Fieldays 2025: A Snapshot of New Zealand’s Premier Agricultural Event
TECHNOLOGY
Record cotton crop in WA’s far north benefits from attributes of high-performing Case IH planter
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From the Editor: Balanced progress for land and trade
Dairy sector 2025 People Expo: ‘focus on what you can control’ - economist
Nick Fisher appointed as the new chair of Meet the Need
Pöttinger celebrates 50 years of arable farming
Sir William Gallagher’s vision and legacy honoured with National Fieldays Life Membership
Building a sustainable future, the next step in farm plastic recycling
Gallagher takes full control of its European markets with acquisition of Gallagher Europe B.V.
IH partners with Meet the Need to support Aotearoa
study tour opens new doors for Harri Moss
Farming can help nature thrive and vice versa
Freeing the great outdoors from health and safety scope creep
Reducing the weed seed burden at harvest
Innovation through tradition: Amazone-Werke honoured again
Record cotton crop in WA’s far north benefits from attributes of high-performing Case IH planter
Ptx Trimble’s Nav-960 sets new standard for precision farming
Knowledge is (also) power
Mitas enhances HC2000 tyre range with advanced PFO technology
Grounded in growth: the Molloy agriculture story
Rooted in the land, driven by purpose
Across the Ditch: Derrick and Kerry Barnes - taking the heat out of volatile crops
40 Special feature: Fieldays 2025: A snapshot of New Zealand’s premier agricultural event 52 A review of tractors 90hp+ EQUIPMENT
64 Canterbury farmer reclaims farm life with spreader upgrade
SaMASZ has spoken: NZ in top 5
Award-winning precision:
Fendt 620 Vario takes top honours
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Balanced progress for land and trade
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Todd McClay has confirmed that long-anticipated restrictions on full farm-to-forest conversions for LUC 1–6 land will take effect from 4 December this year.
The introduction of enabling legislation this quarter signals a commitment to protecting our most productive farmland and safeguarding the future of food and fibre in New Zealand.
Many in the sector have voiced concern about the loss of prime sheep and beef country to carbon farming. The government’s announcement sends a clear message that while forestry remains a valuable part of our land use mix, it cannot come at the cost of core agricultural production. A cap on LUC 6 conversions, a moratorium on LUC 1–5 land entering the ETS for full forest conversion and a limit of 25 per cent forest planting on productive farms are pragmatic steps in the right direction.
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The inclusion of transitional measures for genuine afforestation investments already underway and exemptions for specific categories of Māori-owned land, reflect a balanced approach - one that acknowledges existing commitments while still setting a firm policy direction. After a period of uncertainty, rural communities should now have a measure of clarity and reassurance.
Minister McClay’s calendar has also been busy abroad and the results are beginning to show. The New Zealand–European Union Free Trade Agreement is already delivering significant gains. In just a year, our exports to the EU surged by 28 per cent - proof that well-negotiated trade deals can unlock real value for our primary producers. The jump in sheepmeat and kiwifruit exports and the doubling of machinery exports signal that New Zealand’s rural economy is ready to step up to global demand when given fair access.
The UK trade relationship is also gaining momentum. Just two years after the NZ–UK FTA came into force, we’ve seen a 21 per cent boost in exports. Dairy exports alone have jumped 139 per cent, fruit and nuts are up more than 50 per cent and even travel and tech-related services are
© RURAL CONTRACTOR AND LARGE SCALE FARMER - No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily that of the publisher and suggest independent advice be sought before acting on information or suggestions contained herein.
Angus Kebbell, editor.
growing. It’s good news and it couldn’t come at a better time.
In this issue, we showcase the 90hp+ tractor feature alongside our National Fieldays preview - an event that remains a cornerstone of the rural calendar and a celebration of all that is innovative, practical and forward-thinking in our industry.
Add to that a solid mix of news, opinion and insight across technology, contracting, agribusiness and you’ve got plenty to chew over as the winter season sets in.
As always, we aim to inform, provoke thought and, above all, reflect the reality of life on the land for our contractors and farmers.
Enjoy the read.
Contributions - Editorial and photographic contributions are welcomed and should be sent directly to AgriMedia Ltd. Editing of submissions is at the sole discretion of the editor and will accept no responsibility for unsolicited material.
Dairy sector 2025 People Expo: ‘focus on what you can control’ - Economist
New Zealand farmers are facing an increasingly unpredictable global environment, but economist Shamubeel Eaqub delivered a clear message at Waikato’s 2025 People Expo, hosted in April by DairyNZ and the Dairy Women’s Network: focus on what you can control.
“The world is changing rapidly and nothing can be taken for granted,” said Shamubeel, who delivered a thought-provoking keynote on the economic and political shifts shaping the future of dairy farming. “We’re moving into a new state of the world, one that is less predictable, more volatile, and fraught with challenges like rising protectionism, economic slowdowns, and geopolitical tensions. But history shows us that this isn’t unusual, it’s just different from what we’ve experienced over the last two decades.”
Despite global uncertainty, Shamubeel pointed to positive signs in New Zealand’s economic landscape. Interest rates are stabilising, and the current high milk payout is providing a cushion against challenges like drought. However, he urged farmers to be prepared for cost shocks and to strengthen their financial resilience by focusing on productivity in new ways.
“Productivity is not about how much milk we produce, it’s about how much money we make and what we can pay our people,”
Shamubeel explained. “Farmers are businesspeople first. Profitability and wages are the true measures of success.”
A shifting global landscape
Eaqub highlighted the rise of protectionism, drawing comparisons to the 1930s when tariffs disrupted global trade. He noted that future government policies, both in New Zealand and internationally, are likely to be erratic, with political cycles becoming shorter and more polarised. “We’ll see more one-term governments undoing each other’s work, making long-term planning harder for businesses,” he warned.
Climate policy shifts, trade disruptions and evolving social expectations also pose challenges for the dairy sector. “We used to take things like open trade and economic growth for granted. That’s no longer the case,” Shamubeel said. “Our supply chains will become less reliable, and we’ll need to work harder to maintain our social licence.”
Strengthening dairy’s future
While dairy remains a pillar of the New Zealand economy, consumer habits are shifting. In 2007, 90% of households bought milk weekly; today that number has dropped
to 50%. Additionally, 40% of New Zealanders due to affordability concerns, are not buying fresh food weekly and a quarter of the population sometimes skips meals due to cost.
“If we want to keep our social licence, we need to stay connected to consumers,” Shamubeel cautioned. “Dairy still has a strong public perception; around 65% of Kiwis hold a positive view but that could change if we don’t engage with the reality of rising food insecurity.”
On the farm, retention of skilled workers is becoming increasingly critical. With New Zealand’s core working-age population shrinking and net migration slowing, Shamubeel stressed the importance of investing in people. “Retention is where you get the biggest gains. The more people you can keep the stronger your business will be,” he said.
He encouraged farmers to focus on leadership and workplace culture, as well as ongoing training. “Technical skills are important, but future success will depend on communication, teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking. If we know these skills will be vital in ten years, why not prioritise them now?”
Reasons for optimism
Despite the challenges ahead, Shamubeel remains hopeful about New Zealand’s agricultural future. “We are more diversified than ever before. We have land, water and a climate well-suited to farming. We remain a successful farming nation and we will for a long time to come.”
Encouragingly, signs of economic recovery are emerging. Business investment is starting to pick up, lending conditions are improving and consumer confidence is slowly returning. “Hope is coming back,” Shamubeel said. “We’re going to have a good couple of years.”
However, he urged farmers to take a proactive approach: “Prepare for volatility, focus on your business fundamentals, invest in your people and adapt to the changing world. The more resilient and forwardthinking we are, the better positioned we’ll be for the future.”
Economist Shamubeel Eaqub urged farmers at the 2025 People Expo to focus on productivity, resilience and people, despite global uncertainty.
With volatility the new normal, Shamubeel encouraged dairy farmers to control what they can—investing in leadership, workplace culture and long-term adaptability.
Nick Fisher appointed as the new chair of Meet the Need
Meet the Need, New Zealand’s farmerled food charity, has announced the appointment of Nick Fisher as its new Chair.
With a strong background in the meat industry and rural media, Nick brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to tackling food insecurity across the country.
Nick takes over from Julia Jones, a founding board member of Meet the Need who has proudly served as Chair for the past four years and who is stepping into a new role as General Manager of Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT).
“ Outgoing Chair Julia Jones is proud to see a strong succession within the board, ensuring continued leadership and momentum for the charity.” Originally from Dunedin, Nick’s family founded Fishers Meats in 1915, giving him a lifelong connection to the agricultural sector. Nick transitioned into radio advertising in 2008, eventually becoming Head of Rural at MediaWorks, where he built strong industry relationships.
He joined the Meet the Need Board in April 2023.
“One of the reasons I joined Meet the Need is that I understood at a deeply personal level
that you never know when you’re going to need support,” says Nick.
“When our family business closed, I went from being a managing director of a large family business to having no job or income. You just don’t know what’s around the corner. Meet the Need gives us the ability to help those who need it most at an incredibly difficult and stressful time,” says Nick.
Nick sees public awareness as a key opportunity for Meet the Need.
“Not everyone knows who we are yet, despite the great work we do,” he explains.
“My goal is to use my network to help grow awareness of what we do and how we do it.”
He acknowledges the tireless work of Meet the Need’s co-founders, and outgoing Chair, Julia Jones, who has devoted four years to building Meet the Need into what it is today.
“Julia was an effective Chair who brought incredible energy and drive for outcomes to her role – we will miss her greatly,” says Nick.
“It’s an honour to take on this role and carry the charity into its next exciting phase. Our current Board Greg McSkimming, Cheyenne Wilson, Nicki Mackay, Shaheen Junge and Jo Hay – bring together a diverse set of skills and high capability, united by our vision that no one should go hungry or
New Chair Nick Fisher brings industry insight and personal experience to Meet the Need, aiming to grow awareness and ensure no Kiwi goes hungry.
malnourished in New Zealand.”
Nick urges farmers and supporters to remember that food insecurity isn’t always visible. “You don’t know who needs a little extra help putting dinner on the table,” he says. “It could be your neighbour, someone at your school, or a member of your community who needs access to nutritious food. The ability to provide quality protein to those in need is absolutely vital.
“Our responsibility is to ensure our longevity. I’d love for Meet the Need to still be here in 100 years, thriving and making an impact.”
Pöttinger celebrates 50 years of arable farming
Half a century of expertise in tillage and seed drill technology.
Pöttinger Landtechnik GmbH entered the arable farming technology market in 1975 following the acquisition of the Bayerische Pflugfabrik (“Bavarian plough factory”) in Landsberg Germany. Fifty years and countless innovations later, the family-owned business based in Grieskirchen, upper Austria, continues to deliver impressive results in grassland digital agriculture, tillage and seed drill technologies. Gregor Dietachmayr, speaker of the executive board, emphasises the strategic importance of the arable segment: “This dynamic market offers numerous opportunities and possibilities, which naturally we are making full use of. We are working intensively on the continuous development of our arable farming technologies for the success of our customers, and for the long-term success of the company.”
Founded in 1891, the Bayerische Pflugfabrik was one of the oldest manufacturers of soil preparation implements in Germany. With the 1975 acquisition, the Austrian manufacturer gained 85 years of experience along with valuable expertise in developing high-quality machinery for arable operations. Over the following decades the company introduced several notable innovations, including the
Servo generation of ploughs (1988), the rugged Lion power harrows (1991) and the Synkro linkage-mounted stubble cultivator.
In 2001, the business took over the Rabe seed drill plant in Bernburg Saxony-Anhalt, marking its entry into seed drill technology. This expansion brought mechanical, pneumatic and mulch seed drills into the product portfolio. More innovations followed, such as the Terradisc compact disc harrow (2003) and the next generation of Terrasem mulch seed drills (2004), both of which helped set new standards in tillage and sowing. In 2005 the three-row Synkro stubble cultivator was introduced, suitable for both shallow and deep tillage. The Vitaseem mechanical seed drill range was updated in 2011 with improved metering and placement for precision sowing. The Terrasem drill was upgraded in 2012 to support direct fertilisation and in 2013, the new generation of Aerosem pneumatic seed drills was named ‘Machine of the Year.’ The Terria stubble cultivator followed in 2020 and in 2021, crop care equipment such as rotary hoes row crop cultivators and tine harrows
Pöttinger marks 50 years in arable farming innovation, celebrating a legacy of ploughs, precision drills and smart soil technology since 1975.
were added to the range.
In 2022, the manufacturer acquired MaterMacc based in San Vito al Tagliamento in northern Italy. Known for its expertise in precision planting, mechanical and pneumatic seed drills, crop care machines and OEM components the Italian firm proved a perfect fit in terms of products, people and passion for agriculture. That same year the Amico flexible front hopper was added to the lineup. In 2024, the Plano became the first shallow cultivator in the company’s range. The anniversary year 2025 will be marked by a series of events, retrospectives and special offers on arable equipment, crop care machines, grassland tools and digital farming technologies. A dedicated anniversary website at www.poettinger.at/ go/50years-arablefarming will offer insights, stories and a look to the future.
Sir William Gallagher’s vision and legacy honoured with National Fieldays Life Membership
Sir William Gallagher has been awarded a National Fieldays Life Membership in recognition of his decades-long contribution to the event and New Zealand’s agri-tech industry.
He has been a part of Fieldays since its inception, playing a pivotal role in its foundation alongside other influential farmers in New Zealand.
Gallagher’s presence at the very first Fieldays in Te Rapa in 1969 was a milestone moment, as the company was already emerging as a leader in farm technology and export markets. Sir William, alongside his brother John, had been exhibiting at agricultural field days in Australia before 1968 and was an early advocate for establishing a national event in New Zealand.
A champion of agricultural innovation, Sir William has been instrumental in Gallagher’s success at Fieldays, using the event as a platform to introduce worldfirst products, engage with farmers and showcase the company’s latest technological advancements.
“Fieldays has been an important part of Gallagher’s journey,” says Sir William. “It has always been a place for us to connect with farmers, showcase new developments, and contribute to the growth of our farming sector. Receiving this recognition from the Fieldays Society is truly an honour.
“Our long-standing partnership with Fieldays goes beyond exhibiting,” says Sir William. “It’s a place and a community of people dedicated to fostering new ideas, supporting the primary sector and shaping
Sir William Gallagher has been honoured with a National Fieldays Life Membership, recognising his visionary leadership and unwavering support since the event’s founding in 1969.
the future of farming in New Zealand. It is something truly special.”
Over the years, Gallagher has launched numerous breakthrough products at Fieldays, won multiple innovation awards and used the event to gain valuable farmer feedback to make sure that new solutions met farmers’ needs.
“Having the support of an innovative company like Gallagher from the very beginning played a key role in laying a strong foundation for Fieldays,” says National Fieldays Society Chair Jenni Vernon.
“Sir William has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership - bringing together talented teams and maintaining a clear focus on progress within the industry. Even during challenging times, Gallagher remained
committed to investing in new technologies, fostering a steady stream of fresh ideas. This life membership is a modest but heartfelt tribute to Sir William’s profound impact in helping shape Fieldays into the world-class event it is today.”
Fieldays Head of Customer & Strategic Engagement, Taryn Storey, says Sir William’s leadership has reinforced Fieldays’ reputation as a global hub for agri-tech.
“Through Gallagher, Sir William has helped position Fieldays as a premier stage for showcasing world-leading innovation,” says Taryn. “His ongoing support has helped attract international interest, turning Fieldays into a truly global agricultural event. We are hugely grateful for his incredible vision and support.”
Gallagher has supported and exhibited at Fieldays every year since its launchnever missing an event. The company is a staple presence, not just due to its large site but also through its iconic orange stock sticks, sold to support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
For two decades, Gallagher ran the legendary fence-building competitions at Fieldays, which became known as the ‘Olympics of Fencing’. The tradition remains a strong part of the event today, reflecting the values of practical skill, forward thinking and community that Fieldays embodies.
“I am incredibly proud of and grateful for this recognition and what it represents,” says Sir William. “The Gallagher team is always looking for new ways to innovate, adopt the latest technology and we will continue to work alongside Fieldays to set up Gallagher’s future at the event and support the future of farming.”
A pioneer of agri-tech innovation, Sir William Gallagher celebrates decades of partnership with Fieldays, where Gallagher products have become a mainstay of Kiwi farming progress.
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Building a sustainable future, the next step in farm plastic recycling
New Zealand’s agricultural sector is on the cusp of a significant shift in its approach to plastic waste management. The government has just closed public consultation on the proposed regulation of Agrecovery’s Farm Plastics Product Stewardship Scheme, a move that signals a step towards a nationwide, coordinated recycling system for farm plastics. This long-awaited development aims to streamline existing efforts and ensure that farmers and growers have access to a consistent and effective way to manage plastic waste on their properties.
Tony Wilson, Chief Executive of Agrecovery, sees this as a crucial milestone. “This is a positive and long-awaited step forward for the sector. New Zealand farmers and growers want recycling systems that are easy to use and fit for purpose. Regulation will give Agrecovery the tools to scale up services, expand access to recycling, and deliver a more consistent nationwide system for managing the
complexity of plastic use in farming today.”
The scheme’s first phase focuses on four key farm plastics: agrichemical containers and drums, bale wrap and silage sheet, small seed, feed, and fertiliser bags, and large grain and fertiliser bags. Over time, it is expected to expand to include additional materials such as netting, irrigation pipe and plant pots, ensuring a more comprehensive
Agrecovery Chief Executive Tony Wilson says New Zealand farmers and growers want recycling systems that are easy to use and fit for purpose.
solution for on-farm plastic waste. While Agrecovery has already been running voluntary recycling programmes for many of
these materials, regulation will provide the necessary framework to enhance and extend these services.
Farmers have long struggled with the challenge of plastic waste disposal, often resorting to burning or burying materials that have no viable recycling pathway. Anders Crofoot, Agrecovery Board Chair and a farmer himself, acknowledges the need for a more accessible system. “It’s great to see us moving closer to a regulated scheme that’s simple, free, and accessible for farmers to use. We know the demand is there—this is about making sure every farmer has access to a service that makes doing the right thing the easy thing.”
The government’s commitment to improving farm plastic waste management is evident in the backing of Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, who underscores the benefits of a streamlined approach. “The proposal—an industry-led initiative—would bring the existing Agrecovery and Plasback programmes into a single national recycling system, making services simpler and more accessible for all users of regulated farm plastics.”
Public consultation will shape the final regulations and ensure they meet the needs of those directly affected. The scheme, provisionally named Green-farms, is designed to work not only for farmers and growers but also for industries such as forestry, manufacturing, hospitality and tourism. Local authorities and households are also expected to benefit, as the initiative includes take-back services for pest and weed control product containers.
Simmonds emphasises the importance of collective responsibility. “Plastic products are vital to New Zealand’s world-leading agri-economy, but rural communities know that waste like agrichemical containers and bale wrap can quickly pile up. These regulations will provide a unified system where producers, sellers, and users take responsibility for the entire product lifecycle, from design to disposal.”
The government aims to ensure that the scheme reflects the needs of those who will be using it while reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability.
A significant boost to the initiative came with the accreditation of Agrecovery’s Greenfarms Product Stewardship Scheme (GPSS) under the Waste Minimisation Act (2008). This recognition reinforces the programme’s credibility and signals a broader industry commitment to sustainability.
“This is a landmark achievement not only for Agrecovery but for the entire New Zealand primary industry. Our accredited GPSS underscores our dedication to stewardship and sustainable practices, driven by the demands and cooperation of New Zealand’s farmers and growers. We’re looking forward to expanding our schemes and fostering innovation and collaboration to ensure a sustainable future for all,” says Tony.
With new regulations on the horizon, the agricultural sector is moving towards a unified, accessible recycling system that supports both environmental goals and on-farm efficiency.
The scheme will operate on a voluntary basis until regulations mandate participation. Under the proposed framework, those selling targeted farm plastics would contribute levies to fund a free nationwide collection network, ensuring that all farmers and growers can access recycling services without financial barriers.
Industry leaders have welcomed the accreditation, recognising its potential to drive sustainable farming practices. Nadine Tunley, CEO of Horticulture New Zealand, says Tony. “The GPSS is a game-changer for our industry and will enable growers to recycle a more diverse range of plastic packaging. It is an example of the necessity of operational coordination and cost-sharing to manage the collection and treatment of farm plastics to improve the sustainability of our sector.”
Dr David Burger, DairyNZ’s General Manager of Farm Solutions and Policy, underscores the value of a structured recycling system. “New Zealand dairy farmers are committed to reducing their environmental footprint, including minimising plastic waste. The GPSS offers a solution to enable our farmers to progress further along this journey.”
Agrecovery’s vision extends beyond the initial scope of the scheme. Plans are already
in place to expand its reach over the next two to seven years, bringing more farm plastics into the recycling framework. This phased approach is designed to address the evolving needs of the agricultural sector and respond to feedback from farmers and growers.
