few diehard supporters to launch successfully into full-blown
entrepreneurship.
Theyre not good at speaking
Entrepreneurs are good at communicating. Ha! I almost couldnt get that
sentence out. Truth is, the techie geniuses who makes things we adore are often
either too lazy or unable to explain how things actually work. And when your
most lucrative customer base is made up of total beginners, this becomes a
problem. So two points: dont assume because someone made it they can explain
it, and if youre someone with both skill sets (social communication and tech)
then pat yourself on the back. Youre better off than you think.

 Theyre not self made

Entrepreneurs like to think they paved the path to success, but usually they
just drafted their way to major popularity. Not that there is anything wrong with
that, but know that very few go all the way without some help from others who
blazed the trail first. If you think blogging and site building are your tickets to
fame, you may want to learn how bloggers network with bloggers to go from zero
to viral. Make sure to leave John Morrow a comment or two.
They didnt instantly go viral
Entrepreneurs love buzz words and any phrase with viral in it certainly
speaks good things. But going viral wasnt a reality for most of them. A classic
example is Pinterest, whose growth relied heavily on marketing, not organic
shares, despite the aura of instant growth they managed to convey. Dont kid
yourself marketing is real and quite effective.
They failed, a lot
Entrepreneurs are great at failing and getting back up almost before the
fail happened. The products you admire and use, like Google, took years of
refining before they actually came to exist in all their glory. Dont believe it?
They sacrificed heavily
Entrepreneurs know it only gets more competitive at the top. In order to
get to the forefront of the publics attention, where the real business takes place,
sacrifices are made. Diggs founder, Kevin Rose, gave up his life savings and
even his girlfriend when he gambled on a new way to aggregate content. But it
paid off in millions (and for millions of people). You can bet many of the other
big household names performed similarly crazy stunts to get their products off the
ground.