Mark’s Farm Tips

SOTA Tractor's agronomist and small farms guru, Mark Crakanthorp, explains the importance of knowing your tyre configurations, to suit your farming needs. Traction is integral to safe and efficient … more

Presently, we are having one of the coolest, wettest summers I can remember. It could be a good time opportunity to consider top dressing your pastures to boost pasture growth at a time of the year … more

There are about as many types of small tractor owners as there is makes and models on the market it would seem. Some owners practically live on their little machines, while other owners dust off their … more

Mark Crakanthorp answers readers' questions. Lantana is a noxious weed currently covering more than 4 million ha of Australia's east coast. "I have Lantana on my property, how do I control it and … more

The carrying capacity of your farm is likely to change with the seasons as well as the age and condition of your stock. It is likely that a supplementary feeding regime will be required. In many parts … more

Since moving back to NSW, I've had quite a few customer enquiries about purchasing tractors and implements to undertake remedial works to what sounds like some pretty run down blocks. In these … more

After such a prolonged period of drought, many pastures have taken a real beating. Currently, conditions are ideal to renovate your pastures. Not only will you have abundant feed for your stock, but a … more

Fencing – and especially good fencing – is like a freemason’s handshake in a traditional farming community; without it, you can't join the club. Tree lined avenues and quirky mailboxes hold no stock … more

Autumn has come around again and its time to think about renovating your pastures for winter. Here’s some handy tips to set you up: Take a walk over your property and assess it for things like … more

At SOTA, we often field enquiries from folk who are only in the very early stages of investigating which tractor best suits their small acreage requirements. Here are a few things you might like to … more

Slashers, finishing mowers and flail mowers all have their particular field (pardon the pun) where they excel. However, one of the biggest factors influencing the performance of these machines under … more

With October fast approaching, it's time to think about putting down a veggie patch for those delicious summer veggies like pumpkins, squash, beans and watermelons. Small scale horticulture is the … more

As small holdings become less commercially viable, little or nothing is spent on them. As a result, weeds move in. Many of our customers are attracted to these types of blocks, although their rundown … more

Our normally peaceful and cohesive workshop resonates suddenly with some colourful language. The office staff glance at me as we roll our eyes and prepare for an onslaught from a harassed-looking head … more

Annual and biennial ryegrasses and clovers can be planted in the autumn to help bridge the winter feed gap, while most permanent species are less active. I suggest ryegrasses, because many advances in … more

A good trough is nearly as good an investment as a SOTA Kubota! And, just as you would invest time and research into getting the best tractor for your needs, your watering system is deserving of … more

For the small acreage owner who wishes to increase the carrying capacity of their acreage, subdividing paddocks and managing grazing is essential. By organizing your grazing regime and better managing … more

There comes a point where the old ride on mower reaches its limitations in terms of the workload that is expected of it in maintaining those rambling, park-like lawns. Not to mention the huge number … more

How often has a hobby farm sprung up where there was once a dairy? An old market garden? Or even an orchard – long neglected. The legacy of scattered out-buildings and established trees remind us of … more

Born into a dairy farming family, Mark Crakanthorp's expertise in pasture agronomy and animal husbandry is invaluable in assisting those who are new to farming and require expert advice. Mark has had … more