Issue 238 | Green to Gold 2025 - NZ Rural Contractor & Large Scale Farmer
02 From the Editor: Knocked for six by outdated regulations
03 On patrol with Reed: Ironmax Pro backs farmers and their fourlegged mates 04 From paper to proof: helping new drivers build skills that last 07 New logo highlights NZ-grown grains 08 Resilience, opportunity and the road ahead for New Zealand’s red meat sector
Keeping rural contractors moving with Fern Energy
Overweight ag vehicle rules knocking rural contractors for six
Long wait over for rural contractors
Exporter confidence holds strong despite trade tensions, according to ExportNZ DHL export survey
16 Cutting smart: Pöttinger’s Novacat F 3100 Opticurve raises the bar 18 I instantly knew there was something different! 20 Opening up the soil for better yields 23 Biowrap brings landfill-biodegradable innovation to New Zealand farms
Inoculation made easier with app technology
Perfect tools for perfect silage 28 EZ Web – the future of round bale silage in New Zealand 29 Turning forage quality into profit with the Kverneland 85156 C 33 More growth, more quality, less impact: the new generation of forage
35 Built to last: Why NZ dealers are backing SaMASZ 36 Grow more, emit less, bank bigger profits
39 Built to shift more: JCB 435S AGRI powers through the tough jobs 40 Wrapped right: feed preservation that works where it matters
Attention to detail can increase maize yield 43 One pass, multiple benefits – the Agrisem Scalp advantage 46 The importance of premium silage covers in ensuring optimal fermentation
47 Claas have you covered for crop packaging 49 Deep learning meets dirt: new AI tool transforms soil monitoring
50 A new era for Merlo in the North Island
52 Spot on Li-1000 helps get spray exactly where it should be
53 Your solution wrapped up in one machine!
56 Biological allies: rust fungus and weevil to combat invasive Darwin’s barberry
58 Technology key to finding efficiencies for May Brothers Contracting
60 From cut to conditioning – the Kverneland 3336 FT and 5387 MT advantage
62 Mechanical weeding is now mainstream - just in time to combat herbicide resistance
PROFILES
64 Green means go for Vuletich Contracting
68 Quiet confidence: Ukko’s trusted approach to vineyard and orchard success
It should trouble every farmer, contractor and policymaker in this country that a rural contractor in Canterbury has just been slapped with a $12,150 fine for operating what most of us would recognise as a very standard tractor and trailer unit.
Jacob Holdaway has been in business for fifteen years without so much as a serious scrape with the rules, but in August his livelihood took a hit for doing what contractors up and down the country do every day: carting crops a short distance by road.
The problem is not that Jacob was reckless, or that he overloaded his machine. By his account the trailer could have safely carried several more tonnes had it been shifting fodder beet within a single farm boundary. The problem lies with outdated agricultural vehicle weight regulations that no longer reflect the scale and sophistication of today’s machinery. What was once considered heavy is now simply standard practice. Contractors are being punished for keeping pace with the needs of modern farming.
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Rural Contractors NZ vice president Daryl Thompson is clear about the impact. His organisation has fielded a wave of similar stories and took the issue to the Minister of Regulations David Seymour, three months ago. While it is welcome that a review of the rules has been announced, the reality is that the wheels of government grind slowly. In the meantime, fines of this magnitude are crippling businesses. As Daryl put it, members are being “knocked for six”.
This situation speaks to a wider disconnect between regulation and reality. Rural contractors face a maze of requirements that would test a large logistics firm, let alone small family-run businesses serving farmers in their local communities. From transport licences to Vehicle Dimension and Mass rules, to the extraordinary expectation that contractors train for and register in Bridge Engineering Self Supervision (BESS) - it borders on the absurd. These are practical people who put in long hours in the paddock, not engineers pushing paper.
No one is calling for an abandonment of standards. Contractors don’t expect leniency when someone spills crop on a state highway or blocks an intersection. What they are asking for is proportionality,
and discretion applied to rules that are plainly out of step with modern practice. That is what policing used to be about: the judgement to apply the law in ways that keep people safe without paralysing communities with red tape.
The government owes more than a slow review. If it is serious about doubling agricultural exports, then it must ensure the machinery that underpins our farming systems is allowed to operate efficiently. A seasonal shift in the allowable weights, as Daryl suggests, would be a pragmatic start. Otherwise the promise of export growth remains a political slogan rather than a workable plan.
This is the Green to Gold edition of Rural Contractor and Large-Scale Farmer. Inside the technology section you’ll find a detailed look at the latest developments in hay and silage making, from new technologies to tried and tested techniques. These are the tools of progress - but they only matter if contractors are given the fair rules and support they need to use them.
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.
Angus Kebbell, editor.
On patrol with Reed: Ironmax Pro backs farmers and their four-legged mates
UPL NZ says having man’s best friend on slug patrol isn’t a gimmick. It’s a reality of farming and contracting and a reflection of their confidence in their Ironmax Pro product.
Four-year-old golden retriever, Reed, often accompanies his owner Ash Pace, UPL NZ Regional Manager Central South Island on field visits.
Ash says, next to looking after his clients, ensuring Reed’s safety on the job is a priority. With BioGro certified Ironmax Pro bait he says he has no concerns. “It’s much safer for beneficial insects, farm dogs and other domestic pets. But when it comes to slugs themselves, Ironmax Pro packs a real punch! It’s a bit of a rural myth that BioGro certified means ‘soft’.
“Naturally, you want a product that is going to perform and Ironmax Pro does. But there are other considerations. Farmers need to know that while they’re protecting their crops, their animals are protected too. So if stock break out or a heading dog is racing around a paddock, they’re not going to come to any harm.”
Like Ash and Reed, Pieter Van Der Westhuizen, UPL NZ Regional Manager Upper North Island has seen plenty of slug damage too. He has a few tips.
“Ideally you should be monitoring the slug population early, using a damp sack and checking under it regularly. Even one slug can indicate that there’s a problem. Unfortunately, slugs are a pest you just need to assume are there.
“Looking for slime or dead slugs is not the best way to access a bait’s efficacy either. Instead, check for a stop in feeding.”
He says feedback from contractors on Ironmax Pro has been positive. “They’ve had no issues with the product and found it flows well, which is important for metering systems. Some have said they’d had almost instant results.
“Ironmax Pro is being used on crops ranging from chicory and turnips, to grass and maize. Contractors who are on-to-it know that, especially with direct drilling and strip till slugs are something you really need to think about.
“Monitor, monitor and monitor - so you know what you’re dealing with and don’t miss a sudden population surge.”
Slugs, which are gastropods (Greek for ‘stomach foot’), literally march on their stomachs. They also have an acute sense of smell. Ironmax Pro plays on that and their voracious appetites.
Pieter says slugs are attracted by the appetising smell of Ironmax Pro, which contains Colzactive technology, which contains specially selected oil seed rape extracts - slugs’ favourites. Twenty different plant species were evaluated, with two molecules being selected that slugs found irresistible.
Research showed slugs actively prefer feeding on Ironmax Pro to feeding on seedlings. Pieter adds that it’s a myth that juveniles won’t ingest on the bait. “All slugs and snails can and willfeed on it!”