Tony reinforces the long-term ambition of the programme. “The GPSS is a purposedriven solution to elevate New Zealand as a world leader in sustainable agricultural practices and represents a significant step forward towards a circular future led by innovation and purpose.”
Farmers and growers across New Zealand now have the opportunity to shape the future of farm plastic waste management. With a regulated scheme on the horizon, the industry has a chance to move beyond ad-hoc solutions and towards a system that works for everyone. As Anders puts it, “This is about making sure every farmer has access to a service that makes doing the right thing the easy thing.”
The next step is clear: farmers, industry stakeholders and rural communities need to engage in the consultation process to ensure the final framework meets their needs. With regulation on the way, the opportunity to build a future-focused, nationwide recycling system is within reach.
Gallagher takes full control of its European markets with acquisition of Gallagher Europe B.V.
Gallagher Group is accelerating its commercial expansion across the European region with its acquisition of the Dijkstra family’s shareholding of Gallagher Europe, an agritech business headquartered in Groningen, Netherlands.
For nearly 50 years, the Dijkstra family has led Gallagher Europe, helping grow the brand into a trusted name across the continent. The agreement for Gallagher to acquire the Dijkstras’ shareholding was completed on 31 March 2025, welcoming the team of around 130 people into the global Gallagher Group.
Gallagher Europe has offices in the Netherlands, UK and Switzerland, with in-market teams based in France, Belgium, Austria, Germany, Italy, Denmark and Sweden. The team has strong distribution partnerships in Ireland, Spain, Iceland and Hungary and sells its solutions in every country in Europe.
The Dijkstra family says, “We are grateful for everything we have achieved together. We look back on a remarkable journey, with a dedicated team, loyal partners and a shared mission to make the agricultural sector safer and more future-proofed. With confidence, we pass the baton to the Gallagher Group. Together we have built the European market over many years, and we
are certain that they – along with the current team – will continue the culture, ambition, core values and vision.”
Gallagher’s Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Kahl Betham, based in New Zealand, says the Gallagher Group is proud to continue the legacy. “Over several generations, the Dijkstra family has built a strong business. We are committed to honouring that legacy and building on it to unlock even greater potential for the Gallagher Europe team, our customers and the wider farming and agriculture community.
“Owning our market distribution is a key part of our strategy, demonstrated through the acquisitions of Gallagher North America and the Australian Animal Management business in 2009 and 2011,” Kahl says.
Gallagher Animal Management Chief Executive Lisbeth Jacobs adds, “We have established many strong partnerships and made substantial investments in recent years to expand our portfolio of higher tech solutions and increase our geographic footprint. I’m looking forward to working with our European team to understand the nuances of their business and unique needs of their market.
“We believe this acquisition will allow us to grow our European business substantially, both in our core products and our portfolio of high-tech connected solutions, including eShepherd. The European market is one
Gallagher’s Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Kahl Betham.
where we see significant evolution and opportunity for growth, particularly as it undergoes changes driven by evolving regulations and shifting customer needs.” Customers are increasingly seeking intelligent, digital solutions to streamline their operations. The Gallagher ecosystem addresses these evolving needs through groundbreaking innovations in virtual fencing, liquid monitoring and remote paddock weighing systems. These solutions tackle the most pressing challenges customers face today. They strengthen their financial performance, deliver meaningful benefits to their quality of life and protect the natural environments they manage.
“This acquisition represents a pivotal moment in Gallagher’s European journey,” adds Lisbeth.
“By bringing together our innovative technology with deep local market expertise, we’re uniquely positioned to help European customers navigate changing regulations and embrace digital transformation. “We’re excited to build on the strong foundation the Dijkstra family established and write the next chapter of Gallagher’s success story in Europe.”
The move strengthens Gallagher’s ability to deliver high-tech agritech solutions across Europe, building on nearly 50 years of partnership with the Dijkstra family.
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Case IH partners with Meet the Need to support Aotearoa communities
As part of the initiative, $50 from the sale of every new Case IH tractor in New Zealand will be donated to Meet the Need, helping provide meals to families in need through local food banks and community groups.
Founded by farmers for communities, Meet the Need offers a practical way for the primary sector to give back - donating livestock, milk, or funds to deliver nutritious, protein-rich meals where they are needed most. Since launching in 2020, Meet the Need has already provided over 2.3 million meals to more than 130 food banks and community groups nationwide.
Meet the Need General Manager Zellara Holden said the partnership highlights a shared commitment to community support and helping those in need.
“Case IH is a brand we are proud to be associated with,” Zellara said.
“This sponsorship directly supports our mission - getting quality food onto Kiwi tables. When businesses like Case IH stand behind us, it helps create real, lasting change.
“Together, we can help build a better tomorrow for families across Aotearoa.”
Case IH Business Director – Agriculture ANZ, Aaron Bett, said the partnership was a natural extension of the brand’s longstanding commitment to rural New Zealand.
“As a brand deeply rooted in New Zealand’s rural communities, we believe in showing up for the people who support us,” Aaron said.
“Farmers are already doing so much to support their communities, and this is one more way we can stand alongside themsupporting a practical, farmer-led solution that’s making a real difference.”
With the partnership now underway, every new Case IH tractor sold in New Zealand will
Every new Case IH tractor sold in New Zealand now helps put meals on Kiwi tables, thanks to a partnership with farmer-led charity Meet the Need.
help nourish a Kiwi family - while the wider Case IH team continues to fundraise and advocate for a more food-secure future.
For more information, visit www. meettheneed.org.nz.
FAR conference tackles arable profitability
Profitability is an increasing concern for arable farmers, which is why the Foundation for Arable Research has chosen it as the theme of its 2025 conference.
Under the banner ‘Show me the money’ a range of international and local speakers as well as FAR staff will outline ways farmers can potentially reduce costs, improve productivity, diversify into additional income streams and adopt new tools and technologies.
The biennial event is being held at Lincoln University on Monday 30 June and Tuesday 1 July.
FAR Communications Manager Anna Heslop says that when organising the conference, FAR considered the key concerns that are front-of-mind for farmers. Regular feedback from growers is that Increasing input costs, flat crop contract prices, increased regulatory compliance and extreme weather events continue to challenge their profitability.
The conference keynote speaker is New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy and Methven arable farmer Hamish Marr.
Discussing how to make technology pay will be James Venning, a grain grower from the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. Farming over varying soil types, he uses a wide range of technologies to aid in decision making and to micromanage areas in his cropping programme focussing on productivity, efficiency and cost effectiveness.
As well as the day to day running of Barunga Grains, James chairs his local grower group Northern Sustainable Soils, is a board member of the Hart Field Site Group and is a grower director of Grain Producers South Australia. Another speaker, United Kingdom arable farmer, entrepreneur and popular YouTuber Olly ‘Blogs’ Harrison left school at 16 having
struggled with dyslexia. Since then, he has grown his farm from 70 to 600 hectares. His farming business has 14 different income streams including dog walking fields, chipping wood for biomass, sunflower mazes, and office and holiday rentals.
He’s always seeking new ways to commercially exploit his land and assets.
Olly will be outlining his farming journey via video link.
Professor Nicola Randall, the founding director of the Centre for Evidence Based Agriculture at Harper Adams University in England will also appear via video link to discuss whether regenerative agricultural systems add value.
Farmer discussion panels will provide examples of the different approaches and technologies that growers are adopting to improve their farm business performance.
A conference dinner will double as a farewell to FAR chief executive Dr Alison Stewart, who steps down at the end of June.
Anna Heslop says that, as always, prices for the event have been pared back to the absolute minimum, with early bird pricing sitting at $220 for two-day attendance. Early bird
registrations close on 19 May, when the price goes up to $320.
To register for the conference, visit the FAR website, www.far. org.nz.
South Australian grain grower James Venning will discuss how to make technology pay.
With this season now ended, it’s time to put some thought into next seasons staffing.
Hanzon Jobs are currently interviewing. We have started to place drivers already.
If you are interested and would like to secure staff for this coming season, please get in touch, or register via www.hanzonjobs.co.nz/get-staff.
For more information please email us at work@hanzonjobs.co.nz
Hanzon Jobs will be back from the UK and in office from the 1st of July.
RCNZ study tour opens new doors for Harri Moss
Harri Moss recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in a study tour to Nufarm and Croplands in Melbourne and Adelaide Australia, thanks to winning the Nufarm/RCNZ Spray Applicator Award for 2024. It was a fascinating experience, one he thoroughly enjoyed and learned a lot from.
The study tour, which Nufarm helped organise, was divided into two parts. The first focused on crop protection products and the technology behind their manufacture, while the second covered practical application technologies with Croplands in Adelaide.
There was so much to see and absorb throughout the week, but Harri captured a few of the key highlights from those few days. After arriving on the first day, he was given an introduction to the Australian crop protection market and how Nufarm engages with its customers from a marketing perspective. This was particularly useful, as SprayLink is exploring new ways to interact with and support its own customers. David RyanANZ Customer Marketing Lead shared some valuable insights, especially the idea that “keeping it simple wins every time, bullet points, clear benefits and links if people want to dig deeper”. It prompted Harri to think about how they could simplify and
strengthen their communication strategy.
One surprise was discovering the full extent of Nufarm’s seed business, formerly known as Nuseed. The innovation in new varieties was impressive, particularly their work with Omega-3 production and using grain as a base for aviation biofuel. It was eye-opening to see these kinds of technologies being integrated into agriculture. As one of the team explained, “It’s not just about protecting crops anymore, it’s about adding value at every step.”
A real highlight was the tour of the manufacturing plant and laboratory. Seeing the differences in production between various products like glyphosate and phenoxies - was incredibly interesting. With so much complex chemistry involved, it was a lot to take in.
One of the plants even looked like “an oversized whiskey distillery”, which made for a good laugh. What stood out most was the sheer attention to detail in testing
formulations. The team walked Harri through some practical mixing and compatibility tests and explained how these can vary widely between industry products. Their comment — “A good mix on paper can still be a bad mix in the tank”— stuck with him.
The visit to Croplands in Adelaide really stood out, especially given the work Harri and his team do day-to-day. Seeing some of the large selfpropelled rigs in action, along with the latest ‘Brown-on-Brown’ and ‘Green-on-Green’ optical spot spraying technology, was incredible. Watching it operate up close, he could immediately
see the potential for adapting some of this tech back home.
One of the team members joked about their workshop nickname, ‘Big Fridge’, written on a sign above one of the bays. That kind of camaraderie was great to see and added to the atmosphere of innovation and passion. It’s exciting to think about how they might one day integrate Greenon-Green tech into their trucks in New Zealand.
Overall, the study tour was an unforgettable experience that gave Harri valuable insights and knowledge. He remains incredibly grateful to RCNZ, Nufarm and Croplands for the opportunity.
Harri Moss with David Ryan –ANZ Customer Marketing Lead.
Farming can help nature thrive and vice versa
Here’s how farmers can dig into practices that make economic sense but also contribute to biodiversity. Many farmers are already tapping into innovative resources, actively sowing the seeds of positive change for on-farm biodiversity.
Breaking ground together
Expecting farmers to do it on their own simply won’t work.
So, Farming with Native Biodiversity has undertaken comprehensive research and experiments to uncover economically viable farming practices that help biodiversity.
Managed by NZ Landcare Trust, the Farming with Native Biodiversity website is a gateway to inspiration. It showcases real-life examples of farm biodiversity plans customised for sheep and beef farms across the North and South Islands.
From engaging training modules, webinars, podcasts and videos to a comprehensive resource collection, it caters to farmers and advisors at every stage of integrating on-farm native biodiversity.
Topics range from ‘Biodiversity 101’, ‘Managing regenerating remnants’ to ‘Healthy Waterways’.
With half of New Zealand’s land cover used for pastoral farming, the advantages of protecting and enhancing farm biodiversity are undeniable.
It helps native species, obviously.
But it helps farmers by providing pollination for crops, enhancing water quality, reducing soil erosion and improving aesthetic values.
However, the reality is that farms are complex businesses and farm biodiversity and ecosystem management plans can be costly, with additional costs to implement.
Expert advice and resources take time to find and digest.
Who’s behind it all?
The pilot project, born out of the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge, aims to help a new farming era emerge. “Protecting and enhancing biodiversity should be a normal part of being a farmer, not something special or an extra task done at the end of the day.”
A 2021 study of 500 sheep and beef farmers around the country revealed that most farmers perceive many advantages in maintaining native biodiversity, primarily social and environmental.
The most frequently cited disadvantages were cost and time, which were also the barriers to managing biodiversity.
These barriers inform the resources offered. They are practical and technical, enabling the
Projects like Farming with Native Biodiversity are helping farmers balance economic goals with practical steps to restore native ecosystems on working farms.
farming community to take meaningful action on their land.
A case in point: farming with biodiversity on a sheep and beef farm in Canterbury
Hororata Farm, a 395-hectare sheep and beef breeding farm focusing on beef finishing, is redefining what’s possible.
The farm’s owners have set their sights on a future where habitat patches are restored to native vegetation, attracting native bird species like korimako and tūi. While this might sound like a far-fetched dream in the
Freeing the great outdoors from health and safety scope creep
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister
Brooke van Velden is announcing further changes to health and safety as part of the ACT-National Coalition commitment to reform health and safety law and regulations.
“This reform refocuses the work health and safety system by getting rid of over compliance, making sure there’s less paperwork and giving businesses, employers and workers clarity on their health and safety responsibilities. We want all New Zealanders to return home safely after every working day,” says the Minister.
“For many Kiwis, outdoor recreational activities are a way of life that has been enjoyed for generations. Unfortunately, New Zealand’s work health and safety settings have reduced the appetite to allow these activities, inadvertently creating a culture of fear amongst landowners who are now worried about their legal liability if someone gets hurt.”
“Many landowners, managers, councils, farmers and iwi allow access to their land for recreational use out of sheer goodwill. I do not think it is reasonable or proportionate for landowners, managers and iwi to be
prosecuted by WorkSafe if someone was to be hurt or injured during the course of a recreational activity just because they are responsible for the land.”
The Minister announced on April 1 changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act that: “Clarifies the law for landowners and will free up private and public land for recreational use. Landowners will not be responsible if someone is injured on their land while doing recreational activities. Health and safety responsibilities will lie squarely on the organisation running the activities.
“For example, a farmer might worry they are responsible for the risks of a horse trekking business on their land. I am making it clear in the law that in this case the health and safety duties sit with the horse trekking business. The farmer would only need to consider the risks from their work where that work is happening in the immediate vicinity of the horse trekking. They are not responsible for risks of the recreational activity itself.
“We all know that recreational activities aren’t without some risk, and sometimes it’s the risk that makes it fun. I want Kiwis to be able to hunt, fish, hike, climb, mountain bike, kayak and so much more without being caught up in health and safety red tape.”
The change will apply to both public and
Brooke van Velden says new reforms aim to lift the burden of liability from landowners, allowing more access to New Zealand’s great outdoors for recreational use.
private land, from farms and forestry to school grounds, local council land and regional and national parks.
This change will not impact private property rights, and it will still be up to the landowner to grant access to their land if they wish.
biodiversity-challenged Canterbury Plains, it’s anything but.
Hororata Farm presents a blank canvas with ample opportunities. With enthusiastic
owners and funding avenues, there are many opportunities to create biodiversity assets on the farm.
Farming with Biodiversity set up a work
plan that outlines the necessary tasks for achieving high-quality biodiversity management outcomes at Hororata Farm.
The plan is presented as a five-year calendar, with step-by-step goals and a draft budget to schedule biodiversity management actions into the working year.
Having a structured approach to planning biodiversity restoration work increases the likelihood of biodiversity management actions being undertaken.
Each goal serves both the farm business and biodiversity outcomes.
For instance, a goal to plant native trees in a specific area benefits the farm by providing shade and shelter for livestock, enhancing soil health, contributing to aesthetics and allowing customers to associate their products with the farm’s positive impact on native biodiversity.
At Canterbury’s Hororata Farm, a five-year biodiversity plan is showing how structured, affordable actions can benefit both livestock and local wildlife.
Solid, Liquid or Slurry Fertiliser
Put fertiliser in as you cultivate saving tractor passes, and it’s only placed where required.
The 3 key row elements are pneumatically adjustable from the cab Made on the fly and it’s clean and simple.
Adjustable Row widths
Use for a multitude of different crops
Up to 15kph working speed
Lowering tractor hours and creating a better seedbed.
Retain soil structure
Better moisture retention making harvesting simpler.
Canadian made Bale Baron Picks up small or conventional square bales and bundles them into packs of 9, 18 or 21.
Packs up to 1000 Bales/hr and keeps up with 2-3 balers!
The bundles are compressed and tightly bound with regular twine using a 4 string double knot - Rasspe Knotter, and are easily handled by loaders and forklifts.
Reducing the weed seed burden at harvest
A technique which significantly reduces the spread of weed seeds during harvest is being demonstrated by the Foundation for Arable Research in a bid to generate a conversation around whether it is time it was adopted in New Zealand.
Chaff decks and other similar technology, attached to the back of a combine harvester to reduce the weed seed burden, are widely used in Australia.
FAR technology manager Chris Smith says FAR wants to kick-start the conversation.
“This is to help New Zealand arable growers better understand what it’s about, and the pros and cons, to help them decide if it’s the right fit for them.”
Known as Harvest Weed Seed Control (HWSC), the techniques are all based around keeping the chaff separate from the straw during combine harvesting. This is because nearly all the weed seed is in the chaff, which is of much smaller volume than straw.
Chaff can be spread up to the width of the combine front (9-10 metres in some cases) during harvest, so technology which limits its spread, or crushes seeds, can substantially reduce the amount returning to the weed seed bank in the soil for following crops.
FAR senior field researcher Charles Merfield (Merf) says HWSC is proving a very valuable technique, now used by more than two-thirds of Western Australian growers. Australian research shows it is highly effective, with a 95% reduction in annual ryegrass plants in crop in three years.
“However, it has not made its way across the Tasman, despite herbicide resistance becoming an increasing risk, particularly in ryegrass, which is also the main problem in Australia,” syas Merf.
“In arable systems, a large proportion of the weed seed does flow through the combine. So, by stopping that, we can actually achieve considerable amounts of weed control without using herbicides.”
There are six HWSC techniques: narrow windrow burning, chaff lining, chaff carts, bale direct, impact mills and chaff tramlining. All have pros and cons regarding: capital cost, mechanical complexity, running costs, maintenance, power required from the combine and nutrient removal from the paddock.
Merf says a misconception exists that many HWSC techniques won’t work in New Zealand,
Chaff deck directs the chaff into two easy-to-manage rows behind the combine
because of our much larger tonnages a hectare compared with Western Australia, where 2-3 tonne/ha is regarded as a good yield. “It was believed that the likes of impact mills won’t cope with the volumes of chaff flowing through our headers.
“However, it is not the tonnages/ha that is the correct measure, it is the tonnes per hour going through the header. As Australian growers have bigger combines and faster driving speeds of up to 15 km/hr they can harvest up to 70 tonnes of grain an hour. So, there is actually less chaff, straw and grain per hour running through most of our headers than in Australia, so all their systems will work here, likely with greater headroom.”
To demonstrate chaff tramlining, FAR purchased a pair of chaff decks from Australia and fitted these to a New Holland twin-rotor combine in Canterbury during the 2025 harvest to gauge its performance under New Zealand conditions. The material comes off the sieves and instead of spreading the chaff, it puts it in two narrow rows behind the wheels. This concentrates weed seeds into tramlines for easy follow-up, if needed.
“So far, they have been coping very easily with the amounts of chaff being produced and putting it in the wheelings with no problems.”
Seed germination in the tramlines and its management will be monitored, particularly as the farm is on controlled traffic.
Ideally the chaff deck is used all the time during harvest, with different kits for different makes and models.
This is a much cheaper option than an impact mill, probably the most well known of HWSC techniques. All originating in Australia, these include the Seed Terminator and Harrington Seed Destructor. Impact mills grind up the chaff and weed seeds, killing them. Impact mills are integrated into the back of a combine, with manufacturers increasingly suppling them as an option at purchase. However, impact mills are complex and expensive, costing at least $120,000 and requiring a lot of power, up to 100hp, from the combine.
A chaff deck attached to the back of a combine.
Innovation through tradition: Amazone-Werke honoured again
Innovation has always been the heartbeat of Amazone, and once again it has been recognised on the national stage. In 2025 the Amazone Group has been named Germany’s most innovative medium-sized company in the agriculture and agricultural machinery sector for the second year running.
The accolade follows a recent study commissioned by the news magazine Stern, which ranked Amazone first in its sector and an outstanding third across all industries in its top 500 list. It is a result that places the agricultural machinery manufacturer firmly among the elite of Germany’s most forward-thinking businesses.
With a clear focus on research and development, Amazone is committed to helping agricultural businesses move towards a more sustainable and future-ready model. The company continues to push the boundaries, not only advancing its equipment but also leading the way with digital and AI-supported technologies. These innovations are designed to adapt precisely to varying climate, soil and plant conditions, with the aim of conserving resources, reducing input levels and maintaining high yields. Achieving these goals requires a blend of technical expertise and a strong commitment to turning bold ideas into practical solutions.
