BKT meets Stefan Ranch

Indian tyre manufacturer BKT recently met with Stefan Ranch, a Swedish farmer and owner of the company Ranch of Sweden AB. As someone that uses BKT tyres every day, Ranch talked about contemporary agriculture themes, and BKT listened to his opinions and suggestions.

Ranch lives in Tystberg, not far from the town of Nyköping in the south of Sweden. There, together with his wife, he manages a modern agricultural company, which stretches over an area of 700 hectares. Not only does he cultivate mostly cereals, but his company is also the only farm in Sweden to produce Camelina seeds and oils.

Camelina Sativa is an oilseed plant, whose seeds are used to obtain a precious oil full of polyunsaturated omega-3-6-9 fatty acids, and vitamin E. This plant is interesting because its cultivation has a low environmental impact: it requires little energy and no irrigation; it is strong; resistant to diseases, pests and insects; it does not require crop protection products. If planted at high density, the plant prevents the growth of weeds without the need for herbicides.

“The production of Camelina oil was an idea of my wife. She has many years’ experience in food sales and has always been interested in so-called functional foods,” stated Ranch. “She manages Ranch AB, which sells and markets our cold-pressed Camelina oil and our dry-toasted Camelina seeds. I immediately welcomed her idea because I am in favor of organic agriculture. But that’s not all: this product is healthy and allows us to reduce our environmental impact. We have also been able to differentiate ourselves on the market!”

However, in order to produce Camelina, Ranch had to reduce the compaction of his soil.

He added: “I have always been passionate about tyres, rims, and pressure. I am aware of the difference they make, but I think that most farmers don’t pay enough attention to soil-compaction. We must be more sensitive and protect our soil. I have been cooperating for 20 years with the University of Uppsala in Sweden testing tyre pressures and their impact on the soil. I’d say I’m a tyre nerd as tyres have always been my thing.”

Gripen Wheels, the Swedish distributor of BKT products, has listened to Ranch’s needs, providing him with the best possible solution.

Ranch has an isodiametric John Deere 9570 R tractor equipped with eight twinned BKT Agrimax Force tyres, all of the same size. The Agrimax Force is the most popular BKT product designed for high-power tractors over 250 HP. Thanks to the IF technology, Agrimax Force operates at a lower inflation pressure compared to a standard tyre – at the same load. Moreover, it enables the machinery to benefit from a larger contact patch, extraordinary flotation capabilities as well as a uniform weight distribution at low pressures.

“Soil protection is like reputation: it takes years to build and protect it, and just a few seconds to destroy it,” said Ranch. “Agrimax Force is perfect in this sense. I chose it on Gripen Wheels’ advice because I had to fit my new tractor that was heavier than the previous one. I wanted to work at low pressures, at 0.5 bar for tyre so that they could withstand a much heavier tractor using the biggest available size: 900/60 R 42. I am really satisfied; these tyres are comfortable to drive. I’d say a smooth ride both on the road and in the field.”

It is important to note how agriculture has its own pace in Scandinavia, due to the particular climate. Summer is quite short, and farmers must be ready to do their job in a few days, both day and night. Therefore, they need this heavy equipment that is able to withstand such stress.

For more information on BKT Tyres contact Irish distributor Agrigear on 042 9666 444.