Pieter says it’ll be the slugs’ final meal. “They’ll eat it and won’t stop until they’ve
consumed a lethal dose.” Slugs will go back underground to die.
Ironmax Pro is rainfast and contains the optimized active ingredient 24.2 g/kg ferric phosphate anhydrous, referred to as IPMax. Iron (ferric) phosphate is a natural component of soil. In Ironmax Pro, it works as a stomach poison on slugs and is fatal once ingested.
Pieter says the fact that slugs can consume more than 50% of their own body weight in a night’s feeding and produce 300 eggs in their 13-month lifespan is the stuff of farmers’ and contractor’s nightmares. “They’re an underestimated pest.” RC
Island
South Island 09 629 0266 03 961 3535
popesnz.co.nz
On patrol: Reed checks in with farmers, backed by Ironmax Pro’s BioGro certified slug control.
From paper to proof: helping new drivers build skills that last
For rural contractors, bringing in a young, fresh-faced driver is always a mix of excitement and challenge. They arrive with energy and enthusiasm, keen to get behind the wheel and into the work. But proving their progress and keeping accurate training records can be a job in itself. Paper logbooks and loose notes often get misplaced, filled in late or miss the detail needed to show exactly how far someone has come.
The Hanzon Logbook app has been designed to change that. It gives employers and rookies alike a simple, practical way to record and verify the skills gained on the job, season after season. Instead of relying on scraps of paper, crews can log their training and tasks directly from the tractor cab or the paddock. Employers confirm the entries, building a detailed reliable record of growing capability. It cuts the chasing and paperwork, replacing it with clear trusted proof when it’s needed. As one ITO pilot employer put it, the level of detail in the logbook “exceeded what we normally get on paper”. Hanzon makes it clear that the logbook isn’t a recruitment tool for Kiwi drivers. Good operators don’t need outside help finding work locally. The recruitment arm of the business is strictly for sourcing overseas drivers to fill seasonal shortages. The log-
book exists purely for employers to capture the progress of their own people - proof of growth that’s backed by employer validation.
One example of the logbook in action comes from Alex Oakden, who began using it in October 2021. Over four seasons he has recorded 1,046 days of work and more than 3,000 individual jobs, from baling, mowing and spraying to cultivation, fencing and workshop fabrication. His record shows a steady progression from entry-level tasks to
The Hanzon Logbook turns training into a career ladder, giving rookies a sense of achievement and employers confidence in their capability.
Young drivers can now track their progress in real time with the Hanzon Logbook app, replacing paper records with clear proof of skills.
more advanced responsibilities such as hazard identification, machinery adjustments and day-to-day management. Because the records are validated by his employer, they carry weight - not just as proof of competence for meeting training obligations, but as a way to give clients and auditors confidence that young drivers are both safe and improving.
Feedback from those involved in the pilot has been positive. One tutor noted it had helped them see exactly where trainees were improving and where more time was still needed. From a learner’s perspective, it has provided a sense of achievement and momentum. As one put it, “I liked ticking off jobs and seeing my skills grow.” Another added that it made them think about what they’d done and how they’d done it - a simple statement, but one that shows the value of reflection in learning.
For ambitious young operators, the logbook becomes more than a record - it’s a career ladder. It lays out a clear path from the basics to advanced skills, with evidence at every step. For employers, it’s a loweffort way to recognise and retain talent while showing others they’re committed to developing skilled, competent operators. With free sign-up for 2025 now open it’s an opportunity to give new drivers the best possible start, backed by proof that will stand the test of time. RC
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New logo highlights NZ-grown grains
Most consumers are unaware that when they buy bread from the supermarket it is more likely to be made from imported, rather than domestically-grown, milling wheat.
This is despite New Zealand arable growers producing some of the world’s best quality grain.
To make it easier for consumers to identify and seek out food and drink products made from domestically-grown grain, a new ‘New Zealand Grown Grains' logo will soon start appearing in bakeries and on shop shelves.
The certification trademark for products made with New Zealand-grown grains is the initiative of growers via their levy organisation, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR), in collaboration with Eat New Zealand which promotes locally-sourced food.
FAR general manager of business operations Ivan Lawrie says that while it may be a few months before the certification trademark starts appearing on packaging and advertising, interest has already been shown by bakers as well as makers of breakfast cereal and plant-based milk. The trademark not only applies to milling wheat, but also other grains such as oats and barley.
FAR owns the trademark which became available under license from July 1 for companies that meet its specifications.
More publicity around the trademark is planned in spring as food and beverage makers are signed up.
Eat NZ chief executive Angela Clifford says the campaign “is a unique opportunity for farmers to join with bakers, chefs and consumers using their grains and seeds, to tell a compelling story about what makes New Zealand-grown arable foods so wonderful. From the quality to the connection to our land, from food security to social license, we all win when our farmers and those eating the food they grow, work together.”
The initiative is part of a wider industry campaign underway for about five years, to make New Zealand become more self-sufficient in the growing of milling wheat used to make bread. Despite the arable industry’s reputation for quality product, at least threequarters of the bread sold in New Zealand is made from imported grain, primarily from Australia, Ivan says.
Growers are keen to expand production and maintain a strong industry, but infrastructure remains a major hurdle. While most cereal production is in the South Island, it is expensive to transport this grain to where most consumers live, in the North
from the main growing region of Canterbury.”
In terms of consumer preference, market research showed that 50 per cent of bread purchasers are prepared to pay up to 20 cents extra a loaf and some consumers up to 50 cents for a loaf guaranteed to be made from New Zealand-grown grain
“Although the grain component may represent only a small share of a final product’s total cost, even a modest rise in demand can have significant long-term effects, encouraging investment by plant breeders, traders and processors and helping to maintain a diverse and resilient portfolio of cropping options for New Zealand growers,” Ivan says.
FAR general manager of business operations Ivan Lawrie says research shows that New Zealand milling wheat performs better than imported Australian wheat.
Other research commissioned by FAR and Eat NZ has debunked some industry myths which questioned the suitability of New Zealand grown wheat for baking.
An independent analysis compared the performance of Australian wheat grades most often imported into New Zealand with domestically-grown wheat in terms of the baking properties of the flour. “This highlighted the superior performance of New Zealand milling wheat compared with
The new NZ Grown Grains logo will start appearing on shop shelves soon.
Island. “It costs less to transport grain from Australia to the North Island than across Cook Strait
Resilience, opportunity and the road ahead for New Zealand’s red meat sector
The first half of 2025 began strongly for New Zealand’s red meat industry, with export revenues up by 28 percent in the first quarter despite lower volumes, as demand recovered notably in China. Tight global supply has also helped keep prices elevated.
However, the picture has now changed. In a surprise move the United States announced a 15 percent tariff on New Zealand goods, including red meat exports, up from the earlier outlined 10 percent figure. This rate takes effect as part of President Trump’s “reciprocal” tariff regime applied to countries with persistent trade surpluses with the U.S. Trade Minister Todd McClay and Finance Minister Nicola Willis have both voiced displeasure, stressing the tariff is disproportionate given New Zealand’s modest surplus with the U.S., estimated at around NZ$900 million on $9.3 billion of goods in the year to March 2025. Unlike Australia which retains the 10 percent baseline rate, New Zealand now faces a direct competitiveness gap.