The company’s long list of innovations highlights its determination to make a real contribution to the future of farming, helping to secure global food supplies with smarter technologies. As Christian Dreyer and Dr Justus Dreyer, CEOs and owners of the Amazone Group put it: “Innovation has characterised the progress of our family business throughout its history. The excellent result in this evaluation encourages us in our endeavours to strategically increase our innovative strength in the future and to further expand our position as a pioneer in the industry.”
Christian and Justus were quick to credit the people behind the success. “Our special thanks go to our employees, whose creative commitment constantly provides new impetus and turns ideas into reality. We would also like to thank our customers and partners for their trust, cooperation and valuable suggestions from the field,” they said. It is clear that
innovation at Amazone is not just about technology, it is also about collaboration, listening and responding to the needs of farmers on the ground.
This latest recognition follows on from a similar award last year, when Amazone was named Germany’s most innovative medium-sized company by WirtschaftsWoche magazine. Winning two years in a row is no small feat, and it shows that the company’s approach is more than just words. By combining
deep technical know-how with a forward-looking mindset, Amazone continues to set standards for the industry, proving that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand to build a stronger future for agriculture.
THE PERFECT SEEDING LINE
Gigante Pressure
Direct Seed Drill
Easily slices through soil, regardless of soil conditions or crop residue
Places every seed at the right depth for optimum growth
From left: Christian Dreyer and Dr. Justus Dreyer (Chairman of the Management Board/owner of the Amazone Group).
Record cotton crop in WA’s far north benefits from attributes of high-performing Case IH planter
A record 4000ha of cotton has been planted by Kimberley Agricultural Investment (KAI) in the area’s Ord Valley, the largest cotton crop for KAI and the biggest in the valley’s history.
Planting finished in mid-March in an area with some unique challenges when it comes to cotton and its growing season.
The last of the 4000ha of cotton for KAI went in during March, using six Case IH Early Riser planters and Case IH Magnum 340 tractors to achieve the massive task over the three-month planting period, punctuated by regular periods of heavy rain.
“Because we’re planting during the wet season, you might only get a window of a few days, so to maximise that opportunity it’s great to have that many planters and tractors on hand to get as much done in a relatively short period of time,” said Luke McKay, KAI Farm Manager.
When the decision was made to dramatically increase the size of KAI’s cotton crop, four new Case IH Early Risers were purchased last year and Luke said they were impressed with the way the fleet performed this year.
“They went really well and did the job in pretty challenging conditions,” Luke said.
“We’ve got nearly 4000ha of cotton out of the ground and it looks outstanding in what is pretty hard conditions. We had 400mls of rain over the time and then weeks of 40-degree temperatures back-to-back, so it’s a wild environment.”
Luke said he appreciated the precision planting aspects of the planters and integration with the tractors, with the metering on the units a notable feature. Two of the Early Risers also have hydraulic downforce, which has been such a success that KAI is planning to upgrade the other units to include it in time for next season.
“It makes a phenomenal difference in the conditions we have. When you’re running six planters you can be changing fields every three hours so knowing you have repeatable ground contact and depth - that hydraulic downforce feature makes a huge difference to your emergence,” he said.
Luke went on to elaborate on its benefits, saying it was particularly useful in wet conditions.
“Because it’s wet, if you set the planter up and then put another 20kg of seed in, it changes the operation of the planter, whereas with hydraulic downforce it can hold the planter off the ground to where you had it set
A Case IH Early Riser planter at work in the Ord Valley, helping to establish a record 4000-hectare cotton crop under tough northern WA conditions.
up so it doesn’t matter how much seed is in there. The operator doesn’t have to stop and check as much and when I’ve looked behind the planter and seen how it is, I know that’s going to be repeatable for the rest of the day.”
Luke said the precision technology of the Early Riser planters and Magnum tractors meant it was straightforward to standardise the equipment, meaning if there were changes in operators – which there often are with such a large workforce and machinery fleet – they didn’t have to negotiate differences between one tractor and the next.
Planter closing systems are crucial for maximising seed-to-soil contact and ensuring even emergence, and the Early Riser features a two-stage system, providing for a perfect finish that gets the seed off to a fast, uniform start.
“In our environment there is a narrow window of good ground conditions. It’ll be too wet and then without blinking your ideal planting depth can be too dry not long after the field becomes trafficable. So you need to push the boundaries of operating conditions whilst trying to maintain the basics of planting – consistent depth and soil contact. So, the closing system is pretty important,” Luke said.
“And even though it can be really wet, you would think that would make it easier, but it does make a big difference and the Early Riser has proved its value in this area.”
KAI’s General Manager, Jim Engelke, said KAI had been operating in the region for the past 12 years, planting its first commercial crop of cotton in 2018 – 350ha that allowed the KAI team to test theories and systems related to growing cotton in the conditions.
They soon realised growing cotton to the east coast formula was not an option in WA’s north-east corner. So after looking at the seasonal conditions they determined planting through the wet season, from January to March and then picking from July to September was the best strategy.
Successful crops followed, but never more than a few hundred hectares because the nearest cotton gin was Dalby in Queensland, so freight costs and transport availability made growing any more than that economically unviable.
Following the decision in 2023 to build a cotton gin near Kununurra, which is due to start operating by the middle of this year, KAI has significantly increased cotton plantings. Built by Kimberley Cotton Co, the development has also opened up other regional development opportunities.
Jim said the building of the gin has resulted in major re-development upgrades for nearby Wyndham Port, with the state and federal governments committing funding for infrastructure upgrades and the port granted all-important First Point of Entry status.
The ability to export local products like cotton had the potential to usher in a “major economic shift for the region,” Jim said.
The cotton will be picked from July to September, and with the increase in the investment in KAI’s cotton crop this year combined with much more scope for maximising the crop’s profitability, the team is hoping for a bumper season.
“It’s an exciting time for the whole region, and the unique challenges agriculture faces up here just makes the outcomes all the more rewarding,” Jim said.
ENRICH YOUR GROWTH
KAITAIA Kaitaia Tractors 09 408 0670
WHANGAREI Piako Tractors Northland 09 438 1319
SILVERDALE Brandt NZ 09 427 9137
PUKEKOHE Brandt NZ 09 237 0043
MORRINSVILLE Piako Tractors 07 889 7055
MATAMATA Matamata Tractors & Machinery (07) 888 6292
HAMILTON Brandt NZ 07 847 0425
CAMBRIDGE Brandt NZ 07 827 5184
ROTORUA Piako Tractors Ltd 07 345 8560
TAUPO Taupo Tractors & Machinery 07 378 4533
STRATFORD FieldTorque Taranaki 06 765 8643
HASTINGS Stevenson and Taylor 0800 4273 2273
WAIPUKURAU Stevenson and Taylor 06 858 6041
DANNEVIRKE Lancaster Tractors 06 374 7731
PALMERSTON NORTH Transag Centre 06 354 7164
MASTERTON Brandt NZ 06 377 3009
NELSON Drummond & Etheridge 03 543 8041
BLENHEIM Drummond & Etheridge 03 579 1111
KAIKOURA Drummond & Etheridge 03 319 7119
GREYMOUTH Drummond & Etheridge 03 768 5116
CHRISTCHURCH Drummond & Etheridge 03 349 4883
ASHBURTON Drummond & Etheridge 03 307 9911
TIMARU Drummond & Etheridge 03 687 4005
OAMARU Drummond & Etheridge 03 437 1111
MOSGIEL JJ Limited 03 489 8199
GORE JJ Limited 03 208 9370
INVERCARGILL JJ Limited 03 211 0013
Ptx Trimble’s Nav-960 sets new standard for precision farming
When farmers look for technology to make their lives easier, reliability and precision are top of mind and anything that helps farmers work smarter, faster and with less stress is worth a closer look. The new Nav-960 guidance controller from Ptx Trimble, launched recently at Agrishow in São Paulo, Brazil, promises to do exactly that, bringing better accuracy, more power and greater durability to farms around the world.
Formed in 2024 as a joint venture between Agco and Trimble, Ptx Trimble has been quick to deliver on its goal of making precision agriculture easier and more profitable. The Nav-960 is the latest step forward, replacing the popular Nav-900 and raising the bar for what farmers can expect from their guidance systems.
Andrew Sunderman, Vice President of Product and Customer Experience at Ptx Trimble, said the company is committed to making life easier in the field. “As the precision ag industry evolves, we are focused on innovative solutions that make it easier for farmers to tackle the critical challenges they face and to do so in a way that creates added value,” Andrew said. “With the new Nav-960 guidance controller, farmers have access to some of the most advanced technical capabilities for GNSS positioning in the market, which ultimately helps to get the job done in less time and with more profitability.”
There is plenty under the bonnet to back up those words. The Nav-960 comes with a new cast aluminium base that is tough enough to
handle extreme heat, freezing cold, heavy rain and thick dust. It also houses a powerful quad-core processor for faster calculations and quicker data delivery, making it ready not just for today’s demands but for the future as well.
One of the big improvements is how well the system holds its line. Thanks to a new GNSS engine and better inertial sensors, farmers can expect up to fifty percent better vehicle positioning and line following compared to the previous model. Andrew said this is all about helping farmers work more efficiently. “Farmers who implement the technology can realise a myriad of benefits, including saving on inputs from reduced overlap and less downtime that decreases operational delays and improves machine utilisation,” he explained. “It is all aimed at reducing operator fatigue during long planting days and improving overall productivity.”
Technology like Trimble ProPoint and
The new Nav-960 guidance controller from Ptx Trimble offers farmers improved accuracy, better vehicle positioning and less downtime in the field.
With enhanced GNSS performance and rugged design, the Nav-960 sets a new benchmark for reliable, stress-free precision farming.
Trimble IonoGuard also make a difference, helping the system resist issues caused by solar events that might otherwise interrupt work. This extra resilience means more hours in the field and fewer unexpected stops, something every farmer can appreciate when weather windows are tight.
Ptx Trimble has not forgotten about practicalities either. The Nav-960 is compatible with all Gfx Series displays including the Gfx-350, 1060 and 1260, and uses the same cables as the Nav-900. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth mean easier support and room for future updates. Farmers can slot it into their existing setups without missing a beat.
There are plenty of reasons to take a close look. Farmers who make the move can expect better uptime, reduced input and labour costs and less stress in the cab. Spending long days in the tractor is always going to be part of farming, but technology like this helps make those hours more productive and less draining.
The Nav-960 is available now worldwide, both for aftermarket and OEM installations. For farmers looking to future-proof their operations while making everyday tasks easier, it looks like a very solid option. As Andrew put it, “This is about giving farmers the tools they need to get more done with less effort, and to keep moving forward with confidence.”
When the pressure is on to plant, spray or harvest, having a guidance system that can be trusted to perform could make all the difference.
With the Nav-960, Ptx Trimble is giving farmers one less thing to worry about.
Knowledge is (also) power
The data behind adjuvants: the hidden ingredient in effective spray programmes.
Fear of failure can be a powerful motivator for farmers and growers. Reduced returns, the threat of tariffs and market uncertainty are keeping everyone on their toes. There’s no margin for error.
It comes as no surprise that farmers and growers expect to see scientific proof that a product is going to work for them. They want data and studies.
There are some great chemicals out there, and they tick a lot of the boxes in terms of efficacy and safety for the people using them.
But that’s only three-quarters of the story.
Working hard behind the scenes are the adjuvants that help get the most out of spray programmes.
Pieter Van Der Westhuizen, Regional Sales Manager Upper North Island for UPL NZ Ltd, says it’s all about proven deliverability. “While adjuvants don’t have an active, they are shown to improve spray programme outcomessometimes significantly.”
Adjuvants work by modifying the physical characteristics of spray solutions. They range from buffering agents, to spreaders, penetrants, stickers through to products which lower the pH of the spray or reduce water hardness.
Pieter says it’s no secret that the cost of insecticides, fungicides and some herbicides is increasing. That makes it prudent to adopt and integrate an adjuvant (or adjuvants) to maximise spray programme efficacy.
His confidence in adjuvants doesn’t come out of nowhere.
Elliott Chemicals Limited, now UPL NZ Ltd, began work on adjuvant development and marketing in this country more than two decades ago. Today, it has a portfolio of over twenty adjuvant products – each fulfilling a niche role with its own chemical partners, seasonal timings and uses.
Pieter says the UPL range has a research-based pedigree that
Adjuvants work by modifying the physical characteristics of spray solutions. They range from buffering agents, to spreaders, penetrants, stickers through to products, which lower the pH of the spray, or reduce water hardness.
not all products can boast. “A lot of research and trials went into proving that UPL’s adjuvants can do the job.
“We always go back to research and sticking to the label rates. Extensive work has gone into that. These products are not just a ‘she’ll be right’ kind of thing. You need to ask the questions and check the research, just as you would with anything you’re trusting with your business and livelihood.”
He says Li-700, for example, used to reduce off-target drift is one of the most researched adjuvants in the world and is proven in global trials. “Li700 adds value by providing contractors with a bigger window of opportunity when spraying, limits downtime, makes application more effective and reduces the risk of the unintended consequences of spray to neighbouring crops.”
In terms of contractors, Pieter says adjuvants also have a major role to play in rig hygiene and in avoiding cross-contamination of chemicals and stop costly crop harm, reduced yield, or underspraying due to clogged nozzles or lines.
He says even if separate rigs are used for particular chemicals only, having them thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis improves performance. “It’s just part of getting them serviced.”
He recommends All-Clear® 2X, which he says will out-perform
ordinary tank cleaners on the widest range of agricultural chemicals, even carfentrazoneethyl, which is notoriously difficult to shift.
“All Clear 2X has a three-way action, decontaminating, cleaning and neutralising. It’s the best way to remove even the
most ‘sticky’ chemistry.”
Talk to your local technical representative for more details on how to get the best from your spray programme by using databased adjuvants or contact Pieter Van Der Westhuizen, UPL NZ Regional Sales Manager Upper North Island at 021 392 740.
Mitas enhances HC2000 tyre range with advanced PFO technology
When it comes to tyre performance in the field, small changes can make a big difference. That’s the thinking behind the latest update to the Mitas HC2000 tyre range. Designed for high-horsepower tractors, sprayers and spreaders, these tyres are now available with Pressure Field Operation (PFO) technology. It’s a development that underscores Mitas’s ongoing commitment to practical innovation, and it’s one that will be welcomed by anyone serious about protecting their land while getting the most out of their machines.
The core benefit of the HC2000 Series has always been its ability to deliver greater performance through a higher load capacity and reduced inflation pressure. But with the introduction of PFO technology, Mitas has taken this a step further. This advanced feature allows the tyres to handle heavier loads at the same low pressure as standard VF (Very High Flexion) tyres. The result is a larger footprint that spreads the load more evenly, protecting the soil structure and enhancing traction in the paddock. For farmers, that means less compaction, better root development and improved long-term soil health. Where the HC2000 range stands out is in its ability to perform under pressure, quite literally. Working at reduced pressures helps minimise the damage caused by heavy machinery on soft or vulnerable soil, a key consideration in today’s more sustainabilityfocused industry. The HC2000 series doesn’t just tick boxes for performance, it addresses real-world challenges that farmers face day in and day out.
This is especially important for operations with consistent fieldwork under high torque at lower speeds, where traction and stability can make or break the day’s productivity. By leveraging PFO technology, Mitas enables these tyres to perform exceptionally well in the 5 to 15 km/h range, which is where many modern tractors spend much of their time during fieldwork. It’s a smart pairing of technology with reality. Lower working speeds often come with higher loads, especially when towing wide or heavy equipment. The HC2000 handles this with confidence and crucially, without compromising the soil beneath.
Roberta D’Agnano, Global Brand Director for Mitas at Yokohama TWS, summed it up clearly: “We are thrilled to bring PFO technology to our HC2000 tyre range. This development highlights our dedication to providing effective solutions delivering high performance, positioning Mitas as a trusted partner for the daily challenges.”
The availability of PFOequipped HC2000 tyres in sizes such as VF 600/70R30 PFO and VF 710/70R42 PFO, with more on the way, means operators now have access to a solution that combines durability, efficiency and agronomic sensitivity. It’s a modern response to the complex demands placed on today’s machinery and land.
Looking at the specifications, the performance gains are easy to quantify. For instance, the VF 710/70 R 42 PFO tyre can support more than 12,000 pounds at reduced pressures, a testament to the smart engineering behind the design. It’s not just about carrying more weight either. The larger contact patch also improves grip and reduces slippage, which contributes to fuel savings and smoother field operations. Less strain on the machine means less fuel burned, fewer maintenance issues and a more comfortable experience for the operator. Durability also plays a central role in the HC2000 design. The
deeper tread, robust carcass and increased number of lugs contribute to longer service life and reduced operational costs. It’s a combination that reinforces Mitas’s reputation for building tyres that are tough enough for work in the field, and smart enough to adapt to changing needs.
There’s also a noticeable advantage in road transport. With the ability to operate at higher speeds without sacrificing load capacity, the HC2000 reduces downtime and speeds up transitions between field and yard. That might seem like a small win, but when the days are long and the jobs are stacking up those minutes matter.
All of this feeds into a bigger picture. In a world where farmers are asked to produce more with less, any innovation that improves efficiency without compromising the land is worth a closer look. The HC2000
Mitas has a reputation for building tyres that are tough enough for work in the field, and smart enough to adapt to changing needs.
Series now with PFO technology, is a fine example of how tyre development is evolving to meet those demands. Mitas isn’t just adding a technical upgrade, it’s offering a meaningful tool to help farmers stay ahead. As technology continues to shape the future of farming, investments in kit like this become increasingly strategic. Choosing the right tyres isn’t just a matter of fit and size anymore. It’s about matching capability to conditions and ensuring that every component of the machine is pulling its weight. The HC2000 PFO tyres from Mitas do exactly that, while giving back to the land at the same time.
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grounded in growth:
the Molloy Agriculture story
In 1985, David and Sonia Molloy took a quiet but determined step toward independence when they fitted their first spray unit to a J1 Bedford truck.
There was no grand marketing plan or long-term corporate strategy. It was a practical decision made by two people who knew their land, their region and the needs of the farmers around them. That decision grew into a business that now sprays over 130,000 hectares annually across Mid and Central Canterbury, employing more than thirty people and offering a seamless combination of agronomy, chemical supply, liquid fertiliser and recycling services alongside a fleet of sixteen highly specialised spray units.
David remains at the helm as managing director, focusing on strategy and growth opportunities. Sonia too continues to play an active role as a shareholder. Both remain deeply invested in the company’s culture of quality and customer care. Many of their clients have been with them since those early days. Now some are second or even third generation.
General Manager Henry Ross and Managing Director David Molloy.
It is not just a business, but a legacy built on reputation and reliability.
When general manager Henry Ross joined the business in 2022, he brought with him more than two decades of agricultural experience and a leadership role from Farmlands, where he had overseen teams across dairy, arable, fuel, and nutrition. For Henry, the opportunity to lead Molloy Agriculture wasn’t just a career move. It was a return to the practical,
The business has always been anchored in spraying and that remains its engine room.
grounded work that makes a real difference to growers. “David and Sonia built something really special here,” he says.
“From a single truck to a fleet of sixteen, it’s been consistent steady growth built on doing the job properly.” In 2023, both Hen-
ry and his wife Emma became shareholders in Molloy Agriculture. Their involvement is not only a sign of commitment to the company’s future but also a deliberate step in the Molloys’ succession planning. By sharing equity and responsibility with trusted leadership, David and Sonia are ensuring the business they built continues with the same values and direction for years to come.
The business has always been anchored in spraying and that remains its engine room. Seven fully computerised 4WD spray trucks, a mix of Isuzu and Mercedes, operate with 24-metre booms, GPS guidance, auto section control and tanks ranging from 2,850 to 4,000 litres. The Bateman fleet, first introduced in 1997 now includes eight self-propelled sprayers fitted with Ag Leader GPS, 24 and 32-metre booms, induction hoppers, adjustable row crop axles and multi-nozzle bodies. Variable rate application is available across the board, and each machine is maintained on a preventative schedule to ensure minimal downtime during the tight spraying windows of Canterbury’s windy seasons. “From
The Molloy Agriculture fleet lined up and ready—specialist equipment built for precision and reliability across Canterbury.
October to January, we’re racing the nor’westers,” says Henry.
“The scale and reliability of the fleet are what allow us to get the job done.”
The team behind the machines is just as impressive. Tim Morgan, one of the longest-serving members, began in 1991 and remains a key figure on the team today. “We’re lucky,” Henry says. “Our people know the machines, know the land and take pride in what they do. That shows in the quality of work we deliver.”
While spraying remains the core, the company is now structured across five distinct but connected divisions: spraying, agronomy, chemical and seed
supply, liquid fertiliser and recycling. This full-service approach allows Molloy Ag to meet a wide range of client needs, whether that means providing complete seasonal support or stepping in with targeted services as required.
