Fenix Drill

We are a 300 acre mixed farm with the predominant focus on our Red Devon pedigree breeding herd in a paddock grazing system. Over the last few years we have been developing a more sustainable farming system employing regenerative principles hoping to rebuild soil health and increase the biology. Prior to us owning the Fenix drill, we were spraying off, discing twice and a contractor would reseed our pastures. This drill gives us more flexibility by not having to rely on contractors for drilling but also gives us the ability to stitch grass and herbal mixes into our grass sward with no prior work needed. No contractor charges and low running costs of the machine make establishment of the leys very economical.

As with most farming practices, soil management and timing are crucial. With the very dry summer we experienced this year, we are trying to retain as much moisture as possible in the ground to give the best chance for the leys to perform. Without disturbing the soil, the Fenix is able to precisely place a variety of small seeds at low seed rates. 

The aim for the next year is to become nitrogen free on grazing ground which we have been working towards for the last 2 years we have owned the drill. It is a very much one piece of a larger puzzle in our regenerative approach. The Fenix is incredibly easy to calibrate and operate. The GPS forward speed sensor prevents the need for a land wheel giving more accuracy over uneven ground, the weight of the drill is also directly over the coulters giving high penetration needed for dry conditions as seen in 2022. I am chuffed to bits with my purchase and would highly recommend the product and the company. They are very personable to deal with and their ability to embrace regenerative farming practices is very encouraging.

We were looking for a drill that could drill both grass and corn and found the Weaving Fenix looked the best for doing both. Since receiving the drill in May, I’ve drilled 350 acres on many different ground types and cannot fault its performance. We wanted to find something to upgrade or grass pastures at a low cost, low input, the Fenix is perfect for this as a one pass machine. 

We have stitched in clover into grass leys, drilled cover crops directly into stubble and also new grass lays straight into sprayed off old grass lays. The calibration system is perfectly quick easy as well as very accurate and efficient. And the built-in GPS metering unit means no metering wheel to worry about on the back, perfect for drilling in the tight corners of a field. 

We also went for the hydraulic fan, we have found that a huge saving on fuel - you can quite happily drill at 1300 rpm so it means less fuels consumption and less strain on the tractor. The height is easy to Adjust and the Güttler-type roller on the back does a good job for closing the slot. 

Really impressed with this machine and have had great results whilst out contracting with it.