Early estimates suggest the 15 percent levy could trim red meat export earnings by up to $300 million, with wine exports also expected to lose around $112 million. Given the U.S. has surpassed Australia as New Zealand’s second-largest goods export market, accounting for about $9 billion in 2024, the timing is a major blow.
Despite the shock, the sector remains grounded in its value-over-volume strategy. With red meat exported to over 100 markets, industry leaders continue to emphasise premiumisation, maximising returns from every carcass and diversifying into high-value avenues like fifth-quarter products, genetics innovation and branded programmes like Taste Pure Nature in China.
On-farm cost pressures have eased slightly: input prices fell 0.6 percent in the year to March, thanks to lower fuel, fertiliser, lime and pest control expenses and softer interest rates. That follows years of escalation that weighed heavily on farm margins.
Deloitte-commissioned research estimated non-tariff barriers were costing the sector $1.5 billion annually, highlighting the need to improve market access and streamline export processes. Meanwhile, strategy work on ‘Growing Value' aimed to lift overall sector returns.
Policy tension remains high. Farmers oppose what they see as overly ambitious methane reduction targets – currently 24–47 percent by 2050– arguing for a more nuanced split-gas approach that protects production.
The pricing of agricultural emissions is equally controversial, amid concerns that blanket carbon levies risk undermining farm viability. The slow retreat of sheep and beef land into forestry – over 300,000 hectares sold since 2017 – is partly a response to policy and economic pressures.
Freshwater reforms are controversial too. Industry leaders favour shifting the National Policy Statement toward outcome-based measures rather than rigid bottom lines and say existing sediment targets risk unintended farm retirements.
Innovation is still gaining momentum. AgResearch’s Renyu Zhang impressed judges at the MIA Dragon’s Den with a process converting low-value mechanically deboned meat into umami-rich flake for premium food applications. B+LNZ’s genetics platform nProve Beef, the Cool Sheep low-methane breeding strategy and new breeding indices are giving farmers tools to lift both productivity and environmental credibility.
Innovation and capability buildingfrom genetics to food science - remain central to keeping New Zealand’s red meat competitive on the world stage.
Health and biosecurity are also priorities: a recent breakthrough in fungal identification behind facial eczema could lead to better control strategies for a disease costing the sector an estimated $332 million a year.
Workforce and capability building is ongoing. The MIA scholarship programme welcomed five new recipients in 2025, and B+LNZ launched its Kāhui Māori agribusiness advisory group to ensure indigenous perspectives inform policy and extension. Reducing tariffs on dairy and meat from Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council remain under negotiation and talks with India aim to open doors for red meat, while exploring growth in petfood and pharmaceutical by-products export lines.
Despite the setbacks, the sector remains cautiously optimistic. Strong global demand, especially for lamb and beef, paired with premium branding and innovation continues to underpin growth. But the new U.S. tariff introduces a tangible headwind: officials are lobbying hard in Washington for revisions.
The message from industry remains consistent: New Zealand can succeed abroad by being high-quality, reliable and value-focused, but only if domestic and international policy settings don’t undermine progress. RC
imported Australian grain. It is not only better than the Australian product, but as good as Canadian, which is rated as the international standard.”
New Zealand grain growers are already certified through a United Wheatgrowers’
QAgrainz quality assurance and traceability programme.
In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, an analysis showed that one kilogram of flour milled in New Zealand from local wheat has a lower carbon footprint than one kilogram
of flour milled using Australian wheat at the same mill.
New Zealand-grown grain not only has lower transport emissions, but its much higher yields result in lower emissions per tonne of grain, Ivan says. RC
At the Red Meat Sector Conference in July,
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Keeping rural contractors moving with Fern Energy
Contractors are not your average rural fuel user, so they’re a specialist customer group for Fern Energy, a leading provider of fuel solutions for New Zealand’s rural sector.
“Rural contractors can have very high seasonal fuel use,” says Fern Chief Sales Officer, Ryan McLaren.
“With a decent spell of fine weather at a busy time of the year, their fuel use can go through the roof and their operations are completely dependent on the availability of fuel.
“We use tank monitoring telemetry to closely watch their fuel usage in the peak season, nimble delivery scheduling and we have a fleet of modern, reliable trucks to keep our rural contractors fuelled up.”
Ryan noted that the mobile nature of a rural contractor’s operations mean that fuel might be required in remote corners of a province.
“We partner closely with them, understand their requirements and make sure they’re set with trailer tanks to finish the job.”
Fern has more rural fuel specialists out in the field than any of its competitors. “Our team build the rapport with their contracting customers and go out of their way to ensure they always have fuel.
“Service is number one with our customers, but they’re often looking for advice on fuel storage solutions, tank maintenance, or support with health and safety compliance or even excise tax refunds, as an example. Having boots on the ground means we’re able to provide that level of support.”
From tank monitoring to trailer tanks, Fern tailors solutions to the unique demands of mobile contracting fleets.
As well as ensuring a dependable, competitively priced bulk fuel supply, Fern also provides oil and lubricants and fuel cards for discounts at the pump.
Ryan says that being ‘a relationship business’ Fern staff enjoy being part of the rural communities where they live and work. “We love to take our BBQ trailers to rural events or fire them up for a work shout to feed a rural contractor’s team.”
Rural contractors are a significant contributor to Fern’s flagship rural sponsorship programme, Fuel for Schools, which provides almost half a million dollars of resources to rural New Zealand schools every year.
With Fuel for Schools, for every 100 litres of fuel a customer orders Fern contributes 50 cents to a participating school of their choice. When a school’s tally reaches $1000 they can order technology, sports, musical and environmental packages.
Among the 700 participating schools is the
Fern Energy keeps rural contractors fuelled up through peak season with reliable delivery and local support.
small Windwhistle Primary School at Rakaia Gorge, with a roll of less than 30 students.
“Seventeen local customers of ours support our Fuel for Schools programme at Windwhistle, and we’ve been able to provide the school with close to $20,000 of resources. A couple of local rural contractors of ours, who have significant fuel use, are making a real difference to Windwhistle School’s tally.” Windwhistle Principal Bronwen Seaward describes Fuel for Schools as essential for small schools like theirs. “We use the funding for digital resources like Chromebooks and iPads but also for sports goods for our outdoor education programme because kids up here are real outdoors kids who love getting out there and playing with the fun things.” RC
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Overweight ag vehicle rules knocking rural contractors for six
A Canterbury rural contractor who recently received a fine exceeding $12,000 for an overweight agricultural vehicle is just the latest hit by rules which the industry organisation says are crippling some members.
Jacob Holdaway says he’s been in business 15 years and never experienced more than a minor fine previously.
Rural Contractors NZ Vice President Daryl Thompson says his organisation is hearing of numerous such incidents and took the issue to Regulations Minister David Seymour three months ago. “We’ve since had a welcome announcement that the ag vehicle regulations are being reviewed but in the interim members like Jacob are being knocked for six.”
He says the current regulations are years out of date and don’t reflect the size of agricultural machinery now being used.
Jacob says a tractor and trailer unit driven by one of his staff was pulled over in a back street in Methven last month, en route to a local dairy farm after harvesting fodder beet nearby.