Agronomy has become a cornerstone of the business. Formally established in 2007, the division now includes a team of four agronomists. The Grow Pro package is the company’s most comprehensive service and includes everything from soil and foliage testing, fertiliser recommendations and pesticide planning to weekly in-season visits and cost analysis after harvest.
The Grow Supply and Grow Comply packages offer reduced but targeted services, including spray diaries, crop care programmes and access to Agworld software for real-time recordkeeping. Grow Custom allows farmers to select only the services they need. “Some farms want the whole package,” Henry says. “Others just want input advice or help with compliance. We let them build the right fit.”
Agworld is the backbone of the agronomy division, enabling digital crop recording, proof of placement and nutrient budgeting. Recommendations are fully traceable and easily shared. “It’s an essential part of meeting farm
popular service,” Henry says. “No leftovers, no compliance worries and no wasted money. We buy in bulk, so our pricing is competitive and the zero-hassle model is a big win for clients.”
environment plans and nutrient regulations,” Henry explains.
“It’s also about giving growers the confidence of knowing exactly what was done, when and why.”
Chemical and seed supply follows the same logic. The company offers two options: full container supply or Chemical Supply & Apply, where only the exact quantity needed for the job is provided, applied and the containers taken away. “It’s our most
Seed is supplied from all major seed houses, with options for on-farm delivery or collection from the Methven yard. Stephen Mealings, who joined in 2022 oversees the chemical division and brings with him a mix of business and agricultural knowledge. His approach has helped streamline supply while keeping compliance front of mind.
The fertiliser division is a major part of the business. Since 2008, Molloy Ag has operated as a man-
ufacturing site for Ravensdown’s Flowfert products, with a daily production capacity of 75,000 litres and 210,000 litres of on-site storage. The company is also a consignment store for Ballance, maintaining 120,000 litres of product.
Flowfert N and Flowfert N + S (the liquid equivalent of Ammo 31) are the most commonly requested products, but custom blends are increasingly popular. These include combinations with magnesium sulphate, bio fish fertiliser, broadleaf herbicides, gibberellic acid and insecticides for integrated pest management. “If a client wants nitrogen, a growth stimulator and porina control in
Molloy Agriculture supply chemical free and top quality seed direct to your farm.
one pass we can deliver it,” Henry says.
Products are dispatched via a 26,500-litre truck and trailer unit or a smaller 4,000-litre unit depending on delivery requirements. Calibrated flow meters ensure accurate loading into sprayers, tankers or IBC shuttles. “It’s about efficiency and accuracy,” says Henry. “We’re not just moving product. We’re delivering results.”
Sustainability is not just a buzzword at Molloy Agriculture. It
is operational reality. As a main AgRecovery hub, the company accepts all chemical containers bearing the AgRecovery logo, up to 60 litres and either processes them onsite or arranges pickup under contract. Containers must be triple rinsed, free of residue and labelled. The company also partners with Plasback to provide on-farm recycling of balewrap, pit covers, shrink wrap, HDPE drums and bulk bags.
The process is simple: farmers purchase a bin and liners, place their waste plastics in as they go and once full, use Plasback’s online form to request collection. The Molloy team handles the rest. “It’s all about reducing legacy chemical and plastic waste,” says Henry. “We had to build a solution for ourselves, so we extended it to help our clients too. Zero waste isn’t just a target it’s our way of working.”
Davin Mangin, who began with the company in 2002, now manages both fertiliser logistics and recycling. His role spans production, delivery and coordination of AgRecovery and Plasback collections. “It’s not a sideline,” Henry says. “It’s a core part of what we offer. And our clients appreciate that it’s both effective and compliant.”
HR, health and safety and immigration compliance are handled by Emily Molloy, who joined the business in 2015. With a background in law, Emily ensures the business remains compliant with NZ employment and immigration standards and also manages the health and safety system. Her work has been key in supporting the company’s seasonal and international staff programme, ensuring that recruitment is both ethical and efficient. In recognition of her contribution and to further support the Molloys’ succession plans, Emily has also become a shareholder in the business. Her involvement ensures that the next generation of leadership remains closely tied to the company’s founding family and its long-term vision.
During peak season, staff numbers climb to around 33, including a mix of full-time and seasonal workers. The workforce includes spray operators, agronomists, truck drivers, mechanics and administrative support. “It’s a big operation,” says Henry. “But we’ve got good systems and
Molloy Agronomists in the field work closely with growers to tailor nutrient plans and crop protection strategies.
great people. And that makes a real difference.”
Customer loyalty is something the company doesn’t take for granted. “We’ve got clients who’ve been with David from the very beginning,” Henry says. “That loyalty isn’t built on price. It’s built on showing up, doing the job right and standing behind the work.”
That pride is shared by the staff. Whether they are agronomists helping growers make better decisions, or spray operators out in the paddock applying product on the Canterbury plains or hill country, the sense of purpose is clear. “Our people want to make a difference,” says Henry. “They know that if we do the job well, the crop thrives, the farm performs and everyone wins.”
Machinery is another area where Molloy Agriculture sets itself apart. The Bateman sprayers are central to the company’s performance. Built in Devon, UK, and tailored for high-efficiency performance in demanding conditions, Bateman machines are renowned for their reliability and simplicity. Features include
pulse-width modulation spraylines, individual nozzle control and turn compensation all contributing to accuracy, efficiency and reduced chemical use. “They’re a serious bit of kit,” Henry says. “And we maintain them to the highest standard.”
Molloy Ag also serves as a Bateman dealer, providing sales and servicing support to other operators. Their close relationship with Ag Leader ensures their equipment remains at the forefront of GPS guidance and application technology. “We know our machinery inside out,” Henry says. “It’s part of our DNA.”
Despite market volatility, Henry says the work remains steady. “Returns might go up or down on-farm, but crops still need to be sprayed. We’re not doing extra passes just because payouts are up. Our role is to deliver quality crop support regardless of the season.”
The autumn season has been kind this year, with mild temperatures and good pasture growth. But Henry knows how quickly things can change. “Weather’s always a factor, especially in
Canterbury. That’s why we build in scale and flexibility. When the window opens we move fast.”
The company’s relationship with the land is mirrored in its relationship with the community. Molloy Agriculture supports schools, sports clubs and community events throughout the region from Ashburton and Methven to Rakaia, Dunsandel and Leeston. “These towns were built on the back of agriculture,” says Henry. “And rural businesses like ours play a role in keeping them going, whether it’s sponsoring a rugby team or helping with a local fundraiser.”
The company’s philosophy is to give back where it can and to support both its staff and its community in meaningful ways. “We’re part of something bigger than ourselves,” Henry says. “The work we do matters not just to the farmer but to the wider rural economy.”
In many ways, Molloy Agriculture reflects the best of what rural New Zealand business can be. It’s independent, local, grounded in experience and ambitious for the future. It’s technical without
At a time when agriculture faces increasing pressure from regulation,
Agriculture offers a model of how to do things right.
being flashy, efficient without being impersonal and successful without losing sight of its roots.
David and Sonia’s legacy lives on not just in the machines or the hectares covered, but in the relationships that continue, the staff who stay, and the clients who return. “We’ve built a business that works for our people, our clients and the land,” Henry says. “And that’s something we’re proud of.”
At a time when agriculture faces increasing pressure from regulation, climate and shifting expectations Molloy Agriculture offers a model of how to do things right: not by cutting corners or chasing trends, but by showing up, doing the job well and standing behind your name.
“We believe farming is the backbone of this country,” says Henry. “Especially here in Canterbury. And we’re proud to play our part in keeping it strong.”
As the business has grown, so too has its commitment to developing the people within it. Internal progression is a cornerstone of the company’s culture. Spray operators have stepped into management. Long-serving staff are given the space to evolve. And newer recruits are mentored with the same attention that
goes into machinery or agronomy plans. Henry is keen to emphasise this point. “You can’t run a business like this on machines alone. You need good people, people who want to be here and want to do it well. That’s what we have.”
Staff training is continuous, covering everything from safe application methods to record-keeping, machinery maintenance and customer service. The company invests in licensing, accreditation and ongoing upskilling, knowing that capability in the field reduces risk and adds value. “If you want consistency, you’ve got to support your team to reach a standard and stay there,” says Henry. “And that means investing in them.”
Many clients notice the difference. One long-term customer recently remarked that it wasn’t just the equipment that had improved over the years, it was the professionalism of the operators. “They turn up knowing the land, knowing the job and knowing how to handle a conversation,” the farmer said. “That’s not something you get from the machine. That’s culture.”
Those long-term relationships are not rare. Many of the clients Molloy Agriculture works with
have been with the business for decades. Henry often reflects on how significant that is. “When you’ve got clients who started with David and are now handing the farm to their kids and still choosing us, that’s not something you take lightly. That’s trust built over years of doing the job right.”
These relationships are nurtured not just through service delivery, but through simple consistency. The same people return each season. The same contact picks up the phone. Advice is offered freely and product is recommended based on need, not margin. “We don’t sell for the sake of selling,” Henry says. “If something isn’t right for a client, we’ll say so. That honesty is what keeps people coming back.”
The company’s integration of multiple service lines, spraying, agronomy, fertiliser and recycling makes them more than just a contractor. They become part of the client’s decision-making loop. By offering everything from crop planning to chemical handling and waste management, Molloy Agriculture helps farmers simplify operations, reduce compliance risks and save time. “It’s a huge weight off people’s shoulders,” Henry says. “And
they appreciate that.”
The practical result of this approach is evident in how the business runs. There are fewer missed windows, fewer logistical hiccups and fewer surprises. Fertiliser turns up when it’s needed. Sprayers arrive with the right nozzles, on the right paddock, at the right time. Agworld records are filled out, accurate and ready when auditors call. Future technology is always something that Molloy is keeping an eye on.
“We don’t just chase the shiny new thing,” Henry says. “We bring it in when we know it works.”
In the broader picture, Molloy Agriculture remains a strong example of how rural businesses can grow in size and sophistication without losing their local character. Its values are steady: do the work properly, treat people well and stay flexible. Whether it’s a late-season spray pass or a complex crop plan, the company brings the same steady attitude. “We’re here to help farmers grow good crops efficiently, safely and with as little waste as possible,” says Henry. “Everything we do points back to that.”
He’s clear-eyed about the challenges ahead. Labour remains tight. Compliance pressure isn’t going away. And as consumer and regulatory expectations shift, the company will need to continue adapting. But Molloy Agriculture has never been afraid of change, only of losing the values that made it strong in the first place. “We’ve grown, sure. But we’re still grounded in the basics,” Henry says. “Service, quality, reliability, that’s what we’re built on. And that’s what will carry us forward.”
Molloy run a mix of Isuzu and Mercedes trucks that operate with 24-metre booms, GPS guidance, auto section control and tanks ranging from 2,850 to 4,000 litres.
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rooted in the land,
driven by purpose
The story of Pye Group is not simply one of diversification, expansion or efficiency. It is, at its heart, a story of commitment to the land, to the people, to communities and to doing things properly.
A family-owned and operated enterprise with deep roots in Mid and South Canterbury, Pye Group has evolved into a multifaceted agricultural business spanning dairying, cropping, vegetable production, feed supply, contracting, grazing and transport. Its growth has not come at the expense of integrity or connection. Instead, it reflects a grounded and deliberate pursuit of excellence driven by owners Leighton and Michelle Pye and supported by a loyal team and a clear sense of purpose.
Leighton and Michelle remain hands-on in the business. Leighton oversees the entire operation, ensuring every moving part runs as smoothly as the next, while Michelle balances her responsibilities within the business with her involvement in wider industry and community roles. Their children, now young adults are exploring their own paths, but
A harvester at work in Mid Canterbury - part of the group’s long-standing service in the region.
the heart of the family continues to beat through the business. At its core Pye Group is about growing people and communities from the ground up and that ethos informs every decision and direction.
Across all the work the business does, from its baling and cultivation to its dairying and transport, one theme comes through consistently - the value of people. Whether it’s the drivers hauling feed across the region, the contractors delivering precision cultivation servic-
Pye Group has evolved into a multifaceted agricultural business.
es or the staff managing dairy herds, the team at Pye Group operates as a collective. There is a shared belief in mucking in, supporting one another, taking pride in the job and doing the right thing even when no one is watching. That culture doesn’t happen by accident. It is nurtured through leadership, through example and through a day-to-
JCB loaders play an important role in the dairy operations.
day operational environment where values matter as much as productivity.
“We’re really proud of the business we have been able to create but acknowledge we could not have done this without the great team of people we have around us,” says Leighton. “We have a number of people that have been part of the wider Pye Group for over 20 years, including our equity partners in Central Feeds, Ken and Cushla Caird. Having great people on the ground has enabled us to work on growing our business. One of the key things that has helped us to do this successfully is ensuring our team share our values, which are really all about being decent people who look after others and support the community that supports us. The diversity of our operations has been another key factor in our success. All the parts of the business complement each other and create efficiencies, keeping people and equipment busy year-round.”
Pye Group has embedded
its guiding principles into everything it does. A positive attitude, teamwork, integrity and working smarter are more than just aspirational words - they are lived realities. The team takes pride in going the extra mile, finding solutions and keeping things grounded. They celebrate success together and look out for each other, ensuring people can bring their best selves to work each day. There is a deep respect for the land, the people who
work it and the communities they serve and this mindset sits at the heart of their continued success.
While the diversity of the business is impressive, it is not diversity for its own sake. Each element fits into a broader system designed to maximise productivity, safeguard the environment and provide opportunities for people to grow their skills and careers.
Central Feeds, the agricultural contracting division of the broad-
er group plays a vital role in supporting farmers across South and Mid Canterbury. Owned by Leighton and Michelle, along with Ken and Cushla Caird the business is led by Ken Caird who takes the reins as Managing Director. Under his leadership, Central Feeds has continued to grow its reputation for reliability, innovation and top-tier service. Central Feeds offers a full suite of agricultural contracting services, including baling, forage
Pye Group now offers everything from cultivation and silage to fodder beet harvesting and feed sales.
harvesting, cultivation, drilling, planting, effluent spreading, stock feed sales, beet harvesting and cartage. This wide service offering means the company can meet the seasonal demands of farming operations while maintaining a consistent standard of quality.
What makes Central Feeds particularly valuable is its flexibility. For example, selling standing feed directly off the paddock gives farmers a way to monetise surplus while managing cash flow. The company also offers independently feed-tested silage and a range of balage options, including grass, lucerne and cereal bales for everything from wintering to milking. With a strong supply chain of straw sourced across South and Mid Canterbury and a robust trading platform for feed wheat and barley, Central Feeds is well-positioned as a vital link in the region’s farming economy.
On the contracting side, bal-
ing remains the backbone of the business. With over 25 years of experience Central Feeds has built a strong reputation for consistent, high-quality output and end-to-end service. The business operates a modern fleet that includes John Deere and Fendt Tractors, Claas triple mowers, Claas, Krone and Case big square balers, Massey Ferguson round balers, tube wrappers, rotor rakes and telehandlers, all working hard through peak seasons to get the job done efficiently.
Forage harvesting is another core strength for Central Feeds, offering the full silage service from mowing to stack covering. Central Feeds operates high-spec Claas Jaguar forage harvesters equipped with moisture meters and NIR sensors, ensuring accurate feed quality data. A certified mobile weighbridge adds another layer of precision, helping clients monitor loads and make informed decisions.
This dedication to technology and professionalism reflects the wider Pye Group ethos - combining hands-on knowledge with investment in tools that enhance outcomes.
The company’s cultivation and
drilling services are future-focused, backed by modern technology such as John Deere Operations Centre and RTK GPS, which improve accuracy, traceability and operational efficiency. Whether planting fodder beet, maize, small seeds or cereal crops, Central Feeds ensures each job is carried out with care and precision helping farmers maximise productivity and yield potential.
The machinery lineup is extensive, featuring Amazone disc and tine cultivators, He-Va ripper and disc combination, eight-furrow reversible plough, Väderstad Spirit and Allens drills, PTO-driven Strip-Till, Väderstad Tempo planters and a six-metre land leveller and roller. This diverse fleet enables the team to offer a full range of cropping options - from conventional to conservation practices.
With its blend of experience, innovation and customer-first values Central Feeds Ltd continues to be a trusted partner for farmers throughout Canterbury - delivering not only services but results.
Alongside feed and contracting services, the Pye Group has
Each year the group grows around 24,000 tonnes of carrots for Juice Products NZ, mostly in Mid Canterbury.
a rich history in cropping and vegetable production. The potato operation dates back over 60 years to when Leighton’s father, Allan Pye, first began growing spuds while still at school. Today the cropping division continues that legacy with scale and precision. Most of the potatoes are grown on the group’s two farms near Rakaia and are processed by McCain in Timaru. With a planting window from September to October and a harvesting period that stretches from February to June, this is a disciplined and demanding part of the business executed with care and efficiency.
Carrots, too, are a major crop. Each year the group grows around 24,000 tonnes of carrots for Juice Products NZ, mostly in Mid Canterbury. After harvesting, the carrots are washed at one of two on-farm facilities before being delivered to the juicing plant in Timaru. In total the group grows roughly 13,000
A Central Feeds baler on the movea reliable, trusted service keeping the region’s farms supplied.
tonnes of wheat, 5,400 tonnes of barley, 1,500 tonnes of clover and other small seeds and even includes process peas within the rotation.
Grazing forms an essential part of the system, particularly for the dairy operation. All replacement stock is grazed year-round across various blocks, including areas around Rangitata and Raincliff, managed by a dedicated young stock team. These staff members are responsible not just for feeding stock but for ensuring their health, performance and welfare which ultimately feeds back into the productivity of the dairy herds.
The dairy operations themselves are run to a high standard. Pye Group employs a number of contract milkers who manage farms with tailored farm environment plans and consent conditions. Each dairy unit is managed with attention to environmental performance and long-term sustainability. All farms supply Fonterra, reflecting the group’s commitment to supporting New Zealand’s farmer-owned co-operative.
There are currently ten main dairy units within the group. Barnscroft Dairy, purchased in 2018, milks 900 cows using both well water and supply from the MHV Water irrigation scheme. Cloverdene Dairy, owned since 2006, is a large operation milking 1,850 cows and supported by multiple spray irrigation systems and deep well water. Dialan Dairy, the group’s first conversion, now operates as two 700cow farms on Rangitata Island Road. Grantlea Dairy, a 780-hectare property on State Highway 79, has been developed into three separate farms, each milking 900 cows. South Stream Dairy, also on Rangitata Island Road, uses a 60-bail rotary to milk 1,050 cows and features fertigation capability. Straven Dairy Ltd borders the Rangitata River and began milking in 2014, supported by five centre pivots and water from the Rangitata South Irrigation Scheme. Finally, Highfield Dairy located near Rakaia milks 1,050 cows under centre pivot irrigation.
Across all these farms, Pye Group’s environmental creden-
tials are strong. The company employs an environmental compliance and enhancement manager who works closely with the teams on the ground. The goal is not just to meet compliance standards but to go beyond them. This includes managing consent conditions, implementing detailed farm environment plans and achieving A grades in audits. Fertiliser application is managed carefully in partnership with Ravensdown, using proof of placement systems and the Hawkeye platform to monitor nutrient inputs and create buffer zones that protect sensitive areas.
Water use is another priority and the business uses soil moisture sensors and variable rate irrigation on some properties to ensure efficiency. These systems enable smarter decision-making around irrigation timing and volume, which not
only saves water but also protects soil structure and promotes crop health. On-farm ponds, centre pivots and spray systems are managed with the same level of precision and care that runs through all aspects of the group’s operation.
Transport plays a vital supporting role in tying the business together. The group operates a fleet of fifteen trucks with a team of drivers, a dispatcher and a dedicated transport manager. The mix of Volvo and MercedesBenz vehicles reflects a careful choice based on terrain, load types and efficiency. The transport team moves everything from grain, fertiliser and straw to processed vegetables, silage and hay - an essential link in the supply chain giving the business reliability and control over timing and presentation. These trucks are more than just logistics tools. They are rolling
The contracting division doesn’t stop at harvesting or spraying. They offer a comprehensive range of services right across the sector.
advertisements for the brand, representing the Pye name as they travel the roads of Mid and South Canterbury.
At every level of the business, from machinery choice to staff development, from crop rotations to compliance strategy, there is purpose behind the practice. This is not a business chasing headlines or trying to reinvent the wheel. It is a business that knows its land, its people and its role in the broader fabric of rural New Zealand. That clarity, that grounded approach, is what makes Pye Group one of the most respected names in the region.
Claas harvesters in full swing, getting the job done.
derrick and kerry barnes
- taking the heat out of volatile crops
AUSTRALIA IS THE WORLD’S LARGEST EXPORTER OF CHICKPEAS, WITH AROUND 790,000 TONNES SENT OFF SHORE LAST YEAR - WORTH ABOUT $600 MILLION TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY.
But while its nitrogen-fixing properties make chickpeas a good option as part of a rotation, it’s fair to say chickpeas are one of the least popular crops to harvest for both contractors and farmers alike.
