With heavy stubble left behind by a strong previous season and a preference to avoid burning wherever possible, Piawaning grower Hugh Johnson put the trash-flow capacity of his 18-metre Morris Quantum to the test this season.
“Trash flow is the main reason I choose the Quantum, because I would prefer not to burn,” Hugh said.
Adapted from the proven Morris C2 Contour design, the Quantum’s trash-flow system combines a high clearance point on the opener, an uninterrupted tine pattern across the width of the drill, and opener shanks reclined at 12 degrees. This unique system allows taller stubble and crop residue to flow more freely around the openers and shanks, reducing bunching that can interfere with soil flow, seed coverage and germination.
Hugh farms alongside his wife, Rebecca, and parents, Graham and Sue, at their Piawaning operation. Their farming program includes 30 per cent canola, 30pc barley, 20pc wheat and 10pc lupins, with lentils and pasture making up the remaining 10pc.
His current seeding rig pairs an 18m Morris Quantum air drill with a Morris 9445 air cart.
Hugh’s history with Morri’s equipment began with a second-hand Morris Contour Drill, before he purchased a 12m Quantum in 2019.
When the farming operation expanded and greater seeding capacity was required, Hugh decided to upgrade to the 18m Quantum, making it his third Morris seeding bar.
Support from McIntosh Distribution, together with the local McIntosh & Son Moora team, gave Hugh the trust to continue with Morris when it came time to invest in the larger machine.
“The team was there to support me and help me,” Hugh said.
“Callum Simpson [McIntosh & Son northern service manager] and Neville Topham in Sales at Moora were excellent.
“I needed a bigger one, and I was happy to go with the Quantum again.”
Hugh described the season at Piawaning as quite good following an early break, while the strong 2025 season had left substantial residue across the paddocks.
“I pushed the limits of trash flow,” he said.
He said the Quantum worked effectively through heavy stubble, with the most challenging areas carrying particularly heavy grass or concentrated residue deposited during harvest.
In Hugh’s experience, the Quantum also offered improved performance through standing stubble compared with other bars.
“Their [other brands] ability to make it through standing stubble isn’t as good, so you have to burn more paddocks just to get through them,” Hugh said.
“We still have to burn sometimes, but not as much.”
After previously operating a Simplicity air cart, Hugh now has a Morris 9445 Air Cart because he preferred having a complete Morris seeding setup.
He said the air cart matched well with the Quantum, particularly through the integration of the distribution system.
The Auto-Pack system was another great feature for Hugh, which automatically adjusts packing pressure according to changing soil conditions.
The technology helps maintain consistent seed depth and seed-to-soil contact by adjusting press-wheel packing pressure, helping prevent seed from being placed too deeply in softer soils or too shallow in the toughest soil conditions.
“With this new setup, I’ve seen improved canola establishment,” Hugh said.
Growers interested in learning more about Morris can contact their local dealer