He says police took the vehicle to a local transport yard and weighed it. On August 15, he got a ticket which says a tractor and trailer
is only allowed to carry 28.8 tonnes and his unit was carrying 39.7 tonnes. He’s been fined $12,150.
“This is a very standard-sized tractor and trailer for what we do in mid-Canterbury.”
Jacob says the trailer was not over-loaded; if it had just been moving the fodder beet within a farm property it could have safely held another 3-4 tonnes.
His phone has been running hot with other rural contractors and farmers sharing their own experiences with being ticketed - or the fear of being hit with a huge fine.
“We don’t want to be running illegally but we do want to be able to operate efficiently.”
Daryl says rural contractors face a maze of requirements to run agricultural machines on short road distances, including transport licences and meeting Vehicle Dimension and Mass rules.
“We are even supposed to train and register for BESS - Bridge Engineering Self Supervision. We are rural contractors, not bloody engineers.”
He says the government’s review will likely take many months and in the interim Rural Contractors NZ is asking for some discretion to be applied.
“I’m a former police officer and I know police
often chose to apply the law as appropriate rather than how it’s written. That’s especially the case where a law is outdated.”
Daryl says rural contractors generally have a very good relationship with their local police. “No contractor expects a blind eye to be turned where someone is shedding crop on a state highway or covering an intersection in grapes,’’ he says. A wider response is also needed from the government.
“We’ve been patient, followed the evolving process but we need action now. The fines are disproportionate and we need NZTA and the government to urgently address this weight issue so our members can get on with their work for our nation’s farmers.
“The current weights could be shifted as a seasonal test by NZTA to reflect modern day machinery’s capacities. Currently rural contractors needing to carry heavier loads than the regs allow can apply for over-weight permits but that involves a multi-department rigamarole such as the BESS. The whole process needs an urgent fix.”
"This government was formed with the backing of farmers, contractors and growers, and now it needs their continued support to keep producing or the goal of doubling exports will remain a moon shot." RC
The planet’s favourite
bait
Long wait over for rural contractors
Rural contractors around the country will be celebrating the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa announced yesterday, says their national president.
Clinton Carroll says Rural Contractors NZ has been advocating for years for a policy such as Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has now unveiled.
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa is a three-year visa for highly experienced seasonal workers. It enables them to return to New Zealand for subsequent seasons on the same visa if they spend three months out of every 12 offshore.
Clinton says the process of repeatedly applying for visas under previous arrangements – even for workers who’d previously been here – had been a nightmare for many rural contractors.
“None of us, either ourselves or the people we were bringing in, are skilled in the bureaucratic complexities of meeting visa requirements again and again. They make reading a new tractor manual seem easy.”
“This is a real win for our members,” he says, noting the Minister's media release names rural contracting as the first category for which the global seasonal visa has been developed, along with sheep scanning, winemaking and snow instruction.
“I acknowledge and thank the Minister for the new visa and also credit our CEO Andrew Olsen who has pursued these changes with Erica Stanford and her officials with a dogged determination to get something that worked for rural contractors. It will also now allow him to focus even more strongly on other activities which support and advance our $2b+industry.”
Clinton says there is still a wait until 8 December for applications to open for the new Global Workplace Seasonal Visa and accompanying Peak Seasonal Visa.
This provides up to seven months for short-term seasonal roles such as meat and seafood processing, calf-rearing and wool handling.
“We’d really have liked the new arrangement in place for the season now getting underway but do appreciate that the Minister last year introduced the Specific Purpose Work Visa as a temporary measure for seasonal workforce needs like ours. That’s generally been working ok but being able to bring in workers over three years will be a God-send.”
RC
Clinton Carroll, President, Wairarapa Zone.
PERFECT PARTNER PASTURE’S
Exporter confidence holds strong despite trade tensions, according to ExportNZ DHL export survey
Despite rising global trade tensions and looming tariff changes, New Zealand exporters remain optimistic and resilient. The 2025 ExportNZ DHL Export Barometer shows that two-thirds (79%) of exporters have maintained or grown their export volumes over the past year, and the majority have either increased or at least held steady on export levels during the previous 12 months.
The annual survey, which tracks exporter sentiment and trends also found that 59% of Kiwi exporters expect to increase their exports in the coming year, even as concerns about an ongoing international trade war intensify. Many are already looking to diversify their markets and mitigate the effects of possible future tariffs.
Selina Deadman, Vice President, Commercial at DHL Express New Zealand said, “It's encouraging to see that the majority of New Zealand exporters have continued to ship internationally over the past year. International trade has faced increased scrutiny due to upcoming barriers, so it’s a positive indication that exporters are optimistic about cross-border trade and it will be interesting to see how these expectations evolve in 2026. This also reflects the confidence that DHL Express has in globalisation and its importance in economic growth.”
Recent trade policies enacted by the USA have dominated headlines this year. When the survey was completed, New Zealand was still at the baseline 10% tariff level and the elimination of the ‘de minimis’ was scheduled for 2027. As a result, 53% of respondents remained relatively focused on the US market through 2026. However, with New Zealand’s reciprocal tariff now increased to 15% and the elimination of the
‘de minimis’ brought forward to August 2025, the rest of the year will test that exporter confidence.
Executive Director of ExportNZ Joshua Tan said exporters likely to be affected by proposed tariffs have sought to diversify by entering other markets.
“This year’s survey results show strongly that Kiwi businesses are considering new markets outside their traditional ones, with the likes of the United Kingdom (41%) and Japan (27%) both seeing an increase of 4% in exporter interest. In the case of the UK, this shift is likely influenced by the New ZealandUK Free Trade Agreement, which
came into effect in mid-2023 and is starting to deliver outcomes.”
Exporters identified the largest barriers to exporting as the cost and availability of transport and logistics (49%), followed by the high cost of doing business in New Zealand (31%). The most notable shift from last year, however, was a sharp rise in concern over an escalating trade war cited by 27% of respondents.
“Increased concern around trade wars becoming a barrier was expected, with a 15% rise from last year. Concerns over high tariffs due to a lack of trade agreements also saw a 7% increase,” said Joshua.
Exporters remain divided on the level of external support they are willing to accept, with a quarter (25%) of respondents saying they did not require any assistance from NZTE in overseas markets.
Meanwhile, 22% indicated they would like more help with 20% seeking support for R&D and another 20% wanting access to market research.
In this year’s survey, exporters voiced strong support (32%) for more free-trade agreements with new partners, alongside support for attending trade shows (32%) as the most desired forms of government assistance to boost export activity. RC
Joshua Tan.
Selina Deadman.
Cutting smart: Pöttinger’s Novacat F 3100 Opticurve raises the bar
From a single look at the Pottinger Novacat F 3100 Opticurve, it’s immediately apparent that this isn’t just another front-mounted mower. It’s a machine born out of thoughtful engineering and shaped by the real-world demands of farmers and contractors who know what clean forage means for stock performance and who don’t have time for inefficiencies in the paddock. Since its launch in 2024, this model has already earned recognition with an AgrarTec Gold medal. Now, Pöttinger has gone one step further by introducing the optional Profiline comfort control system, a decisive upgrade that takes this high-performance mower into new territory.