Chickpeas are considered high risk, with more header fires during harvest than with any other crop.
The problem is around the amount of dust and chaff produced which can build up on the machinery or stick to oil around hydraulic motors, especially around the exhaust, where it can start smouldering. If not cleaned off, the header may catch fire.
of header work on local cereal crops around the Bordertown area of South Australia, Derrick admits he was startled to find the header - the same model Case IH 2188 machine he had used without issue on other crops - was smouldering a cou-
Getting machine hygiene right is all important when working with volatile crops.
ple of times every lap of the chickpea paddock.
It turns out all header brands
Derrick Barnes first came across chickpeas seven years ago on his first stint driving headers around the Clermont area in Queensland.
Having done several years
Team Barnes: Success with contracting for Derrick and Kerry, Harry and Olivia is seeing farming increasingly take the back seat.
insurance for existing customers.
The insurance issue led some contractors to opt out of harvesting volatile crops.
are prone to the fire issue, especially when there has been low rain fall close to harvest. The rain washes off some of the malic and oxalic acid the plants produce, which can make the dust stick together inside the header. Bearing failures, low humidity, and high wind speeds also add to the problem, as does cutting close to the ground, which increases the risk of the cutter hitting rocks and causing sparks.
Ten or 12 headers burn to the ground every season while harvesting various crops across the country. With an operator tragically dying from burns in the Goolhi district NSW in December last year, this reinforces the need to take extra care during harvest especially around volatile crops.
Insurance woes
About eight years ago, during a bumper harvest season, 16 or 17 headers burnt out nationally, with at least five in Queensland while harvesting heavy chickpea crops.
This caused some concern for insurance companies and has led to a continued tightening up around header insurance for contractors, putting significant pressure on them to find affordable insurance, if they could find it at all.
“For someone without backing, or a farm for collateral, it’s almost impossible to get insurance now,” says Derrick.
He was fortunate, he reckons, that his wife Kerry’s farm was already insured with Elders, who were still giving out contract
Coming clean
“I used to be scared of chickpeas and lentils because of that fire issue, but it all comes down to the cleanliness of your machine. Although if you’ve got a banger that’s on its way out, it’s going to catch fire.”
Good hygiene around the machine is needed, including blowing out dust regularly, along with not operating when risks are high.
This preference not to harvest volatile crops has been something of a windfall for Derrick, with more work on offer.
His headers are cleaned religiously every two hours, blowing them down with a big diesel compressor, and sees him with no qualms about taking on the volatile crops.
His 2018 Case IH 8240 had no issues this year during harvest, although the older 2015 model 8240 had some smouldering under the exhaust, if cleaning happened any time after two hours.
More South Australian farmers are moving away from canola and have gone into wheat/lentils or barley, he says. Changes to his fronts have seen more lentil work come his way and now makes up around a quarter of the work.
“Lentils are worth quite a lot of money and yield pretty good, when they yield,” he says.
“But they’re a low crop and the paddocks have to be rolled. You
also need a specialized harvester for them.”
When a worker wrote off one of his fronts a couple of years ago, Derrick found it was a blessing in disguise as he replaced it with a flex front.
“Since then, I’ve had many people ask if I can come and do their lentils.
“Farmers who approach us have often tried to harvest them with a normal rigid front and they just can’t get them all. At $1000/ tonne they can be leaving 250kg on the ground - that’s $250 on the ground per hectare.”
He has since sold another rigid front, replacing it with a flex, so is
open to doing more lentil work.
“Because lentils are a lot higher wearing, putting sand in your header, ruining your knife and guard pretty quick because you’re literally licking the dirt, I charge $100 more a rotor hour to do them.”
Safe harvesting is one of the messages pushed by the nation-wide Australian Custom Harvester Association, where
Harvest on a Kangaroo Island farm is a welcome part of the season and sees headers catching the ferry at Cape Jervis.
Olivia has taken to farming life like a duck to summer rain.
With five Australian Stock Horses between them Kerry and her mother share a passion for this hardy breed.
The Australian Custom Harvester Association can help contractors keep up to date with best practice for changing crops and new varieties.
Derrick is now treasurer. Getting involved with the group has also seen him able to pick up a lot of useful information about crops or varieties he hadn’t tackled before.
“That’s why people get contractors in – there’s a lot of different crops and different conditions; it’s not the same thing all the time.”
The association encourages the use of a harvest agreement the client signs giving certainty for both parties. This stipulates the terms of the contract can’t be changed part way through, and covers things like damage to equipment.
There has been a lot of new country cleared in the last four or five years in NSW, Derrick reckons. This often results in poorer prep work on some new paddocks - to get a crop in the ground quickly.
Being careful with the machine sees Derrick going slower, so it costs more.
“If you put a stick through the
machine and it breaks something, the farmer pays for it. If you go to a job and they say they won’t pay for any damage - you don’t do the job.”
Other benefits include getting good discounts from their sponsors, which sees cheaper repair bills.
Derrick and Kerry have taken the hurdles of building their contracting business, while also farming and raising a young family, in their stride. It has also seen them enjoying an adventurous new life.
Having their first child Harry, five years ago, was the catalyst for the change to contracting for the couple.
Both had grown up on sheep farms with Derrick’s parents farming a 1000-acre farm at western flat near Bordertown. Expanding that business had seen his parents buying trucks and moving into transport –something his father loved.
Derrick started taking over the farm when he was old enough, with his parents eventually mov-
Flexi fronts like Derrick’s MacDon FD140 are especially good for close to ground crops like lentils.
While fascinating for Harry, high dust and chaff levels in chickpea crops can cause serious problems for inexperienced or unwary contractors.
ing to Adelaide where his father still drives trucks.
Kerry’s grandfather was one of the original pioneering farmers 300kms away in the Riverland area. While the area is famous for its vineyards, the land is fairly marginal for farming and more prone to droughts.
Kerry grew up on her parent’s 7000-acre farm, where they had share-croppers on 5500 acres and ran sheep on the rest. She and her mother now own the farm since her father died.
Despite not having been involved with cropping before, since getting to know Derrick, Kerry is now an old hand at spraying, driving the header, chaser bins and trucks. While she may not have the same mechanical background, they make a good team with Kerry also doing the books, helping with the treasury work for the association, as well as running around after the kids.
Along with harvesting for other contractors as well as farming, Derrick had been truck driving for a few years and wanted to be closer to home once Harry was born.
With the growing season going particularly well that year they decided to try their luck and see if they could pick up some har-
Staff with a mechanical background to recognise and fix problems are valuable and able to work by themselves.
vesting work. They invested in a newer $25k header and Barnes Ag Contract Harvesting began.
Being a bit strapped for cash after buying the header, and to keep costs down that first year, rather than hiring a truck, they drove the header for four days to get to their first interstate job in NSW. An adventure in itself, this also meant they had to stop every four hours to feed Harry who was only six months old. Since then, the whole family has been going on the road each harvest season with their two headers including young Olivia, who is nearly two.
The kids also enjoy the lifestyle, travelling in the headers and trucks - it is an adventure for them, says Kerry.
“For the majority of the jobs there’s usually a house or dongas to stay in and sometimes other kids to play with,” she says.
One of the highlights of the harvesting season has become work on Kangaroo Island, where they load the headers onto a ferry at Cape Jervis, for the 45-minute ride to the island. They work in with ferry owner Sealink to see what days are going to be best and need to book early.
After issues with overhanging trees when the headers are delivered to the ferry on trucks, this year they drove the headers down. While there wasn’t any damage and they had escorts, Derrick admits there were still some impatient drivers in smaller vehicles around.
Being a popular tourist destination close to Adelaide, the header gets a lot of attention both getting on and off the ferry and while operating, with tourists often stopping their cars to take photos.
The island is all rolling hills with beautiful sea views from the paddocks.
There is also a lot of wildlife there, which is one of the biggest issues for farmers on the island, with little wallabies eating a lot of the crops. Wallaby-proof fencing is going in more now, which helps a lot, Derrick reckons.
But the close proximity to the sea does have its challenges. Dew coming in off the water can see starts as late as 11am, with early finishes also common for the same reason. But being able to go out to breakfast every
The
machines can work in tandem or separately, giving the team more flexibility than a single larger header.
Fastidious about blowing off dust while harvesting, Kerry and the team also air blow equipment when crossing state borders.
morning helps give the work a holiday feel to it, Derrick reckons.
“Everyone told me before going over there to take a deck of cards or some games because you’ll be sitting around all the time. But the farmer has a drier so it’s not too bad. We can put the grain in the drying silo so we can harvest with a bit higher moisture.”
Changes ahead
With Harry just starting school and Olivia going to kindy, this regular nomadic lifestyle is coming to an end for Kerry and the kids.
With the contracting business going well, Derrick has just trad-
ed in the older Case IH 8240 for a newer 8250. He likes to buy machinery with 800 rotor hours on it as it can be considerably cheaper. There are plans over the next few years to expand further and buy another couple of headers.
Other changes to make life less hectic will see Kerry’s farm sold with crop farming moved closer to home on a block of land with better soil and rainfall in Mallee, which they picked up a couple of years ago.
Sheep numbers will drop to around 700 animals and everything will be within 150km of home.
While Derrick will continue on the harvest migration each year
from mid-September, the plan is for Kerry to stay closer to home and for the children to have a more settled school life, travelling to see Derrick in the school holidays.
This will also give Kerry more time with the other passion in her life which she shares with her mother – Australian stock horses. A regular at eventing when younger, and having competed at the Melbourne and Adelaide Royal Shows, Kerry now does showing and dressage breed shows when she gets the chance.
It seems it won’t be long before Harry and Olivia will be having as much fun in the saddle as they do in a header.
two smaller
special feature Fieldays 2025: A Snapshot of New Zealand’s Premier Agricultural Event
Every June, the rural sector’s heartbeat moves to Mystery Creek in Hamilton, where Fieldays brings together town and country to celebrate the strength, innovation and future of New Zealand’s primary industries.
Fieldays 2025 is once again shaping up to be the happy place where thousands connect, discover, and be inspired by the very best our sector has to offer.
FIELDAYS
One of the draw cards of Fieldays are the feature hubs, designed to educate, engage and spark ideas across all ages and interests. The Fieldays Drone Zone is set to be a highlight, showcasing how rapidly drones are transforming farm management. Visitors can immerse themselves in the latest technology, career advice, and real-world demonstrations. With support from the Agricultural Drone Association, the Zone will be a place where innovation quite literally takes flight. Craig Simpson, President of the Agricultural Drone Association, says, “The ADA will play a crucial role in advocating for New Zealand’s agricultural drone operators, and enhancing skills and knowledge within the industry.” Whether you are a seasoned professional or simply curious, the Drone Zone promises a hands-on experience with the future of agriculture. For students, job seekers and anyone considering a
future in the primary sector, the Fieldays Careers and Education Hub is a must-visit. Fieldays has long provided a valuable learning experience outside the classroom, helping students discover pathways in agriculture, forestry, science, technology and sustainability. Teachers are encouraged to plan school trips to the event, with discounted tickets available for groups. Since partnering with the Ministry for Primary Industries in 2022 and 2023, Fieldays has strengthened its role as a launchpad for youth entering the food and fibre sector. The Hub will again host daily engagement sessions, connecting visitors directly with education providers and sector groups. The Fieldays Careers and Education Trail will also be active through the Fieldays App, making it easy to meet exhibitors who can help open doors to a rewarding career. As Fieldays notes, “With such a key sector contributing to the New Zealand economy
and the wellbeing of our rural communities, it’s important we have the necessary workforce to meet the demand.”
Amplifying farmers’ voices is another important theme at Fieldays this year, with the Rural Advocacy Hub returning after its successful inaugural run in 2024. Located in the Gallagher Building, this hub brings together organisations including Federated Farmers, Young Farmers, Rural Women, Groundswell, Future Farmers NZ and others. It is a true coming together of groups who champion farmers’ interests under one roof, offering a central platform for discussions, announcements and initiatives that matter to the rural community. Fieldays provides the space for these conversations to happen, ensuring farmers are heard and supported.
Innovation has always been at the heart of Fieldays, and nowhere is this more evident than at the Fieldays Innovation Hub. Positioned at the intersection of D Street and M
Road, the Hub is where visitors can meet the minds behind the latest ideas shaping the future of farming. From dairy and meat to horticulture, forestry, seafood and agri tech, the breadth of ingenuity on show is staggering. The Fieldays Innovation Awards deliver a global platform for problem-solvers to showcase their products and solutions, with award categories spanning Prototype, Early-Stage, and Growth & Scale. There is also recognition for younger entrepreneurs through the Young Innovator of the Year Award. With a total prize package valued at over $75,000, the awards not only celebrate creativity but also provide valuable support to accelerate the journey of new ideas into the market. The People’s Choice Award allows the public to get involved too, with voters going into the draw to win prizes, adding a community spirit to the celebration of innovation. This year, Fieldays is also introducing a new feature, the Sector Spotlight. The focus for 2025 is wool, celebrating one of New Zealand’s most historic and versatile natural resources. Fieldays Sector Spotlight – It’s
ES PLOUGH
Wool invites visitors to rediscover the beauty and utility of wool through a dynamic display of products and innovations. Exhibitors including Wool Impact, Wools of New Zealand, Wise Wool, Wronz and Floc will be there to demonstrate how wool is being transformed into everything from flooring and furniture fill to filters and personal care products. With global interest in renewable, natural materials growing, the timing could not be better for wool to reclaim its place at the forefront of sustainable living.
New Zealand produces around 100,000 tonnes of strong wool each year, prized globally for its bright colour and low contamination, the result of generations of careful breeding. While merino wool is famed for its fine, next-to-skin qualities, stronger wools from other breeds shine in home interiors, particularly in carpets. Currently only around 15 percent of New Zealand’s strong wool is used domestically, with the remainder exported, but exciting new brands and innovations are helping to build local demand. Wool’s inherent properties such
• 200hp rated, 2-5 furrows
• Reduced lift requirements
• Hydraulic variwidth standard
• Unique steel and heat treatments a guarantee for durable high performance
as thermal comfort, moisture management, air filtration, fire resistance and odour absorption mean it is finding new applications across industries. From acoustic panels to yoga mats and filtration systems, wool’s possibilities are vast, and Fieldays Sector Spotlight is the perfect platform to share these stories.
Fieldays 2025 is once again promising an experience that captures the energy, ambition
3400 PLOUGH
and pride of New Zealand’s primary sector. Whether you are visiting to see the latest technology, planning your career path, advocating for farmers, or rediscovering the magic of wool, Fieldays is a place where connections are made, ideas are shared, and the future of farming is celebrated. There is no better snapshot of where agriculture in New Zealand is today and where it is heading tomorrow than at Mystery Creek this June.
• 300hp rated, up to 6 furrows
• Reduced lift requirements
• Hydraulic variwidth standard
• Unique steel and heat treatments a guarantee for durable high performance
• Does both on land or in furrow
Norwood is set to make an impression at Fieldays this June, showcasing three high-performance machines that bring together precision, versatility and proven results in the paddock. Farmers and contractors heading to Mystery Creek will have the chance to see the Vaderstad Carrier XT, the Vaderstad Spirit seed drill and the Sky EasyDrill up close. Each of these machines has been designed to meet the challenges of modern farming, delivering accuracy and efficiency across a range of conditions.
While these implements serve different purposes, what ties them together is a focus on optimising productivity. Whether it’s primary tillage, precision seeding or direct drilling into testing terrain, Norwood is bringing tools to the table that can improve outcomes and save time where it counts.
Vaderstad Carrier XT
Vaderstad was the pioneer with high-speed disc cultivation with the Carrier and the XT model takes that a step further. Built to work across a wide range of soil types and residue conditions, the Carrier XT is all about flexibility and control. The machine is available in 4.25 to 6.25m working widths in both mounted and trailed versions, and it folds to a compact transport width of 2.4 metres for mounted machines and 2.8m for trailed. But it’s what happens in the ground that really sets it apart.
The Carrier XT is designed to carry out tasks from shallow stubble cultivation through to deeper seedbed preparation.
It achieves this through adjustable disc angles, which are hydraulically controlled from the cab. This gives operators the ability to finetune the aggressiveness of the cultivation depending on field conditions. The machine’s 470 mm TrueCut discs, set at125 mm spacings, allow for intensive mixing of residues, while its conical disc shape maintains cut angle at all working depths and optimal soil throw even at higher speeds.
Depth control is precise and easily adjusted on the move, thanks to the heavy-duty support wheels (on the trailed versions) and packer systems that ensure consistent working results across the full width. Whether operating in heavy trash post-harvest or preparing a fine seedbed in lighter soils, the Carrier XT gives operators the ability to adapt quickly without compromising on finish.
Vaderstad Spirit
Also on display at Mystery Creek is the Vaderstad Spirit
seed drill. With working widths of 3 to 9m depending on the model, the Spirit is built for precision sowing in conventional tillage systems. It’s fitted with the company’s responsive E-Control system, allowing operators to monitor and adjust key functions from the cab via iPad. That includes seed rates, tramline control and simple calibration all at the touch of a finger.
The Spirit uses a frontmounted cultivating disc or crossboard levellert to level and break up clods before the large rubber packer tires reconsolidate the soil before the offset double disc seed coulters come into play. This combination ensures even emergence and healthy establishment regardless of conditions.
One of the standout features is the machine’s SeedEye system. It gives live feedback on the flow of seeds passing through each seed tube and provides instant alerts if anything goes wrong. A further feature of Seed-Eye is the ability for seed counting
which further increases accuracy by planting an exact number of seeds in a given area. Furthermore, with Seed-Eye seed counting, seed calibration is not required, saving time. Instead of the operator selecting weight of seeds per hectare which then requires calibration of the seed meter, the operator tells the system how many seeds to plant per square meter and the system sets itself. The machine is also fully ISOBUS compatible and can be connected to most modern tractor terminals if the operator prefers.
With the Dynamic Tramlining option, operators simply tell the system the width of the sprayer boom and the track width and the seed distribution head automatically shuts off the required rows - an ideal feature for contractors planting for customers with differing sprayer widths.
Coulter pressure can be adjusted hydraulically while on the move, meaning the operator can respond to changes in soil type or compaction levels within the same paddock. That kind of control helps ensure consistent depth placement and uniform crop growth. The Vaderstad Spirit is built to work efficiently over large areas, but it’s the finetuned attention to detail that will make it stand out at Fieldays.
Sky EasyDrill
Rounding out Norwood’s Fieldays line-up is the Sky EasyDrill, a machine purposebuilt for no-till, min-till and cover crop systems. The EasyDrill has
Norwood
SKY EASYDRILL
new benchmark in seeder versatility.
No matter the landscape, the EasyDrill can adapt so you can seed on tilled soil, direct seeding or live cover. With the ability to modulate pressure levels from 0 to 250 kg, the EasyDrill effortlessly operates in both wet and dry conditions.
Transition seamlessly to direct seeding without compromising quality. In a single pass, the EasyDrill can seed four different products, at four different rates, by separating two seeding depths.
166mm Row spacing
3-8m Working width
2250-5100L Hopper capacity
Capable of seeding 4 different products
Farmchief Machinery will have a strong presence inside the pavilion at Fieldays at Mystery Creek this year, showcasing a selection of equipment that reflects their commitment to bringing practical, hardwearing solutions to New Zealand farmers. Among the highlights on display will be the Rhino mixer feeder wagon, the Buffalo muck spreader and the newly introduced Einböck PneumaticStar tine airseeder, available from Farmchief in 2025.
The Rhino mixer feeder wagons represent a combination of rugged performance and smart engineering. Hand-selected by Farmchief to meet the demands of medium-to-large farms managing stock in feed barns, these wagons are built to perform reliably even in challenging conditions. Key to their success is a reinforced frame structure and a wide tub paired with robust dual vertical augers that guarantee efficient and consistent mixing of a wide range of feed materials. This combination not only ensures a
thorough mix but also maintains an ideal height-to-capacity ratio, helping farmers maximise output without compromising handling, even in barns with limited clearance. The wagons come standard with two 20 mm thick augers, inspection holes at the front of the tub, and a capacity ranging from 26 cubic metres to 32 cubic metres. Double bogie suspension mounted on R19.5435/50 wheels ensures even weight distribution, strength and stability, with the option of a steering axle and reverse lock for those wanting extra manoeuvrability.
One of the standout features of the Rhino is the performance of its dual vertical augers, manufactured from S355J2+N quality steel at a substantial 20 mm thickness. The augers use a figure-8 mixing pattern, lifting and combining all the material thanks to strategically placed knives at right angles. The result is a fast and even incorporation of feed, including long-fibre materials that some other mixers struggle with. The standard
bottom sweeper plates on each auger mean that farmers can be confident of getting every last bit of feed out of the wagon, reducing waste and saving money over time.
