A Game Changer for this Duncan Seeder Owner: Chris Davis Shares His Experience with RYAN NT Retrofit Discs
Farming in Busselton, Western Australia, comes with its own unique challenges, from managing light soils to minimizing soil disturbance during planting. For Chris Davis, a grazier and retrofit disc owner, tackling these challenges meant finding a reliable solution for his seeding operations. He found that solution in the RYAN NT retrofit discs for his Duncan Seeder.
In this article, Chris shares how the retrofit discs transformed his approach to planting, helped him align with regenerative farming practices, and delivered exceptional results with minimal adjustments.
The Retrofit Came About Due The Issues with their Tyne Duncan Seeder
Chris began by explaining the challenges he faced with his previous setup. “The retrofit came about because we were having trouble with the baker boots and the tyne setup,” he said. “It was just grabbing because we’re in light soil here.”
The problem was compounded by leftover trash from the previous season. “Any trash that was left would just bundle up in the middle,” Chris continued. “It was a headache to get the new seed in.”
These inefficiencies were costing valuable time during the planting season and compromising the precision of seed placement. Recognizing the need for a better approach, Chris began exploring options to upgrade his equipment.
Chris Davis with his Duncan Renovator Till-Seeder
"Since Putting These On Our Duncan Seeder, It’s Eradicated That Problem"
After installing the RYAN NT retrofit discs, the improvement was immediate. “Since putting these on, it’s eradicated that build-up of trash in the middle,” he said. “You can go a lot quicker now if your paddocks are nice and smooth—which they are here.”
Chris also highlighted the retrofit discs’ ability to adapt to Busselton’s light soils. “They don’t disturb the soil too much at all,” he noted. “They’re ideal for what we’re trying to achieve here.”
Chris Davis' Duncan Renovator Till-Seeder
Now We Have Minimal Disturbance for Regenerative Practices with our Duncan Seeder
One of the most significant benefits Chris mentioned was the discs’ minimal disturbance to the soil. This feature aligns perfectly with his farm’s focus on regenerative agriculture. “We’re trying to adopt regenerative practices here,” Chris explained. “Minimal disturbance to the ground is really important for what we’re doing.”
By preserving soil structure and reducing compaction, the retrofit discs have helped Chris integrate sustainable practices into his seeding operations. “The discs allow us to plant without turning over too much soil, which is great for maintaining the soil health we’re working toward.”
Duncan Seeder – Tyne to Disc upgrade
Simple Adjustments, Big Impact
Chris was particularly impressed by how little he had to adapt his existing equipment to use the retrofit discs. “The only changes we made were adding donuts on the hydraulic tynes and adjusting the seeding tubes,” he explained. “That’s all it took to get everything working perfectly.”
This simplicity made the transition to the retrofit discs seamless and stress-free. “It was such a simple process to retrofit them onto the Duncan Seeder. Once we got the setup right, they just worked.”
"The Sowing Depth Was The Same Height"
Another key advantage Chris highlighted was the consistency of the sowing depth. “The sowing depth is the same height, which is fantastic,” he said. “That’s really important for germination and getting an even strike.”
This consistency has been particularly beneficial for ensuring uniform growth and better results. “When you’re planting, you need that even placement and depth to get the best outcomes,” he added. “These discs delivered exactly that.”
"It’s Been a Fantastic Upgrade for our Duncan Seeder"
Chris was also pleased with how easy it was to install the retrofit discs onto his existing Duncan Seeder. “It didn’t take long at all, and they fitted perfectly,” he said. “It’s been a fantastic upgrade.”
The cost-effectiveness of the retrofit was another major advantage. “Retrofitting the discs has given us so much more out of our current equipment,” Chris noted. “It’s saved us the expense of buying a completely new machine.”
Chris believes other farmers could benefit from making a similar upgrade. “If you’ve got a Duncan Seeder and you’re dealing with trash issues or light soils, I’d highly recommend these discs. They’ve made a big difference for us.”
This consistency has been particularly beneficial for ensuring uniform growth and better results. “When you’re planting, you need that even placement and depth to get the best outcomes,” he added. “These discs delivered exactly that.”
A Word from RYAN NT
The team at RYAN NT designs products with Australian farmers in mind, offering innovative solutions that address common challenges like soil management and seeding efficiency. “Chris’s experience is exactly why we developed the retrofit discs,” a company spokesperson said. “They’re designed to help farmers work more efficiently while supporting sustainable practices.”
The RYAN NT retrofit discs are compatible with a wide range of seeders and are ideal for operations involving light soils, trash management, and regenerative farming systems.
Learn More About RYAN NT Retrofit Discs
For farmers interested in learning more about how the RYAN NT retrofit discs can improve their seeding operations, here are some helpful resources:
- Ryan NT Retrofit Double Discs for Small Farm Disc Seeder & Pasture Cropping Drills
Explore the features and benefits of the retrofit discs in detail. - Duncan Drill with Retrofit Ryan NT Discs: Testimonial – Donnybrook, WA
Learn about other farmers’ experiences with the RYAN NT retrofit discs. - Direct Drill Seeder with Retrofit Ryan NT Discs
Discover how these discs enhance the performance of direct drill seeders.
- Ryan NT Retrofit Double Discs for Small Farm Disc Seeder & Pasture Cropping Drills
Conclusion
Chris Davis’s story highlights the value of investing in equipment that meets both practical and sustainable farming needs. From eliminating trash build-up to maintaining consistent sowing depth and minimal soil disturbance, the RYAN NT retrofit discs have delivered results that meet the needs of his Busselton farm.
For farmers dealing with similar challenges, the RYAN NT retrofit discs offer a proven solution that improves efficiency and precision while supporting sustainable practices. Contact us today to learn how these discs can make a difference on your farm.