At the core of the Novacat F 3100 Opticurve’s appeal is its arc-shaped side shift system. Unlike traditional straightline shift systems that often leave several centimetres of forage untouched in tight corners or along slopes, the Opticurve’s hydraulic arc movement ensures the full working width is utilised. This has a direct impact on the efficiency of the entire mowing pass, allowing follow-up harvesting machines to operate in clean forage-free tracks. A hydraulic cylinder shifts the mower
up to 20 centimetres left or right, adjusting the cutter bar angle by up to 8 degrees. This is critical when negotiating undulating terrain or tight turns, as the overlap with the rear mower remains consistent. No crop is left standing, and the tractor’s tyres aren’t running over uncut grass.
The 3.04-metre working width and sevendisc setup make the F 3100 Opticurve a true all-rounder. Its compact three-point linkage headstock brings the centre of gravity closer to the tractor, ensuring a well-balanced setup even when working with lighter or smaller tractors. With a weight of just 690 kilograms, the mower remains agile without compromising durability. This low-slung design doesn’t just benefit manoeuvrability, it also improves visibility from the cab, helping the operator see exactly what’s going on in front of them.
Pöttinger has clearly focused on precision mowing from the ground up, and this is where their Austrian-made cutter bar makes a notable difference. At just 4 cm tall and 28 cm wide, the bar offers excellent crop flow and ground tracking. The sleek welded construction provides a durable yet streamlined foundation, ensuring soil is cleanly separated from the crop. Cleaning paddles prevent dirt build-up, and the rounded disc surfaces enhance crop transfer along the bar. It’s the kind of subtle design work that pays off in the form of less forage contamination and better animal health.
The Pöttinger Novacat F 3100 Opticurve brings precision mowing to the next level with its unique arc-shaped side shift system.
Durability hasn’t been sacrificed for weight or agility. The cutter bar features clamped mower blades that rotate very close to the counter knife, ensuring a neat cut even in damp or muddy conditions. The blade system is easy to service, with a quick-change mechanism and robust spring clips. Each blade pin is bolted to the disc and can be replaced independently, reducing downtime and running costs. As farmer Pierre-Yves Michel from France puts it, “The ground tracking of our Pöttinger rear and front mowers on our very hilly terrain is outstanding. We also appreciate the robustness and cost effectiveness of our mowers.”
Adding to this robustness is Pöttinger’s Tri Drive concept, which uses straight-line spur gear drive with three teeth always in contact. This reduces the load on individual gears, particularly useful in stony or uneven fields. The polished gear surfaces, submerged in oil, ensure smooth operation and reduce noise - an added bonus for those long days in the cab.
With the Profiline comfort control system now available, the Novacat F 3100 Opticurve becomes even more intelligent. This optional upgrade allows the mower to steer left and right automatically, adjusting its position based on the tractor’s steering angle and the slope’s gradient. It uses an acceleration sensor mounted directly on the mower, with the option of integrating the tractor’s
own steering angle signal for increased accuracy. The system is controlled via the tractor’s Isobus terminal or the Select Control terminal and receives hydraulic oil via a load-sensing or power beyond system. For the operator, this means less manual intervention and more time focusing on what matters - safe and productive driving.
Ground tracking, of course, remains one of the defining features of this mower. Gimbals in the guide arms allow the cutter bar to move freely and smoothly in all directions, enabling precise following of the ground’s contours. The arc of movement, up to +/- 8 degrees, allows the mower to float across bumps and hollows with minimal disturbance to the soil or crop. Combined with the suspension system, which can carry the mower’s weight using strong springs between the headstock and the tractor mount, this setup achieves a ground pressure of just 150 kilograms, ideal for a clean cut and minimal turf damage.
Transport safety is another consideration, and Pöttinger has covered that well. When lifted, centring springs stabilise the cutter bar to prevent sway. Side guards fold up for road travel, with hydraulic folding available as an option and lighting kits can be added to ensure compliance and safety.
For contractors and farmers chasing highquality forage and maximum efficiency, the Novacat F 3100 Opticurve offers plenty of value. Its smart mechanics make it possible to maintain clean overlaps even under challenging terrain or while cornering, while the cutter bar design and ground tracking ensure forage stays free of soil and debris.
And as Christian Bäck, a Merino sheep farmer from Austria explained, “In my view, a machine’s ground tracking is the be-all and end-all especially with a front mower.”
It’s not just the hardware that’s been
fine-tuned; it’s also a machine built for ease of ownership. The guards fold away easily for servicing and blade changes can be carried out quickly with the provided tool. The combination of clever design, durable construction and automation support makes the Novacat F 3100 Opticurve a standout in its class.
By giving farmers and contractors a smarter way to mow, Pöttinger has positioned the Novacat F 3100 Opticurve as a front mower that does more than just cutit leads the field. RC
I instantly knew there was something different!
Canterbury Plains Contracting business owners Sian and Dean Jenkins purchased two Claas Scorpion 741 telehandlers from their local Claas Harvest Centre shortly after they were introduced into New Zealand in late 2024. Sitting in the Scorpion cab for the first time during an on-farm demonstration, Dean instantly knew when picking up the boom that there was something different about the Claas telehandler. The seat comfort, responsive joystick and minimal buttons made lifting bales a completely altered experience.
“A telehandler's primary focus is lifting bales, and the Scorpion’s boom control is an advantage. The Scorpion is simple to use and that’s the best thing; it is a game changer when it comes to bale movement. It was smoother and easier on the bales and the attachments.” Having a pressure release button located on the end of the boom for changing over attachments, swapping buckets, forks, soft hands and silage grabs makes it a lot easier. “This external button is a welcome bonus for us; it saves us jumping back into the cab when we need to change our forks.”
There is much less stress on all of the equipment and keeping the machines maintained well is easy with the three-point greasing system for the boom. “Nothing gets missed.” With thirteen full-time employees as part of their contracting operation, being able to bring everyone up to speed and get them acquainted with the new machines was easier than we expected. “It’s taken a little while to understand the hydrostatic transmission system, but it is pretty simple once you get familiar with where everything is.
"The young fellas are eager to get in and drive them; they love new technology.”
Having faced recurring challenges with
previous telehandler brands, Dean was conscious of testing the Scopion's limit to see if any reliability issues presented themselves. “We run a winter feedout programme in an area that is steep and suffers from extreme weather conditions: muddy in the winter and hot in the summer. We’ve based one of them up there and it’s clocked up 500 hours - we’ve put it through a lot.
With our previous telehandlers, we’ve had the foot to the floor and they’ve overheated. We’ve tested its towing capabilities and tried to get it to overheat, which telehandlers are known to do and in pretty challenging conditions. It hasn’t gotten close. There isn’t any limit; it's powering through everything. When it comes to engine management, Claas has delivered the extra edge in this telehandler.”
The Claas telehandlers are made in conjunction with engine specialist Deutz and are equipped with high-torque four-cylinder, 142 hp engines that produce a maximum torque of 500 Nm to ensure smooth and efficient operation and transport.
The Canterbury Plains contracting team have already clocked 500 hours in tough winter conditions without overheating or reliability issues.
“How they have such large horsepower in a tiny engine is beyond me,” says Dean. The purchase has even provided some unexpected cost savings. Previously, the business used a tank a day, if not more and now it uses only half a tank. Dean admits to enjoying spending less time in the office and more time in the cab of his second Scorpion, which is based in his yard.