Equally impressive is the Rhino’s thoughtful heightto-capacity ratio, designed specifically for ease of loading and operation in environments where headroom is tight. Lower and wider than many other models on the market, the Rhino can hold a significant volume
without being awkward to load or manoeuvre. This practical design is backed up by low power consumption, ensuring that New Zealand farmers can operate the Rhino without needing high-horsepower tractors, saving both fuel and wear and tear on machinery. It is a machine designed not just to perform but to deliver meaningful savings and efficiencies across the board. Joining the Rhino at Fieldays will be the Farmchief Buffalo
a well-earned reputation for reliability in difficult conditions, and its ability to place seed with minimal soil disturbance makes it an ideal fit for regenerative farming systems and erosionprone paddocks.
What makes the EasyDrill different is its unique seeding system. The coulter arrangement puts 20 percent of the machine’s weight directly on the front press wheels,
30 percent on the rear press wheels and 50 percent on the seeding discs. This gives it the downforce needed to penetrate compacted or high-residue surfaces while still achieving a clean finish.
The machine offers true versatility in seed placement too. With up to four hoppers, operators can sow multiple seed types or fertiliser in a single pass. Each product can
be placed at a different depth using independent metering units and distribution systems. This means a farmer could for example, drill a cereal crop while placing fertiliser at a separate level or sow a companion species alongside.
Seed metering is managed via RDS iSOCAN controls or a compatible tractor terminal, and automatic section control minimises overlap and waste.
The machine is also fitted with hydraulic disc coulter pressure adjustment, allowing the operator to respond to realtime conditions and maintain accurate sowing depth. With working widths from 3 to 8m and transport width at a manageable 2.55m, the EasyDrill is suited to a wide range of New Zealand farming systems.
What ties these three machines together is their ability to handle complexity without slowing things down. From the aggressive disc action of the Carrier XT to the precise coulter
control of the Spirit and the multi-product capability of the EasyDrill, Norwood is bringing some of the most advanced thinking in cultivation and seeding to Fieldays.
Each of these implements can operate as a standalone asset, but the real advantage comes when they’re used in sequence.
The Carrier XT can prepare a fine, uniform seedbed after a cover crop or cereal harvest.
The Spirit can follow with accurate, high-speed sowing.
The EasyDrill gives the flexibility to plant directly into residues or cover crops with minimal disruption, conserving soil structure and moisture.
Each of these machines has been built with real-world New Zealand farming in mind. Whether you’re running an intensive arable system, a mixed enterprise or transitioning into more sustainable practices, there’s something on show that will make the job easier and the outcomes more reliable.
rear discharge muck spreader, a machine built with the same attention to long-term reliability and daily performance.
Hand-selected and specified for New Zealand farmers and contractors, the Buffalo is engineered to spread for life. Its reinforced spreader box, robust chute and innovative suspension options combine to create a spreader that can handle the toughest tasks season after season. A particularly notable feature is the standard 18 mm dual floor chain, one of the largest and strongest available, delivering a conveyor system that can confidently handle heavy loads with minimal maintenance.
The Buffalo’s spreading unit is designed for high throughput, featuring dual two-metre tall beaters each rotating at over 480 rpm. These beaters are fitted with replaceable 12 mm Hardox steel cutting knives spaced at 32 mm, allowing for a wide, fine spread of material that promotes better nutrient distribution and pasture health. The spreader’s robust construction includes s6mm bottom plating, 4mm side walls, reinforced beaters and a fully shot-blasted and powdercoated finish. This attention to detail ensures a significantly extended working life compared to lighter-built alternatives, delivering excellent return on investment.
Operational flexibility is another strength of the Buffalo, with single or double axle models available and superior suspension options to suit different farming conditions. For those looking for even greater comfort and handling, an upgrade to a double hydraulic suspension drawbar is available, improving operator experience, particularly over uneven ground. With a capacity of over 8000 kgs and features such as auto chain tensioners available, the Buffalo makes spreading quicker, easier and more efficient, helping farmers make the most of their time and resources.
Completing the trio of Farmchief machines on show is the new Einböck PneumaticStar tine airseeder, available exclusively through Farmchief from 2025. While Einböck’s name is already familiar to many New Zealand farmers, the
PneumaticStar brings a new level of precision and flexibility to pasture management. Designed to improve pasture density and crop establishment, the PneumaticStar combines a lightweight, modular build with the resilience needed for New Zealand’s tough farming conditions.
The carefully designed tine system is at the heart of the PneumaticStar’s effectiveness. A staggered six-row layout with 2.5 cm spacing allows for excellent ground coverage, while the sprung coiled tines create an aggressive vibration effect that produces a fine tilth ideal for seed germination. Farmers can choose between hooked tines for a more aggressive action or straight tines better suited to stony ground. Adjustments are made easily through a simple
mechanical central setting or upgraded hydraulic systems, allowing on-the-go dynamic changes to suit varying ground conditions.
Seed distribution is another strong point, with either a mechanical drive (MD) or the SpeedTronic electric drive (STI) available. Centrally located deflector plates are positioned before the final two rows of tines, ensuring excellent seedto-soil contact for optimum germination. The airseeder itself is built specifically for the PneumaticStar, offering seeding rates from as low as 1 kg per hectare up to 300 kg per hectare, adjustable with a simple, intuitive system. A variety of seeding rollers come as standard, driven by a flexible shaft for reliability and ease of maintenance.
For those requiring even greater capability, Farmchief also offers the Pro model, adding extra features and capacity for larger or more intensive operations. The PneumaticStar tine airseeder’s combination of resilience, precision and ease of use makes it an exciting new option for farmers looking to boost pasture productivity and farm smarter. With the Rhino mixer feeder wagon, the Buffalo muck spreader and the new Einböck PneumaticStar tine airseeder all on display, Farmchief Machinery’s stand at this year’s Fieldays promises to be a mustvisit for anyone serious about improving farm efficiency and performance. Each machine reflects Farmchief’s core philosophy of providing tough, practical solutions that work hard for New Zealand farmers.
Kemper
If you want to know what confidence looks like in the world of foraging, it’s the quiet hum of a Kemper header in a tough paddock, doing exactly what it was built to do without a fuss. At this year’s National Fieldays in Mystery Creek, Ag and Civil Machinery (a division of Waikato Tractors Ltd) will be demonstrating why the German manufacturer remains a global leader in harvesting systems, and why Waikato is a fitting new home for the brand in New Zealand.
Three of Kemper’s most respected machines are available in New Zealand. The Pro Drum Header 400 Series, the ProfiCracker C230, and the C3003 Maximum pick-up system. The C3003 will be on display at Mystery Creek this year. While they each serve different roles in the forage harvesting process, they’re tied together by common traits, robust engineering, a clear focus on reliability and design features that reflect over 100 years of practical innovation.
The team at Ag and Civil Machinery know what contractors are up against when the weather doesn’t play ball or when a job has to be done yesterday. As an independently owned dealership with a reputation for first-class parts and service support, they’re not bringing in machinery to add more logos to their yard; they’re doing it because these machines
make sense in New Zealand paddocks.
Starting at the front line is the Kemper Pro Drum Header 400 Series. While the header can sometimes be treated as an afterthought in the broader context of a forage harvester, anyone who’s harvested downed maize or worked in wet conditions knows the header is where your day can either begin well or fall apart.
The 400 Series is designed with that reality in mind. It’s built to handle crops that are tall, tangled, patchy or flattened. Its low-profile design gently gathers material, feeding it into large drums without the sort of snagging or clumping that can slow harvest progress to a crawl. The narrow tips and crop guidance features do more than tidy up stubble - they ensure that the crop is fed evenly and
continuously. That’s not just good for output, it’s essential for maintaining chopping quality and reducing the strain on the rest of the harvester.
There’s no hiding a poorly performing header in maize that’s taller than your cab, but Kemper’s design shines in exactly those conditions. The system is engineered to reduce blockages, even when weeds and residue are present. The open design allows material to flow freely and fall away rather than wrap around the machine. And when crop quality is compromised by weather or disease, the highspeed cutting rotors with their replaceable tooth segments step in to maintain a consistent cut.
A feature that will be especially appreciated by New Zealand contractors is the electronic active header height and lateral float control. In rolling
or uneven terrain, keeping a consistent angle and avoiding soil contamination can be a daily battle, but the Kemper system adapts to the ground conditions in real time. It’s not flashy - it just works and that matters more than anything when there’s a window to get silage in.
Behind the header, the new C3003 Maximum pick-up system is set to be a popular talking point. Designed specifically for Claas foragers but aligned with the practical needs of any highperforming system, this pick-up is built to keep pace with modern high-capacity harvesting.
Windrows aren’t always uniform. Soil can be wet, crops can be short and time is always tight. The C3003 meets those demands with a patented auger design that keeps crop flow smooth and uninterrupted. The auger’s screw pitch opens towards the centre, actively pushing the crop into the forager’s rollers instead of letting it bunch up. That matters not just for throughput, but also for machine longevity. Less strain on the drivetrain means fewer breakdowns and less wear on the operator.
The pick-up’s tine rotor is smaller in diameter and designed to lift, not bulldoze. That means better pick-up of short material and less dirt contamination, even on ground that’s been through multiple passes. The NZ standard fit contour-following roller, combined with a sturdy pendulum frame and large swivelling gauge wheels, allows the machine to stay balanced across slopes and uneven
Waikato Tractors
ground. You can see the thinking here: ground following isn’t a gimmick, it’s a fundamental part of minimising wear, protecting the sward and improving the quality of the final product.
Then there’s the ProfiCracker C230 - a name that will be familiar to those who take their silage seriously. Built in collaboration with Scherer Inc. from the USA, this cracker doesn’t just process the crop, it defines the nutritional value of the final feed. The TwinCut rollers produce a woollike structure, fully opening up kernels and splitting plant matter to maximise digestibility. That’s not an abstract benefit. For dairy farmers, it means better milk production. For feed contractors, it means a reputation for results that your clients can see in their troughs.
This generation of ProfiCracker also introduces practical improvements that reflect real-world harvesting needs. The roller gap can be adjusted electrically from the cab, and bearing temperatures can be monitored continuously to detect issues early. Its oil mist lubrication system keeps the bearings cool and clean without
the mess or hassle of manual greasing. It’s the sort of detail that makes a long harvest day feel a little shorter and helps machines last longer between overhauls.
Most importantly, the C230 is designed as a retrofit option. That makes it accessible to operators with existing foragers who are looking for a significant performance improvement without the price tag of a full machine upgrade. It’s an investment that extends the life of current equipment and delivers a tangible improvement to forage quality right away.
Ag and Civil Machinery is backing these machines not just with sales talk but with support. Their central Waikato location houses one of the country’s largest stocked parts departments, with a team of seven experienced parts technicians. Whether you’re buying new gear or keeping your current unit in top condition, it’s clear the service support isn’t an afterthought.
They’ll also be launching an early-order programme for spare parts, aimed at rewarding customers for forward planning and ensuring supply lines are in
place when the season turns. And they’re calling on current Kemper users across the country to get in touch, not just for parts but to share what support they need to get the best out of their machines.
If you’re heading to Mystery Creek this June, stop in and take a look at Kemper on the Ag & Civil stand. You’ll see machines that were built with purpose, but more than that, you’ll see a dealership team who understand that machinery isn’t just about specifications; it’s about solving problems before they cost you a harvest.
Buildings, sheds and food storage areas can attract large numbers of rodents, so ongoing effort is required to reduce trap or bait shyness. Our toolbox will guide you through how to manage pests across your buildings and storage areas.
Farmers looking to boost their grass harvesting efficiency this season will want to make a point of stopping by the Kverneland stand inside the pavilion at Fieldays at Mystery Creek. Among the equipment on show will be the new Kverneland 85156 C, a high-capacity tedder that is setting a new standard for productivity, accuracy and operator comfort.
Designed with serious contractors and large-scale farmers in mind, the 85156 C offers a working width of close to 16 metres, thanks to its 14 small-diameter rotors. Every part of this machine has been built to deliver high output, excellent forage quality and low downtime, even in tough conditions. The smaller rotors provide a generous overlap, improving the pick-up and uniform turning of the crop, which helps create a consistent dry-down. It is a design aimed at maximising efficiency without compromising on the quality of the end product.
One of the standout features of the 85156 C is the new TerraFlow ground-following system. Clean, accurate work is crucial when it comes to tedding, and Kverneland has taken a smart approach with this machine. TerraFlow allows each of the 14 rotors to independently adapt to the ground contours, rather than relying on the main carrier frame. This ensures that tine distance to
the ground stays constant across the full width of the
Not only does it improve forage quality by lifting and aerating the crop cleanly without dragging soil, but it also reduces the risk of wear and tear in uneven paddocks. Farmers working in challenging conditions will immediately appreciate how well the 85156 C handles changing ground, maintaining a uniform crop flow while protecting the sward.
Stability in the paddock and on the road has been given careful thought too. As standard, the 85156 C runs on large 380/55-17 tyres, with even bigger 500/5017 tyres available as an option
for those wanting extra ground protection and smoother road travel.
Ease of operation is another area where this new tedder stands out. Kverneland has designed it to work with most tractors, requiring only a single-acting valve for lifting and a double-acting valve for folding. Transport width is kept below 3 metres, and the tedder behaves like a trailer when being moved on the road, following smoothly behind the tractor. In the paddock, moving into a headland position is simple, with the operator able to lift the tedder unit via the single-acting valve for good clearance and
easy manoeuvring.
Maintenance has also been kept simple, with long service intervals, minimal greasing points, and maintenance-free driveline and rotor joints. This reduces the downtime that can eat into productive hours during a busy harvest season. New features like the hydraulic border spreading device make it easier to keep the crop within field boundaries, improving efficiency and leaving cleaner headlands. For farmers and contractors serious about getting the most out of their forage harvest, the Kverneland 85156 C will be well worth a look at Fieldays this year.
machine.
Kverneland
Kioti and Maschio
Fieldays is often the moment where talk about machinery gives way to a proper look at what is really on offer. For farmers and contractors sizing up their next purchase, it is not just about horsepower and hydraulics on paper. It is the feel of the cab, the flow of controls, and the knowledge that the thing will get the job done without fuss. This year Power Farming’s stand at Mystery Creek will be a solid place to stop, with three key bits of kit on display. Each serves a purpose, and all share a philosophy of straightforward reliable performance.
First up is the Kioti HX tractor, offering 130 to 140 horsepower. The name might not be as wellknown in every corner of the country just yet, but this new model makes a strong case for farmers wanting quality without overcomplication. It is a sizeable machine that comes in at just under 4,900 kg unladen, but it does not feel heavy-handed. The 3.8-litre common rail diesel engine under the bonnet is available in two power ratings, 130 or 140hp and it is matched to a transmission that delivers 32 forward and 32 reverse gears through an 8-speed Powershift across four ranges. That gives plenty of options, with a design that makes shifting clean and intuitive.
Inside the five-pillar panoramic cab, the focus is clearly on comfort and ease of use. There is a multi-function armrest where throttle, lift and gear settings are at your fingertips. The suspension seat is joined by an auxiliary seat with its own belt, and there are plenty of storage options and USB charging to make life easier during long days. Visibility is another strong point, especially upwards thanks to a transparent sunroof that makes loader work far more efficient. Speaking of loaders, the integrated joystick with third service and transmission controls puts everything in one place, making a job that usually demands two hands much more manageable.
The rear lift capacity sits at 4,852 kg, with electronic control and external switches on the
fender and PTO to streamline implement changes. On the hydraulic side, the load-sensing system delivers 118 litres per minute to the rear ports, giving the flow needed for more demanding operations while remaining efficient. Four rear hydraulic ports with quick couplers mean switching implements is light work, and the limited slip differential on the front axle gives traction without the drama in wet or uneven ground. All of this is backed by a four-year or 2,000-hour powertrain warranty, with a buy back guarantee available to those thinking about long-term planning.
Power Farming will also be showing two Maschio disc systems. These are tools that are quickly gaining popularity among those moving towards minimum tillage and more efficient ground preparation. The Presto semimounted disc harrow is designed for shallow seedbed work, cutting to a depth of around 10 centimetres. It is built for speed ,often run at 12 to 15 km/h, which means a lot of ground can be covered in a day without burning through diesel. The design is simple but clever, with discs set in opposing rows and wide spacing between them to prevent clogging from crop residue. Each disc sits on its own sealed hub, so there is no daily greasing or fiddling required. Maintenance in general, is minimal.
The Presto uses a hydraulic folding frame for safe and simple transport. It is strong enough to handle uneven paddocks
without compromising working depth, and the pin-and-roller adjustments mean quick changes in the field. With options for different disc profiles and large side guards to avoid striping between passes, it is a practical setup for anyone looking to make one pass do the work of three. The semi-mounted model is especially appealing for larger operations, offering the added benefit of transport wheels, lighting kits and warning boards for road safety. It is built tough, using tempered steel hinges and durable dampening blocks that absorb shock without adding unnecessary complexity. Also on the stand is the Maschio Veloce range, another light disc cultivator designed for shallow cultivation and surface work. It shares some design features with the Presto, including the two rows of independently mounted discs, rubber dampeners for each element and oil-bath hubs for
long life without the maintenance headaches. But the Veloce adds a little more finesse to the process. It is particularly well-suited to stubble management and shallow incorporation work, with disc sizes and spacing optimised to leave a fine consistent finish across the full working width. What sets the Veloce apart is its ability to maintain high work speeds, again in that 12 to 15 km/h range, without compromising soil turnover or machine stability. This is partly thanks to the careful spacing of the frame and elements, which avoids blockage and allows even distribution. In practical terms, that translates to better operating performance and reduced downtime. Contractors and larger operators will value that during peak periods. The models on offer range from 2.5 to 4 metres, giving flexibility for matching to different tractor sizes and job requirements. Both Maschio systems, Presto
Power Farming
JCB has been leading the way in telehandler innovation since it introduced the concept in 1977. In the decades since, the company has not only remained the global benchmark for these machines but has continued to raise the bar in performance, efficiency and reliability. The JCB Loadall range has grown to become one of the most comprehensive lineups in the world. Known for delivering strong residual values, low running costs and dependable build quality, these machines are trusted by operators across agriculture and construction alike.
Among the standout models in the current line-up, and featuring at Mystery Creek, is the compact and capable 525-60 Hi Viz telehandler. Designed with tight operating environments in mind, this machine has a height of just 1890mm and a narrow width of 1840mm, allowing it to access spaces that larger machines simply cannot reach. The two-speed transmission gives operators the ability to toggle between low speed for worksite compliance and high speed for roading. Meanwhile, 4WD comes as standard ensuring traction and control even in challenging ground conditions. Operator control is a priority, and the 525-60 delivers on this front with intuitive shuttle direction changes. Drivers can shift quickly and confidently using either the lever on the steering column or a conveniently located joystickmounted switch.
At the heart of this telehandler is a JCB diesel by Kohler Stage V engine that delivers 310 newton metres of torque at just 1500 rpm. That low-end torque performance means the engine
can be matched more efficiently to the transmission and hydraulic systems, reducing fuel consumption while still offering robust power delivery. Features such as the auto regeneration of the diesel particulate filter help the machine maintain peak productivity without interruption. To reduce unnecessary idling and fuel use, the AutoStop function shuts the engine off when the machine is parked and inactive.
The 525-60 Hi Viz also comes well-equipped as standard. Key features include a fully glazed cab with front and rear wipers, air conditioning, a suspension seat with lap belt, work lights front and rear and a green beacon linked to the seatbelt. The machine also includes a Q-fit carriage with manual pin locking, a grease gun and cartridge and forks designed specifically for Hi Viz models. A keypad immobiliser and start logic system add a layer of security to the package.
Stepping up in size and capability is the new 532-60 Agri Loadall. This machine is part of JCB’s latest generation of agricultural telehandlers, combining trusted engineering with an improved lift chart and enhanced user experience. Productivity, comfort and efficiency are key themes across the range, and the 532-60 illustrates these qualities well.
Lifting performance has been improved throughout the lineup, but it is the overall operator experience that sets this generation apart. JCB’s CommandPlus cab offers extra space and visibility, giving operators of all sizes a more comfortable environment to work in. Reduced fatigue leads to more productive days and fewer errors, especially in
demanding conditions.
Smart hydraulics play a key role in the machine’s performance. Regenerative systems use gravitational force to lower and retract the boom more efficiently, speeding up cycle times without demanding extra power from the engine. This has a direct impact on fuel efficiency and wear and tear. Auxiliary hydraulic venting makes it quicker and safer to switch between attachments, reducing downtime and making daily tasks simpler and safer.
Fuel efficiency is a strong selling point, and JCB backs that claim with data from over 2.5 million machine hours in the field. The DieselMAX engine at the core of the 532-60 is built for productivity and longevity. With no diesel particulate filter and a best-in-class consumption rate of 5.97 litres per hour, the engine offers significant savings without sacrificing output.
On DualTech VT models, an eco-mode reduces revs during
light-duty applications, keeping fuel use to a minimum where full power is not required.
Standard features include the CommandPlus cab, smart hydraulics, front and rear auxiliary hydraulics, up to eleven LED work lights and a choice of Powershift or DualTech variable transmissions. The 532-60 is also homologated for use as a European tractor, adding further flexibility to its application on-farm.