“Cab comfort is really important when you spend many of your working hours in it. The legroom was a standout feature and important because the tilted ergonomically positioned steering wheel requires more space. It is a more pleasant workplace for me and our employees.”
The Scorpion cab is positioned higher, making it even more spacious in terms of width and volume. The continuous windscreen also improves visibility. Furthermore, the lighting is good for night operations.
Sian and Dean purchased the contract business in stages from 2011 to 2014. The operation is now a full-time contracting business based in the Selwyn area of Canterbury. The business has local long-term and seasonal contracts and is set to expand. Dean believes that to be the best in the business, you need to surround yourself with good people and machinery.
“Claas by far is way up there, if not number one it’s pretty close! Having such a large supply of parts, a great service team and skilled technicians gives us peace of mind that the Claas Harvest Centre wants to do the best by its customers and is putting its own money on the line in stock and product.”
The Jenkins are really impressed with their telehandlers and will look in the future to add more machinery to their other Claas products, which include mowers and liners. RC
Dean and Sian Jenkins say the Claas Scorpion 741 has transformed bale handling with smoother boom control and easy-to-use attachments.
Versatility at its best
Carrier is a disc cultivator used for high-speed primary tillage and seedbed preparation. The wide range of front tools, discs and packers enables Carrier to handle the versatile challenges of modern farming,
TopDown Carrier
from ultra-shallow tillage to a deeper incorporation. The versatility it brings to the farm saves passes, decreases machine cost per hectare and provides the best start possible for the coming crop.
Unmatched performance
TopDown is a high intensity multipurpose cultivator, performing both a full-scale shallow cultivation and a deep cultivation in one single pass. By adapting the working result to different conditions in the field, TopDown is highly versatile with an unmatched performance. TopDown reduce passes, preserves ground moisture, increases capacity and lowers the establishment costs.
Learn more at vaderstad.com
Opening up the soil for better yields
Healthy soil is the foundation of productive farming, yet it’s also one of the most under-appreciated resources on the land. When compaction builds up, whether from heavy machinery, stock pressure or repeated cropping, it creates a barrier that roots can’t break through and water can’t penetrate. The result is often shallow rooting, poor pasture growth and reduced resilience in dry conditions. For contractors and farmers, the answer lies in subsoil aeration - done properly, at the right time, with the right gear.
In New Zealand’s diverse farming environments, from light hill soils to heavy clays, Rata Industries has been building aeration solutions for decades that aim to tackle these challenges head-on. Based in Canterbury, the company’s range of subsoil aerators and subsoilers has been developed to handle local conditions and deliver lasting results. For operators who work across multiple farm types, that adaptability matters.
The principle behind Rata’s subsoil aerators is simple but effective: lift and crack the soil profile without turning it over. This relieves compaction, creates air spaces for better microbial activity and improves water infiltration. In practice, it means pasture roots can go deeper in search of moisture and nutrients and crop plants develop stronger, more resilient root systems. For livestock farmers, the benefit is improved pasture density and quality; for arable growers it can translate into better crop establishment and yield.
Rata’s aerators are built with heavy-duty frames, wear-resistant tines and replaceable
From small subsoilers to wide multi-leg aerators, Rata offers versatile solutions for every soil type and farming system.
points, ensuring they can handle the rigours of contract work season after season. The design focus is on creating a clean lift in the soil with minimal surface disturbance, so paddocks are back in action quickly and without the weed germination problems that can follow aggressive cultivation. Working depths can be adjusted to target compaction layers, whether they’re just below the surface or deeper in the profile.
For contractors, this versatility is crucial. One week’s work might involve alleviating stock pugging damage after a wet winter; the next could be opening up a cropping block ahead of a new season. Rata’s range includes single-leg subsoilers for targeted work, through to wider multi-leg aerators for covering larger areas efficiently.
The return on investment in subsoil aeration often comes in less obvious ways. Improved water infiltration reduces runoff and ponding, meaning more rain is stored where it’s needed rather than lost. In dry summers, deeper rooting can extend the growing period for pasture, reducing the pressure to feed out supplement. Better soil structure also encourages worm activity and microbial diversity, which over time can improve nutrient cycling and reduce the need for synthetic inputs.
Timing remains a key factor for effective aeration. Working in the right moisture conditions, when the soil will fracture cleanly
rather than smear, is essential. For many regions late winter or early spring can be the ideal window, but local weather and soil type will dictate the best approach. Contractors using Rata gear report that the robust build and precise tine angles make it easier to achieve good results within these tight seasonal windows.
While subsoil aeration is not a silver bullet, it’s a valuable tool in the broader goal of improving soil health. As environmental regulations tighten and farmers look to lift productivity without increasing inputs, attention is turning to practices that make the most of what’s already in the ground. Aeration fits neatly into that strategy, offering tangible benefits for both pasture-based and cropping systems.
Rata’s position in the market has been strengthened by its dealer network, which extends across New Zealand and into Australia. This reach means operators can access the equipment and support they need locally, while still drawing on the company’s Canterbury-based engineering and manufacturing expertise. It also ensures that spare parts and service back-up are readily available - something any contractor will tell you is just as important as the machine itself.
For large-scale operators and contractors alike, the decision to invest in subsoil aeration gear comes down to reliability, performance and the ability to deliver a consistent result across varied conditions. Rata’s long track record, combined with ongoing refinements to its aerator range has made it a go-to choice for many in the industry.
In the end, improving soil structure is about unlocking potential - allowing plants to make better use of water and nutrients, reducing the effects of weather extremes and supporting higher, more consistent yields. With the right timing, technique and equipment, subsoil aeration can be one of the most effective ways to achieve that. For those looking to offer the service or add it into their farming system, Rata’s range provides a practical, proven pathway to healthier soils and better productivity. RC
Rata subsoil aerators lift and crack the soil profile, relieving compaction and improving water infiltration without turning the ground over.
With over 100 years of combined experience, the Donaghys Crop sales team knows what it takes to protect your silage and your success. Trust us with your enquiry today.
Spring’s on the way.
TIME TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR SOWING.
EARLY-SEASON YIELD THAT GOES THE DISTANCE
Mid-season heading date (+ 3 days)
Strong, year-round dry matter production
Selected for low aftermath heading
Strong rust tolerance
Strong persistence (AR37)
THE SOFT-STEM ADVANTAGE
Excellent stem softness and quality for crop utilisation and animal performance
Exceptional leaf yields and a very high leaf-to-stem ratio
Versatility to be used as an autumn forage
Very good winter hardiness, and late winter leaf percentage
Late flowering to increase the period of feeding in late winter
First and second crop option
HIGH YIELDS ALL YEAR ROUND
Strong, year-round dry matter production
Very late flowering heading date (+ 22 days)
Selected for improved feed quality during summer/autumn
Improved soluble carbohydrate to protein ratio
Low aftermath heading
High tiller density and AR37
AN EARLY MATURING, SOFT BULBED SWEDE
Soft bulb relative to later maturing swedes
Ability to control weeds included in the Cleancrop™ Brassica System
Improved disease resistance to dry-rot and Alternaria compared to Major Plus
Improved leaf and bulb yield over Major Plus
Yellow-fleshed, light, purple-skinned bulb
Pelleted seed available
Biowrap brings landfill-biodegradable innovation to New Zealand farms
In an industry where efficiency and environmental responsibility often seem at odds, Biowrap is taking a practical step towards closing that gap. The New Zealand company is introducing a range of landfillbiodegradable agricultural wraps designed to protect valuable crops while helping to address one of farming’s most stubborn waste problems - plastic disposal.