Together, these models showcase the breadth of the JCB Loadall range. From compact and nimble to powerful and productive, JCB has built a reputation on machines that are intuitive to operate, dependable under pressure and costeffective over the long term. For farmers and contractors looking to make a sound investment in a telehandler, the 525-60 and 53260 offer proven performance supported by JCB’s decades of experience and commitment to innovation.
and Veloce, reflect a shift toward tools that do more in a single pass, with lower fuel use and simpler operation. They are not flashy, and they do not need to be. Their strength lies in making routine work faster and more effective, reducing costs without
cutting corners on the finish. That matters, especially in a climate where margins are tight and weather windows can be unforgiving.
Together, the Kioti HX and the Maschio cultivators form a solid trio. They serve different
roles but are united by a focus on practicality, durability and value. Power Farming has brought them to Fieldays not just to show what they can do, but to start a conversation with the people who will be putting them to the test season after season.
For those walking the aisles of Mystery Creek, looking for tools that earn their keep without overcomplicating the job, it will be worth taking the time to have a proper look. In farming, as in machinery, doing the basics well still counts for a lot.
a review of.... tractors 90hp+
Manufacturers constantly re-engineer their existing tractors and add new models and new ranges. Advanced fuel-efficient engines, more efficient transmissions, factoryfitted precision farming technology, and large comfortable cabs are available on more and more models. In this feature the leading companies tell us about their new high horsepower tractors.
With the 1100 Vario MT tracked tractor, the brand is right up there in the power and performance pyramid. Designed for farmers and contractors who expect more from their machines every single day, this tractor brings together impressive strength, refined control and clever engineering to tackle the most demanding jobs with minimal fuss and maximum efficiency.
Built on more than three decades of experience in tracked tractor development, the 1100 Vario MT is no pretender in the game - it’s the culmination of years of refinement. With power ratings ranging from 511 to 618 hp across three models and an additional high-end 1167 Vario MT option that offers 673 hp, this machine isn’t shy about its capabilities. That extra punch on the top model is designed with high-demand auxiliary functions in mind, such as PTO and hydraulics, giving users the muscle where it’s most needed.
At the heart of this machine is a Man 6-cylinder in-line engine. It delivers impressive torque even at low revs thanks to a 15.2-litre displacement on most models, with the flagship variant stepping up to 16.2 litres. Fendt’s iD low engine speed concept has been applied here, with components throughout the tractor optimised to work harmoniously at reduced engine speeds. It’s a simple yet effective principle - peak torque between 1000 and 1,500 rpm - which helps keep fuel consumption down and longevity up.
The engine is complemented by a hydraulically driven cooling system, with a fan that operates on its own hydraulic circuit. This design directs heat away from the engine compartment, maintaining consistent operating temperatures even under heavy loads. Emissions are kept in check by a combination of cooled exhaust gas recirculation, diesel
oxidation catalyst, particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction without compromising performance.
Comfort and control are also front and centre in the design. The 1100 Vario MT features Fendt’s VarioDrive powertrain, which offers stepless driving from 0.02 to 40 km/h. This is a first for a tracked tractor in this horsepower category and provides smooth, efficient travel without the need for gear range selection. Power is transferred via hydrostaticmechanical distribution, with dual hydromotors ensuring constant traction. When full power isn’t required, the second hydromotor decouples to maximise efficiency.
A major part of the 1100 Vario MT’s appeal lies in its tracked undercarriage system, which is as much about protecting soil as it is about putting power down. With a 3,000 mm wheelbase and a variety of tread widths available, the tractor provides excellent contact with the ground, translating
Fendt 1100 Vario MT
to better traction and reduced compaction. The Longlife rollers, with their polyurethane snap-in rings and unique suspension system, ensure that the machine adapts flexibly to terrain without generating excess heat even during prolonged use.
The tractor’s drive and idler wheels are also carefully engineered. The drive wheel features a rubber-coated surface with a herringbone pattern that ensures effective self-cleaning and constant grip, while the idler wheel comes in different widths to suit various applications and help the tracks self-centre. A maintenance-free hydraulic tensioning system ensures the track remains tight at all times, and pressure can be easily monitored via the Varioterminal in the cab.
Suspension is another standout feature, particularly with the SmartRide+ system. Offering both coil springs and shock absorbers, the suspension connects the central carrier to the
chassis allowing for 11 degrees of swing to keep the tractor firmly planted on uneven ground. The addition of self-levelling in the SmartRide+ setup means that even with heavy attachments, the tractor maintains its balance keeping traction consistent and comfort high. Adjustments to the suspension height can be made from the cab at the push of a button, making it easier to manage ballast and weight distribution depending on the job at hand.
Speaking of ballast, the 1100 Vario MT allows for front idler and undercarriage weights to be configured depending on field conditions and usage requirements. The SmartRide+ system also enables easy mounting and dismounting of front weights, helping to simplify operations and reduce downtime.
Inside the cab, Fendt has gone for familiarity and functionality. With its two-point suspension - the first of its kind
in a tracked tractor - the cab provides excellent comfort on the move. Visibility is wide and clear in all directions, and the controls follow the logical layout Fendt operators have come to appreciate. It’s a spacious, practical environment that makes long hours a little easier. High-performance hydraulics are another strength. With two separate circuits capable of delivering up to 440 litres per minute, and separate oil supplies for hydraulics and transmission, the system avoids throttling losses and helps reduce wear. Maintenance intervals of 2,000 hours or two years add to the tractor’s appeal for those looking to keep operational costs down without sacrificing performance. For those relying on precision technology, the 1100 Vario MT comes guidance-ready as standard, with support for NovAtel or Trimble receivers. With signal correction accuracy down to 2 cm and the option to add features like VarioGuide
LOADER
Contour Assistant, the tractor is well set up for controlled traffic or high-precision tillage work. There are other small but thoughtful touches too. A large 1,320-litre diesel tank and 135-litre AdBlue capacity mean fewer stops to refuel. All the filling points are grouped together and accessible from the same side, making daily maintenance checks and top-ups that much more straightforward. Optional dirt guards can be fitted to protect the track components and extend the life of the rollers. Overall, the Fendt 1100 Vario MT is a serious piece of equipment for those with serious work to do. It brings together sheer horsepower with clever, soil-sensitive engineering all in a package that’s surprisingly refined given its size. Whether you’re breaking ground or hauling heavy loads across vast paddocks, this machine doesn’t just get the job done - it does it with a level of control, comfort and consistency.
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JCB Fastrac icon 4000 Series tractor
There’s a sense of confidence that comes with machinery built on decades of refinement and in the case of the JCB Fastrac icon 4220 from the 4000 Series, that confidence is more than justified. As Power Farming takes the reins as the exclusive distributor of JCB Agriculture in New Zealand, farmers are being offered a machine that’s not only different from the rest - it’s a smart, highly capable tool designed to meet the real-world demands of modern agriculture.
With more than 25 years of development behind it, the JCB Fastrac has carved out a reputation for going against the grain and delivering results while doing so. The 4000 Series continues to push that philosophy forward, bringing together hallmark features such as equal-sized wheels, four-wheel steering, 50:50 weight distribution and all-round self-levelling suspension. These aren’t just technical detailsthey’re what give the 4220 its trademark balance, stability, and ease of use across a wide range of farming conditions.
In terms of versatility, the Fastrac 4220 stands out. Whether you’re working in grassland, arable fields, haulage operations or livestock support, this tractor is built to adapt. Front and rear hitches, PTOs and a rear deck offer multiple mounting points for implements, while the adaptable chassis makes it easy to tailor the machine to the job at hand. The rear linkage lifts up to 8,000kg, and with an optional 3,500kg front linkage, the tractor is well equipped for even the heaviest attachments.
The full-length chassis and midmounted cab don’t just provide structural integrity - they also make it easier to mount ballast or extra implements on the rear deck. That flexibility extends into day-to-day operations, where time and efficiency matter most. With isobus compatibility and a configurable control layout, switching between tasks and equipment becomes a far smoother process. It’s a setup that allows farmers and contractors to do more with one
machine, saving time, fuel and effort.
Speed is another area where the 4220 quietly outpaces the rest. It’s capable of travelling at up to 60kph, helping farmers cover ground more efficiently, particularly valuable when jobs are spread across a wide area. Crucially, that speed is backed up by handling and safety features designed for confidence on the move. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, selectable four-wheel steering modes and a hydrostatic dual steering system give the Fastrac a degree of stability and control few other tractors can match.
Hydraulics are another strong suit. The icon 4220 offers a maximum oil flow of 195 litres per minute, with 100 litres per sliceenough to power even the most sophisticated, high-demand implements. Whether you’re mowing, spraying, cultivating or transporting, this machine has the hydraulic muscle and precision control to get the job done efficiently and with minimal setup time.
Inside the cab, it’s clear that JCB has invested heavily in the operator experience. Centrally located, the cab enhances ride comfort and supports the Fastrac’s naturally balanced design. Advanced suspension smooths out rough terrain, while a 60˚ rotating, heated and ventilated seat ensures that the
operator is always in the ideal position - particularly when working with rear-mounted implements.
Comfort extends beyond the basics, too. Automatic climate control maintains a pleasant working environment regardless of weather conditions, while a full-size instructor’s seat makes it practical for training or shared operations. The cab is equipped with a 12-inch HD touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity and a customisable armrest layout that gives operators full control at their fingertips. It’s a space designed for productivity - more mobile office than old-school tractor cab.
At the heart of the icon 4220 is a reliable, efficient engine producing between 167 and 218 horsepower, with maximum torque of up to 1,000Nm. It’s a powerplant designed not just for strength but for consistency, delivering reliable output in a wide range of conditions. This engine, combined with intelligent transmission control, makes for a machine that performs just as well on the road as it does in the paddock.
For New Zealand operators seeking a machine that can keep pace with the growing complexity of modern agriculture, the JCB Fastrac icon 4220 offers a compelling mix of power, precision and practicality. It’s built not just
for today’s challenges but with an eye toward the evolving demands of tomorrow.
Power Farming’s backing ensures that buyers have access to a strong support network, including full workshop services, parts availability and warranty cover. That peace of mind - knowing the machine is supported by a team that understands the importance of uptime - adds another layer of value to the investment.
The Fastrac’s year-round adaptability is perhaps one of its most valuable qualities. With a broad choice of tyres and track widths and a layout that supports additional implements or ballast, it can be configured to suit a wide variety of conditions and farming systems. It’s not about ticking boxes, it’s about delivering a machine that fits the way farmers and contractors actually work.
In a world where efficiency, comfort and safety matter more than ever, the Fastrac icon 4220 makes a strong case for itself. Available for viewing at National Fieldays (and look out for the demo tour in spring across the country), this is a machine that reflects decades of refinement and a clear understanding of what modern farmers and contractors need: the ability to do more, move faster and work smarter, without compromising on safety or comfort.
A tractor is a big investment, so it should deliver quality that you can rely on day in and day out.
The high-quality components of Claas tractors, combined with the Claas commitment to high service standards ensure that your investment is protected for the long term.
Claas is known and trusted for dominating harvest. Now, they’ve applied that same legacy of engineering excellence to tractors built for today and ready for tomorrow.
In 1993 Claas unveiled its first tractor, a groundbreaking innovation in agricultural machinery: the Xerion. Its versatility set it apart from conventional tractors right from the start. With its four equally sized wheels, continuously variable transmission, high engine power and many other unique features, the Xerion is an ideal tractor for a wide range of applications. Since it went into series production in 1997, the Xerion has become a major player in international agricultural technology.
In 2002, Claas was presented with an unexpected opportunity when the renowned tractor manufacturer Renault Agriculture was put up for sale. The two companies eventually merged. Helmut Claas and Patrick Faure sealed the deal
in Paris in the run-up to the French Sima trade fair in 2003. Claas initially acquired a stake in Renault Agriculture and then took over the tractor factory in Le Mans with its rich tradition in several stages. Renault orange was replaced by Claas seed green, and the long-held Claas dream of manufacturing its own tractors was finally realised. With this step, Claas achieved an important goal: the company successfully expanded from a specialist in harvesting.
Claas Harvest Centre are proud to bring the global power of Claas tractors to this side of the world, offering farmers and contractors the performance, comfort and innovation they need to face the future of farming head-on. They are proud to represent a brand that understands the diverse needs of farming and engineers tractors to meet them head-on. Claas is trusted in harvest machinery, and now they are challenging farmers to trust them in tractors too. As one of the leading manufacturers of agricultural machinery, Claas offers a wide range of tractors to tackle your everyday challenges from drilling to tillage and transport. They have taken everything they know about innovation, performance and comfort and applied it to tractors built for today’s and
tomorrow’s challenges.
From the nimble workhorse to the paddock powerhouse, Claas tractors are built for every challenge.
For tight spaces and daily utility up to 130hp, the Claas Nexos 220–260 Series and Claas Arion 410–430 models offer big capability in a nimbler workhorse. From tight spaces to lighter fieldwork, these compact tractors are built to deliver precision, control and comfort all in a smaller footprint. Whether for mowing, loader work, light tillage or specialised farm operations such as vineyard or orchard work these low-horsepower models bring serious versatility to farmers’ and contractors’ operations. With smart transmission options, fuel-efficient performance and ergonomic design they’re made to move smoothly and work smarter, because even the smallest tractors should rise to the challenge.
For true all-round versatility from 130 to 205hp, the Claas Arion 500 and 600 Series as well as the Claas Arion 600 C Series are ideal. When the job list is long and the demands change by the hour, you need a tractor that can handle it all. Claas mid-range tractors bring the perfect balance of power, agility and comfort making them the go-to choice for general farm work, transport, tillage and more. Big enough to
take on serious work and nimble enough to do it anywhere.
For heavy-duty performance and serious scale over 205hp, Claas offers the Axion 800–870, the Axion 920–960 Series and the Xerion 12 and 4200–5000 models. When it comes to heavyduty fieldwork and large-scale operations, you need a tractor built to go the distance. Claas high-horsepower tractors deliver the strength, efficiency and reliability you need to keep moving even when conditions are at their toughest.
Claas tractors offer redefined comfort, with an intuitive cab design and ergonomic controls to keep you focused and fatiguefree. Every Claas tractor delivers smart technology, ergonomic comfort and reliable efficiency because one size doesn’t fit all.
The optimal functioning of agricultural machines depends on the finely tuned interaction between all components. Claas makes sure that all the individual drive components in their agricultural machines are perfectly matched and constitute their Claas Power Systems (CPS). The idea behind CPS is that each component of the drive systems in the machines is carefully selected for its optimum ability to perform the task and interact with the other components. Claas creates the very best individual assembly for each machine. This approach allows Claas the flexibility to buy in components in situations where in-house developments could restrict their ability to respond. They can rely on their own innovative strength and manufacture certain components in-house, such as the Cmatic transmission for the Arion tractor, or buy the right component from other providers. Claas Power Systems removes dependency on specific drives and construction methods, a significant advantage in continuously implementing state-of-the-art technology. Whether you’re mowing, cultivating, hauling or all of the above, Claas Harvest Centre has your tractor. Contact your local dealership to book a demonstration or chat with one of our sales team to learn more about what each Claas tractor can do to increase your on-farm efficiency.
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SCAN ME
The Massey Ferguson MF 8700 S Series continues the brand’s long-standing tradition of building powerful, intelligent tractors with a clear focus on operator comfort, functionality and genuine productivity gains. Designed with larger-scale farming operations in mind, the MF 8700 S packs a serious punch when it comes to horsepower and hydraulic muscle, but it’s the balance between technology and usability that sets it apart. At the heart of the machine is the proven 8.4-litre AGCO Power engine, offering up to 370 hp. This is the most powerful tractor Massey Ferguson has ever produced, and it delivers that power efficiently with minimal fuel consumption thanks to the well-matched driveline and Cyclair cooling system.
variable transmission. This setup eliminates gear shifts and jolts, giving the operator complete control over speed and torque. Whether creeping along
range of tasks.
Dynamic Tractor Management (DTM) works hand-in-hand with the Dyna-VT transmission to adjust engine speed based on
limits, tailoring the machine’s performance to match the job at hand.
Hydraulically, the MF 8700 S is equipped to deal with modern
Massey Ferguson
Elmer's Haulmaster
The closed centre load-sensing hydraulic system delivers a hefty 205 litres per minute of oil flow, ensuring fast response across all services.
For operators using increasingly complex equipment, the ‘Power Beyond’ facility routes oil directly from the pump to additional valves, maximising hydraulic potential. Fingertip spool management and separate controls for front linkage and couplers make operating even the most complicated gear a far more straightforward task. Coupling up is made easier too, with decompression couplers and external controls placed conveniently on both rear fenders.
When it comes to working longer hours – and often in challenging light, the MF 8700 S’s cab is a standout feature. The spacious Panorama cab offers 360-degree visibility, reduced noise levels and a suite of comfort features including a suspended seat, climate control and semi-active cab suspension. Controls are well laid out and familiar to anyone with experience of modern Massey Ferguson machines. A redesigned lighting package includes 18 LED work lights to help keep the job moving after dark.
Sitting at the heart of the cab is the Datatronic 5 terminal. This 9-inch touch screen gives operators access to a wide range of functions, including headland management, application rate control, ISOBUS implement management and camera views for improved safety and visibility. The interface is comparable to a modern smartphone or tablet, designed to be intuitive and easy to use. It also serves as the hub for Massey Ferguson’s precision farming systems, including auto-guide steering, MF Connect telemetry solution and TaskDoc data recording.
Datatronic 5 also supports ISOBUS MultiPad switch assignment, allowing implement controls to be mapped directly onto the joystick. This consolidates all main functions into a single hand, giving the operator better control with less effort. Once settings are configured, they can be saved, shared across machines or
recalled as needed – a valuable tool for contractors or farms with multiple operators.
In the field, the MF 8700 S handles a wide variety of jobs with confidence. Cruise control and an engine ‘Supervisor’ system automatically adjust power to maintain set speeds, ensuring consistent output without unnecessary revving or fuel use. With up to six rear and two front spool valves and options for integrated front PTO and linkage, the tractor is capable of operating a broad range of tools in all seasons.
The attention to detail continues with the braking and transport systems. Oilimmersed disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, while an optional air braking system ensures compatibility and safety with trailed implements. Active
Transport Control comes as standard, damping the bounce of heavy rear implements during transport to protect both tractor and operator.
Ride quality is further enhanced by the Quadlink suspended front axle, which works with the cab suspension and ATC to create a stable, comfortable platform for long days on uneven ground or sealed roads. Large-diameter rear wheels and a range of tyre options – including Michelin’s AxioBib 2 – help distribute the tractor’s weight more evenly, preserving soil structure and improving traction by creating longer contact patches.
The electronic linkage control system remains one of Massey Ferguson’s strongest features.
On the MF 8700 S, the latest version offers high accuracy and
easy adjustment of depth and sensitivity, helping to maintain traction and work rates while cutting down on wheel slip and tyre wear. It’s the sort of system that becomes second nature with use, helping get the most out of heavy ground-engaging gear.
Throughout the MF 8700 S, there’s a clear design emphasis on making hard jobs easier. From the redesigned hitch systems and electronic controls to the way engine and hydraulic power are matched to workload, this is a tractor built for serious users who want both capability and refinement. While it’s certainly a high-spec machine, it avoids feeling overcomplicated thanks to the logical control layout and the ability to automate or personalise a wide range of functions.
Kubota’s M7-2 Series sits at the top of its tractor range for good reason, with three models delivering between 130 and 170 hp, and a design squarely aimed at professional farmers, the M7-2 strikes a solid balance between grunt, comfort and intuitive operation. It’s a range that doesn’t try to be flashy but rather focuses on doing the job right – whether that’s in the paddock, towing, working PTOdriven gear, or just putting in a full day’s work without missing a beat.
Kubota’s original M7-1 Series made a strong first impression when it launched; the M7-2 has made a good thing even better. The company has clearly taken on feedback from farmers across New Zealand and Australia, tweaking key areas to make the M7-2 more productive, more comfortable and more fuel efficient. Lowering the rated engine speed from 2200 to 2100 rpm and the maximum output speed to 1900 rpm, has improved fuel economy, brought down engine noise and added usable power in the ranges that matter most when towing or running PTO equipment. It’s a small change on paper, but it makes a big difference in day-today operation.
Under the bonnet, all three models are powered by Kubota’s 6.1 litre, four-cylinder V6108 diesel engine, and it does its work with a quiet confidence. Engine output across the range is solid – 128, 148 and 168 hp
respectively. Torque is there when you need it, but the real story is how smoothly the engine delivers across that rev range, especially when working under load. With a 390-litre fuel tank on board, you’re set for a full day’s work without needing to stop and top up.