The idea was born from two decades of first-hand experience in the building industry, where the challenge of sustainable waste management is ever-present. Plastic wrap is used extensively in construction and in most cases it ends up in skips alongside general waste, eventually making its way to landfill. The founders of Biowrap saw parallels between that problem and the issues facing agriculture. In both cases single-use plastics are essential tools, but their disposal has lasting consequences. Determined to find a solution they partnered with Australian company Biogone, which has been developing landfill-biodegradable plastic technology since 2010 for packaging and groundwater testing industries.
What makes Biowrap’s products different is not a compromise in performance, but an added environmental safeguard. The company’s bale net, bale wrap and silage wrap offer the same tensile strength, UV resistance and sealing capability as traditional agricultural plastics. Farmers still get reliable protection for hay and silage, ensuring feed quality is maintained. The difference comes when the product reaches the end of its useful life.
If the wrap is collected and recycled through existing soft plastic programmes, the additive in the plastic does not interfere with that process. However, if it ends up in landfill as around 90 per cent of New Zealand’s plastic waste currently does - the material has been engineered to biodegrade at a rate approximately 90 per cent faster than conventional plastic. Instead of lingering for hundreds of years, the wrap breaks down under modern landfill conditions producing organic matter that can act as a natural fertiliser and biogas that can be captured and used for energy production.
This is a realistic approach for the agricultural sector. As Biowrap points out,
Biowrap’s landfill-biodegradable bale wrap delivers the same strength and protection as conventional plastics - but breaks down up to 90% faster in landfill.
single-use plastics are not going away any time soon. The industry is still years away from a fully functioning circular economy and the majority of waste from both urban and rural areas continues to be sent to landfill. Commercial compostable plastics often promoted as a greener alternative, require specific processing environments that are not available in most parts of the country. Without access to the right facilities, these products also end up in landfill where they do not readily break down.
Biowrap’s thinking is that if landfill remains the main destination for used plastic, the most responsible step is to ensure those plastics degrade faster and cleaner. The company’s products do not fragment into microplastics during this process. Instead, microbes in landfill environments are attracted to the organic additive in the plastic. They digest the material by breaking the carbon bonds in the polymer chain, reducing it to non-plastic intermediaries which they then consume. The result is a humus-like organic material and biogas, without the
Farmers can use Biowrap’s bale net, wrap and silage film with existing systems, knowing it won’t leave behind harmful microplastics.
long-term persistence of traditional plastics. The bale net, made from HDPE comes in a standard white finish, with other colours available on special order. It is UV resistant, has an indefinite shelf life and offers the same tensile strength as conventional netting. Designed for wrapping hay and silage, each roll measures 1.23 metres in width, weighs 40 kilograms and runs to 3,000 metres in length. Once disposed of in a modern landfill, the biodegradation process is activated.
The bale wrap film is available in light green with the hay wrap size at 375 millimetres wide, 1,500 metres long and 25 microns thick. It protects bales from UV damage, moisture and other environmental factors while also offering recyclability where facilities exist. Like the bale net, the biodegradation process only begins in the microbe-rich environment
of a landfill. The wrap retains the same durability and storage performance as conventional products, making the transition from traditional plastics seamless for farmers.
For silage, Biowrap offers a machine roll film, also in light green, measuring 750 millimetres in width, 1,500 metres in length and 25 microns thick. It shares the same protective and biodegradable properties as the other products in the range, with the added advantage of being recyclable alongside other silage films where collection schemes operate.
One of the significant advantages of landfill-biodegradable technology is that it works within the constraints of current waste systems. While it is always preferable to recycle where possible, Biowrap recognises that convenience, time pressures and location often dictate how waste is managed on farms. In many rural areas, recycling infrastructure is limited and transporting used wrap to collection points is not always practical. By offering a product that still performs well but will degrade more quickly and cleanly if it ends up in landfill, the company believes it is providing a logical and affordable solution for time-poor farmers who still want to reduce their environmental footprint.
This feedback was reinforced at the National Fieldays, where Biowrap had a stall to introduce its products and speak directly with farmers. Many commented on the high
cost of recycling and the lack of convenient collection options, with some admitting the process was simply too difficult. Hearing these stories first-hand underscored the need for a product that bridges the gap between farm practicality and environmental responsibility.
The technology is backed by independent laboratory testing under international standards ASTM D5511, and Bio-Methane Potential (BMP) protocols. These tests confirm the accelerated biodegradation claims, although actual rates may vary depending on the conditions in specific landfills around New Zealand.
There is also an energy recovery aspect to this approach. When biodegradable plastics break down in active landfill sites, the biogas they release can be captured during the time the landfill is managed. This contrasts with conventional plastics, which break down so slowly that their biogas emissions are released centuries after the landfill has been closed and is no longer monitored. Capturing biogas early allows it to be harnessed for fuel and electricity generation, turning a waste product into a useful resource.
Biowrap supports the upcoming plastic stewardship scheme, which aims to reduce the cost of recycling for farmers. The company sees this as an important initiative to improve waste management across the sector, but stresses that recycling should always be the first point of action where companies are able to take it. Landfill-biodegradable technology,
Precision Forage Equipment, Locally Supplied
Ag & Civil Machinery Direct is the official New Zealand distributor for Kemper, based right here in the heart of the Waikato. We supply:
• Pro Drum Maize Headers
Perfect chopping quality and smooth flow in all conditions.
• Grass Pick-Up Systems
Maximum utilisation, seamless crop lift and feed.
• ProfiCracker™ by Scherer Industry-leading crop processing and kernel cracking.
All compatible with a wide range of SPFH.
in their view, is a necessary safeguard for the majority of plastics that still end up in landfill despite best intentions.
For farmers, the practical benefits remain front and centre. The strength, UV resistance and sealing ability of Biowrap’s products mean they can be integrated into existing silage and hay storage systems without adjustments. The shelf life matches that of conventional products, so there is no risk of degradation in storage before use. This is not an experimental or unproven technology, but a commercially viable option designed to fit into the way farms already operate.
Biowrap is clear-eyed about the scale of the plastic waste problem in agriculture. The company acknowledges that its products are not the final solution to plastic pollution, but they are a significant step towards mitigating the environmental impact of essential agricultural plastics. By addressing the reality of where most waste ends up and ensuring that it degrades faster and without leaving harmful residues, Biowrap is offering farmers a way to maintain productivity while contributing to a more sustainable future.
For the rural sector, where both efficiency and environmental responsibility are under constant scrutiny, this type of innovation is not just welcome - it’s necessary. Biowrap’s landfill-biodegradable range demonstrates that practical, science-based solutions can be developed to fit the needs of the industry today, while also keeping an eye on the legacy we leave for future generations. RC
Order Parts Now –Beat the Breakdown
We stock genuine Kemper and OEM-compatible parts. Don’t wait for downtime. Secure your maintenance parts today!