Transmission options are where the M7-2 offers real flexibility. Standard across the range is a semi-powershift transmission with 30 forward (54 incl Creep) and 15 reverse gears. This system gives operators more choice when it comes to selecting the right gear for the job, especially thanks to the six main gears now available in the key working range. An auto-shifting function also comes into play, helping the tractor adjust to load conditions by automatically choosing the right gear and engine output –particularly handy when heading uphill with a heavy load or needing quick acceleration. For those looking for more control, the premium models offer the Kubota variable transmission (KVT), which delivers a virtually infinite number of speed settings and even more nuanced control. Hydraulics have also had a lot of attention. Premium and deluxe models come standard with a closed centre load sensing system (CCLS), allowing for greater responsiveness and multitasking capability. For those running implements that demand serious hydraulic performance, this makes
a noticeable difference. The standard models come with an 80 l/min gear-type pump and three mechanical auxiliary valves as standard, with the option of adding a fourth. Linkage lift capacity is a generous 9,400 kg, which means the M7-2 can handle big gear without getting bogged down.
Comfort inside the cab is another area where Kubota hasn’t cut corners. The fourpost suspended cab is quiet, spacious and designed to reduce fatigue, especially on long days. Clear sightlines in every direction are helped by the lack of centre pillars, and the decibel level inside has been brought down again in this model. The deluxe seat is a genuine improvement – more cushioning, better armrests and a wider range of adjustment options all combine to make the cab a much nicer place to spend 10 or 12 hours at a time. Ease of use is baked into the M7-2’s design. Kubota has worked hard to make operation more intuitive and straightforward, especially for those who don’t want to be constantly fiddling with controls or deciphering complex displays. In the premium and premium KVT models, the ez-command centre consolidates most of the major functions into one console. The right-hand lever operates most tractor functions, leaving the left hand free for steering. It’s a practical approach that feels natural after only a short time
in the seat. Also available on these models is the K-monitor pro – a large touchscreen display that keeps four core functions in view at all times: tractor settings, implement controls, gps guidance and camera monitoring. Again, it’s less about bells and whistles and more about simplifying everyday use.
Dimension-wise, all three M7-2 standard models sit on the same footprint: 4,770 mm long, 2,500 mm wide and 3,010 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm. Ground clearance is 410 mm and turning radius is a tight 6.35m. All models run on 4WD with wet disc brakes and offer travel speeds from 0.37 km/h up to either 40 km/h or 50km/h. In other words, they’re compact enough to manoeuvre easily but with enough heft to handle heavy-duty work.
For operators who rely on their tractor as the central tool on the farm, the M7-2 standard models offer a reliable, no-nonsense solution that doesn’t compromise on features where they count. Kubota’s build quality remains as solid as ever, and their focus on listening to customer needs – particularly in our part of the world – has paid off with this latest iteration.
What you get with the M7-2 is a tractor that’s ready to work from the minute it’s delivered.
It’s capable, refined and designed with the working farmer in mind. No flash, just functionality, and in this part of the world that’s exactly what most people are looking for.
Kubota
In the world of highhorsepower tractors, the New Holland T9 Series stands as a testament to the power, advanced technology and exceptional engineering of New Holland machinery. Whether it’s tillage, seeding or harvest time, the T9 has been purpose-built to handle it all. With horsepower ratings ranging from 425 to a formidable 645, the T9 delivers the kind of performance expected of a flagship range - but it does so with a superior level of operator comfort, control and connectivity.
From the moment you step into the redesigned cab, it becomes clear this machine has been built with the operator in mind. Long hours in the paddock are the norm, not the exception, and New Holland has responded with one of the most advanced, comfortable work environments on the market. The cab is quiet and spacious, boasting a highvisibility RHS window, automatic climate control, even optional telescopic and electronic mirrors. The glassed-in volume of 132 cubic feet paired with a 360-degree view enhances ease of operation, while features like Comfort Ride suspension and the low interior noise level of just 74 decibels add a layer of luxury to an otherwise rugged machine.
The T9’s ease of operation lies in the SideWinder Ultra armrest and IntelliView 12 display. It’s a control package that rethinks what tractor interfaces should
be - clear, customisable and intuitive. The CommandGrip handle, standard across the series, puts major functions at the operator’s fingertips, while the display delivers real-time information with seamless navigation. Whether it’s adjusting hydraulics, setting guidance lines, or tweaking transmission behaviour, the T9 enables on-the-go decisions without the guesswork or constant reaching for separate controls.
The flexibility offered by this range is a key reason it continues to earn its place on large-scale farms. Wheeled and SmartTrax variants provide options to suit a vast range of different applications, while transmission choices include the Ultra Command full powershift or the Auto Command continuously variable transmission (CVT). Wheeled models are capable of up to 40 km/h road speed, depending on configuration, which means more time working and less time travelling between jobs.
Each model in the T9 range is designed with specific horsepower demands in mind, beginning with the T9.470 and moving through to the top-end T9.700. The latter boasts a rated horsepower of 645, with a massive 699 horsepower available under Engine Power Management. The Cursor 13 two-stage turbo engines in the larger frame models provide
maximum torque up to 3,061 Nm at just 1,400 rpm, giving operators consistent pulling power throughout the rev range. This is a tractor designed not only to work hard but to keep working, day in and day out, with service intervals stretching to 600 hours.
Hydraulic capability is another area where the T9 excels. Closed Centre Load Sensing (CCLS) systems come standard, and flow rates up to a massive 428 litres per minute depending on configuration. With up to eight rear electrohydraulic remote valves and optional joystick control, the T9 is more than capable of managing today’s sophisticated implements with accuracy and ease. Rear lift capacities top out at over 9,000 kg, while PTO power peaks at 530 hp at 1,800 engine rpmenough for even the most powerhungry equipment.
Connectivity is another standout strength. New Holland’s PLM Intelligence platform transforms the T9 into a truly connected machine. Remote access to the IntelliView 12 display means support staff can diagnose issues or provide training without ever stepping foot in the cab. With telematics and data sharing features, the T9 can be fully integrated into digital farm management systems, improving decisionmaking and helping operators get the best from their investment.
What’s striking about the T9 is how well it balances its technical
muscle with a surprisingly refined approach to farming. This isn’t just a tool for pulling heavy kit, it’s a precision machine that understands the rhythm of modern agriculture. It’s designed for farmers who need absolute reliability, but who also value data, comfort and the ability to adjust on the fly. The T9 doesn’t just fit into the future of farming - it’s helping define it.
With tractors, the spec sheet tells one part of the story, but the rest comes down to how it feels in the field. For many operators, the T9 isn’t just about horsepower, torque figures or hydraulicsalthough it excels in all three. It’s about getting into a cab that feels familiar and tailored, knowing that every function has been built to enhance productivity. It’s about trusting that when conditions turn, the machine won’t falter. It’s about comfort at the end of a 14-hour day, and the peace of mind that connectivity provides when issues arise. And most of all, it’s about confidence - confidence that you’ve chosen a tractor that’s engineered not only for power, but for every part of the job.
From the solid backbone of the wheeled variants to the low compaction benefits of the SmartTrax system, the T9 is versatile without compromise. It’s a machine built to tackle the vast, varied and often unforgiving conditions of largescale farming. And it does so with precision and unmistakable grit, season after season.
New Holland
PERFECT PARTNER PASTURE’S
Canterbury farmer reclaims farm life with spreader upgrade
A strong focus on producing their dairy feed requirements on-farm meant North Canterbury producer Sandy Fleming used to spend most of his time on the family’s fertiliser spreader. However, that’s all changed in recent years after they decided to invest in an upgrade.
Sandy is the fourth generation in the Fleming farming family near Culverden.
Together with his father, Mark, they milk about 1050 predominantly Friesian cows on a 400-hectare property and grow 300 yearling replacements, 300 rising twoyear-old replacements and young bulls on a 230ha support block.
“We produce 130 bulls at the other farm and some are used over our cows, including Speckle Park bulls, while Jersey bulls are
used over our ‘first-calvers’ and some of the bulls are also fattened for processing,” Sandy said.
With dairy and beef commodities currently in good shape, Sandy said the family would look to increase their cow numbers, as well as continue to produce their feed ‘in-house’.
AR1 ryegrass is grown for the cows and pea and barley cereal crops are produced for silage production.
“We do buy in some straw, but we like to cut and make our own silage. We also occasionally produce hay and grass bales on our support block.”
Fertilisers are spread every month on the grasses from September through to April, and the cereals receive one application after establishment.
The Flemings apply N-Protect, superphosphate and ammonium sulphate fertilisers and, like most growers, their nitrogen (N) applications are capped, restricting them to applying a maximum of
190 units of N per annum.
Sandy said they were previously using a twin axle spreader, but then upgraded to an Agrispread single axle system after considering various options and viewing it at the South Island Agricultural Field Days, and it had since offered multiple benefits.
In practical terms, it allowed the Flemings to set their spread width out to 24 metres compared with 15m with their previous spreader, which immediately meant significantly less time spreading for Sandy.
The Agrispread range is accredited to spread to 36m depending on weather conditions.
“All my time was spreading fertiliser, whereas now I have the time to go and do other farm jobs,” Sandy said.
The Flemings Agrispread AS65 spreader holds about 4t of nitrogen and up to 9t of lime and is pulled by either John Deere 7290 or Fendt 828 tractors.
“Our previous spreader was a good wagon and run off a cog, but it’s not as good as the Agrispread hydraulic drive system,” Sandy said.
The Agrispread machine also offers hydraulic control of the spinners and drop point adjustment, as well as the use of load cells to ensure the most accurate spreading of material right across its working width.
The hydraulic-driven spreaders are compatible with most ISOBUS GPS systems for monitoring and control of spread rates from inside the cab, and they come ready for variable rate applications and with the option of section control.
“We had a few issues to sort out initially, but once we had it set up, we found it to be very accurate,” Sandy said.
“We’ve always been fans of load cells and the accuracy is brilliant and the spread pattern is very good.
“Every time I spread something different, I do 5ha, write the weight down and I’ve got everything saved. Then I run the numbers and once I know, I just keep going.”
Sandy said the Agrispread spreader also was a quality-built machine that still “looked like new” and it was great for traversing over pivot ruts compared with the tandem axle spreader.
He said in future with the machine, he may look to add “hungry boards” to increase its capacity, section control, variable rate applications and tractor spreading tyres for climbing hills, which he had seen on the Agrispread Facebook page.
Sandy Fleming with daughter Violet and son Lucas alongside the Agrispread AS65 that’s helped reclaim valuable time on the family’s North Canterbury farm.
SaMASZ has spoken: NZ in top 5
FarmShop has set an ambitious goal to become New Zealand’s market leader for hay mowers by 2027 and, to achieve this, they’ve teamed up with global frontrunners in the industry: SaMASZ
Based in Poland, SaMASZ operates in over 70 countries and has manufactured more than 160,000 mowers since its inception in 1984. This year key personnel from the company, Jake Korczowski and Łukasz Łapiński visited New Zealand to connect with the owners of its mowers.
The company’s regular visits to New Zealand reflect its commitment to staying in touch with its customers. By putting themselves in the shoes of the end-users, the team gains invaluable insight into what is needed to build the ultimate mower.
Listening to customers is a core strength of the manufacturer, a value that is equally shared by FarmShop. This most recent trip was a clear example of how the large European company is truly engaged with its market.
The R&D road trip took them across a number of regions, including Hinds, Waimate, Otago, Tapanui, Omarama, Wanaka and Waikato. Special thanks go to the farmers and contractors who generously welcomed them to their farms and shared their experiences.
During their trip, they had the
opportunity to interview Jake, who is part of the UK Business Development and Marketing team. He also asked Łukasz, the Regional Export Director about New Zealand’s significance as a market and what he enjoys about working with FarmShop, New Zealand’s top dealer.
Jake highlighted that the most significant innovation for the New Zealand market has been in the design of the mower conditioner tines. In the harsh New Zealand conditions, premature wear and tear was a recurring issue. The company responded by redesigning the conditioner tines, making them more aggressive, a change they’ve dubbed the ‘Bear Claw’ tine. This was especially beneficial for the South Island’s irrigated grass and heavy crops,
which were struggling with the previous design. Additionally, the stony ground in the South Island led to modifications in the blade holders and pressure plates. The original design had issues with blades detaching when hitting foreign objects, so changes were made that included an off-centre hook on the tine holder to ensure blades stay firmly in place. Jake pointed out that the redesign process was completed in just four weeks, demonstrating the company’s agility in responding to customer needs.
“The standout would have to be modifying the shape and mount of the conditioner tines. The harsh NZ conditions meant we were getting premature wear and tear, so we made the conditioners more aggressive
– we call them our ‘Bear Claw’ tine. The South Island’s irrigated grass and heavy crops struggled with the old style of conditioners. So that was a no-brainer for us.
“Again, with the South Island’s stony ground we redesigned the blade holders and the pressure plates. Originally we had issues with the blades coming off the holder when colliding with foreign objects. So we changed the design about two years ago. There is now an off-centre hook on the tine holder, so if it does hit an object the blade stays firmly in place. We’re excellent at adapting things quickly - I think this process took just four weeks,” said Jake.
Another valuable insight came from a conversation with Harry Murdoch from Murdoch Agricultural Contracting, about the new ISOBUS mowers. Harry brought up an issue regarding the grease cartridges used in New Zealand, where the standard is a 450cc cartridge, slightly larger than the 400cc cartridges commonly used in Europe. This small detail unnoticed by most, was addressed promptly by the
From redesigned tines to grease cartridge updates, SaMASZ operates in over 70 countries and has manufactured more than 160,000 mowers since its inception in 1984.
SaMASZ and FarmShop’s hands-on collaboration with Kiwi farmers is driving mower innovation tailored to New Zealand’s toughest conditions.
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“This issue may have gone unnoticed if it wasn’t for the catch up. It’s just a little thing, but they all add up to make an investment more satisfying for customers. It proves having conversations with end-users can make a big difference,” continued Jake.
Jake also shared his admiration for the New Zealand market, noting that it is one of the most demanding markets in the world. In New Zealand contractors often cover much more ground per season than their counterparts in other countries. Jake cited the example of David O’Neil in the South Island, who covers 5,000 hectares using just a set of Triples. In the UK a contractor might need two or three sets of Triples to cover the same area. The challenging terrain in New Zealand, with its rocky ground and diverse conditions further emphasises the demands placed on equipment.
New Zealand farmers, Jake added, are known for their openness and willingness to give honest feedback something the company values greatly. Unlike in other markets where feedback is often filtered through multiple channels, farmers in New Zealand are direct and clear in their communication. This straightforwardness allows for continuous product improvement. Jake also remarked on the strong sense of community among New Zealand farmers, who often
share their positive experiences with equipment and customer service.
“Everyone in NZ is very open and welcoming. They’re happy to chat and voice their opinion, which is unique to other countries where feedback is often different to what they might voice to a mate. By knowing about the little niggles, we can improve. Whereas Kiwis will give it to us straight and that’s what we thrive on. The more feedback we get – the more we can test and adapt,” Jake noted.
Jake went on to explain that the manufacturer stands out from its competitors due to its family-owned nature. While the company is one of the top five producers of grass equipment worldwide, it retains a ‘roll up your sleeves’ mentality, rather than a corporate hierarchical approach. This allows the team to maintain direct communication with the engineers and designers behind the products. Jake himself, for example, is able to FaceTime the engineers who design the parts when there’s an issue in the field, bypassing the usual channels through dealers. This level of direct communication ensures quick tailored solutions and minimal downtime for customers.
A big selling point for New Zealand farmers has been the affordability of the mowers. Jake shared that many customers have been surprised by how much more cost-effective their machines are compared to the competition, particularly when it comes to parts and warranty. “Well, it’s worth pointing out here that everyone was impressed with FarmShop and
how it’s run. As for our mowers, we’ve had very good feedback on the cost of our mowers. The two-year warranty was also appreciated. It surprised us that two years is not standard in NZ. It doesn’t scare us because we’ve got nothing to hide.
“They told us the cost of parts were very fair too. The price discrepancy between us and other leading brands was a shock to me. A good example is the cutting units where a leading competitor is nearly double the price of ours.”
“Feedback was always good about the build quality and paint system. While they are heavier than some of the competition, we had plenty of comments from customers who really put their mower through its paces, things like ‘I drove into a trough, wiped the trough out and all I had to do was change four blades and a cutting unit and went on my merry way’. And a good one from Harry who said, ‘The first day out on the new kit, Emma pulled a truck tyre in through the front mower. All they needed were two new blades to get going again’,” Jake added.
As for Łukasz, the Regional Export Director, he expressed his admiration for the growth and ambition of FarmShop. He was particularly impressed by FarmShop’s goal of becoming the number one dealer in New
Zealand, and after this visit he is confident that they will achieve it. Łukasz noted the significant progress that FarmShop has made since his last visit just 12 months ago and praised the company’s marketing efforts.
“I am very impressed with the development and business plan of FarmShop, especially the goal of being the #1 NZ dealer. Everyone is inspired by this goal and after this trip we really believe in it,” said Lukasz.
Award-winning precision: Fendt 620 Vario takes top honours
Fendt’s latest innovation has already made a bold impression, taking out a top honour in a newly created category at the prestigious Tractor of the Year 2025 Awards, held during the EIMA trade fair in Italy. The Fendt 620 Vario DP, part of the newly launched 600 Vario Series, was named ‘MidPower Tractor of the Year 2025’, while the Fendt e107 Vario, a fully battery-electric model, took home the ‘Sustainable Tractor of the Year 2025’ accolade.
Winning in a brand-new category is no small feat, but the 620 Vario DP did so convincingly. The jury praised its “technology and innovations as well as its ability to tackle the most complex challenges in agriculture”. At the core of that praise was its powerful and efficient engine, designed to run at low speeds without sacrificing performance. Add to that advanced hydraulics, an intelligent transmission, and exceptional manoeuvrability and precision, and the award becomes easy to understand.
The 600 Vario Series made its global debut at Agritechnica 2023 and has filled a gap in the mid-power tractor market with purpose and poise. Sitting in the 150 to 200 horsepower range, these compact fourcylinder machines combine surprising grunt with smart engineering and agility. They feature Fendt’s familiar FendtONE interface and are designed to deliver across a broad range of farming tasks – from grassland and arable work to transport and municipal applications. Whether lifting, towing, cultivating or planting, the 600 Vario shows up ready for the job.
It’s a tractor shaped by innovation but inspired by nature. With hp ratings from 149 to 224 hp across four models – the 614, 616, 618 and 620 – the 600 Series draws on traits found in the natural world. That idea is not
just a marketing slogan, but a clear ethos behind its development: compact strength, agility, efficiency and adaptability all wrapped into one elegant package. The low power-to-weight ratio, combined with a high payload and class-leading manoeuvrability, gives farmers more options with fewer compromises.
Christoph Gröblinghoff, Chairman of the Fendt Management Board, was quick to underline what sets the 600 Vario apart. “The Fendt 600 Vario fits perfectly into the newly created category of mid-range tractors,” he said. “Farmers around the world are impressed by its manoeuvrability, compact size and strong performance. This series also brings technologies from the high-horsepower tractors, such as the low-speed concept and VarioDrive, into the power class up to 200 hp, and thus meets the requirements of innovative businesses.”
Fendt’s second win of the night was also one with an eye on the future. The fully electric Fendt e107 Vario – offering 55 kW of power and a 100 kWh battery – is aimed at intensive yet lower-demand roles like vegetable farming, livestock operations, and local government work. With an expected operating time of between four and seven hours in the partial load range, it shows
Dr. Franz Dominic Esser (Director of Sales Fendt EME), Christoph Gröblinghoff (Chairman of the Fendt Management Board) and Roland Schmidt (Vice President Fendt Marketing) are delighted to receive two TotY 2025 Awards.
genuine progress toward practical electric options in the field.
The jury applauded the e107 Vario for its “sustainable use of energy and resources” and summed up the machine simply: “This tractor combines innovation with sustainability. With its cutting-edge technology it delivers great performance while being eco-friendly. Designed for the future, it uses alternative energy and is equipped to handle all kinds of agricultural tasks.”
Fendt’s win adds to a long tradition of success in the Tractor of the Year Awards. The German manufacturer has now secured the main category title more times than any other brand since the award’s inception in 1998 – a point of pride, no doubt, but also a testament to its consistent focus on quality, design and future-facing solutions. With the 600 Vario and e107 Vario, that tradition clearly continues.
Award-winning innovation meets sustainability as Fendt’s electric e107 Vario and mid-range 600 Series pushes the boundaries of performance and eco-conscious engineering.
CHOOSE THE CULTIVATOR THAT SUITS YOUR SOIL
KVERNELAND ENDURO T
FOLDING TRAILED STUBBLE CULTIVATOR
• Great for medium & large scale farmers
• Machines available for demo North and South Islands
KVERNELAND QUALIDISC
COMPACT DISC
HARROW
• Compact and sturdy
• Good penetration
• Simple adjustment
• Long lasting discs
• Perfect cutting angle
• Maintenance-free bearings
KVERNELAND TURBO T
UNIVERSAL CULTIVATOR
• Operate at high forward speeds whilst maintaining a consistent working depth
• A great choice for a wide field of seasons and applications.