Inoculation made easier with app technology
For years, Claas has been the trusted name for harvesting, with their 50-year forage harvesting legacy.
The intelligent systems of the Jaguar form the basis for excellent silage quality at the end of the process, with precisely dosed additives (0.5 l/t to 2 l/t (at 200 t/h)) from the 375-litre tank or highly concentrated ones from the new Actisiler 37.
The dry matter content value determined by the near-infrared sensor (NIR) or moisture meter serves as a reference for programming the length of cut range and the silage additive application rates. The Actisiler, with its double-walled insulated tank, protects expensive silage additives against heat and the pump provides precise dosage from 0.220 l/h or, based on throughput, 10-100 ml/t.
Silage Additive Calculator
Claas have introduced the Silage Additive Calculator in Claas connect to assist with the management of its factory-fitted forage inoculant dosing systems. The app helps the operator to determine the correct dosage settings based on crop yield, crop type, operating width, working speed and the recommended dosage.
“This simple app avoids both underdosage, which can significantly impact silage quality and overdosage, which leads to excess use of expensive inoculants,” says Luke Wheeler, Product Business Manager, Green Harvesting.
“Once the data has been entered, the operator can implement the recommended settings using the Cebis terminal.
“Inoculant flow rates can be set to automatically adjust while chopping is underway. For example, if the machine is operating faster or slower than originally anticipated the flow rate is automatically increased to maintain the correct dosage per wet tonne of material harvested.”
Operators can also decide whether to use the Actisiler 37-litre tank or the 375-litre water tank and whether dosage is determined in litres per tonne, litres per hectare, or variably based on dry matter content.
Claas Jaguars can also be fitted with a water injection system for difficult harvesting conditions such as high sugar content grass and high dry matter content lucerne.
The system automatically injects water into the crop flow in the guide plate area directly behind the cutting cylinder and the discharge chute whenever there’s no crop
Automatic flow rate adjustments ensure the correct dosage is applied, even as harvesting speed or crop conditions change.
flow, such as at headlands or during forage trailer changeovers.
“This new system helps to stop the buildup of sticky material in the crop flow area, as well as helping to keep the dry matter sensor or NIR sensor clean. This can avoid crop residue buildup on the liners,” Luke says.
With more than 45,000 units manufactured over the past 50 years, Jaguar has earned a hard-won reputation for productivity, efficiency and reliability. Claas’s continual focus on improving the machine
Claas’s new Silage Additive Calculator app helps operators achieve precise inoculant dosing, reducing waste and protecting silage quality.
and its performance in the field will ensure it remains a leader in forage harvesters. The Claas Jaguar offers cost-effective chopping to the highest professional standards under all field conditions. RC
Perfect tools for perfect silage
Claas is the professional's choice for producing high-quality silage. Each Perfect Partners product is designed to deliver a consistent, high-quality result that can be relied on for superior performance.
From the precise cut of our Claas Disco mower, the efficient gathering of our Claas Liner rake and the unparalleled performance of our Claas Jaguar forage harvester, to the robust handling of our Claas Torion wheel loader, every machine is engineered to work together seamlessly ensuring the perfect silage every time. Combined, the products offer an integrated solution for producing the highest-quality silage.
Claas Disco mowers offer the cleanest of cuts at high speeds, ensuring optimal forage quality. Using correctly set height-adjusted front and rear Claas Disco mowers with Active Float hydraulic suspension ensures ground contour following and avoids soil contamination. With the development of the unique Max Cut mower bed, Claas revolutionised mowing technology and redefined the state-of-the-art.
It is this proven engineering that has made the Disco such a successful product. The standout feature of the mower bed is its wave-shaped base plate which enables the wear-resistant mowing discs to be positioned well to the front. Together with different-shaped inserts for the converging and diverging discs, this guarantees maximum overlap and the perfect cut. Max Cut mower beds range from 2.20 to 4.20 metres wide. They are found in every one of our mowers, from the smallest to the largest. They can even be installed in the Direct Disc to supply the Jaguar.
A Jaguar forage harvester is the benchmark for silage harvesting, known for its efficiency, precision and comfort. The Claas Jaguar fields a range of easily adapted knife configurations that ensure the correct cut
length to meet the feeding requirements of any ration.
Fermentation-enhancing inoculants speed up fermentation and reduce dry matter losses. The Claas Jaguar’s Actisiler 37 onboard silage additive applicator technology can control flow rates and application, providing on-the-fly response to varying throughput and harvest conditions. Consider using a proven inoculant that improves aerobic stability.
Claas knows a thing or two when it comes to foragers. They have been selling forage harvesters since 1973 and have built up a reputation for excellence. As a market leader, they have produced more than 46,000 Claas Jaguar forage harvesters and continue to develop the machines to make your work easier. The Jaguar range maximises power and efficiency. Its intuitive design, easy maintenance access and optional driver assistance systems like Cemos Auto Performance, Auto Fill, automatic cut length adjustment and onboard information systems like the NIR dry matter sensor make the Jaguar easy to operate.
Our Jaguar design machines also offer
The Claas Jaguar forage harvester sets the benchmark for silage harvesting, with over 46,000 units built since 1973.
Shredlage processors for maize silage. Shredlage processes the crop intensively and increases the surface area of the chopped material many times over. This means it’s better for your cows which then produce more milk - up to one litre more per cow per day.
There are two Jaguar ranges to choose from: Jaguar 990–940, and Jaguar 880–870. The Jaguar 900 Series is the chopper of choice for many worldwide. Its unique overall concept and wide range of corncracker rollers, including patented Shredlage technology, will help you safely bring in your harvest with up to 925 hp. The Jaguar 880–870 offers you excellent comfort inside the cab and optimum control to do your work.
The Jaguar range maximises power and efficiency.
Claas Liner rakes gather forage cleanly and efficiently, forming perfect windrows that set up the Jaguar for a smooth, high-quality harvest.
Claas Liner rakes offer efficient gathering after wilting, with 3D ground contour following and rotor undercarriages that ensure contaminant-free forage while delivering perfect windrows to ensure consistent and efficient pickup. Naturally, Liner central swathers are fitted with a reliable, professional rotor drive assembly and all models are equipped with Claas silage tines -so gentle forage handling is guaranteed. Our rotor chassis is designed for maximum soil protection. The six-wheel option available for some models amplifies the Grass Care effect even further.
Volto tedders significantly increase the rate of wilting with Max Spread technology offering high work rates and exceptional spreading of grass.
The Claas Torion wheel loader helps you achieve a well-compacted silage pit. Torion wheeled loaders deliver powerful, efficient, on-the-ground material handling for all farm needs.
Landpower and Claas Harvest Centre understand the importance of every step in the silage-making process. They know that using the right tools, at the right time, leads to fewer crop losses and a higher yield.
In the medium Torion Series, the smart
Varipower ground drive makes your work easier. With this infinitely variable hydrostatic drive you operate the Torion in comfort at any speed and precisely adjust the amount of thrust you need.
A powerful, economical engine handles everything that comes your way. In the medium Torion Series, robust 6-cylinder DPS engines provide the output you need
for a wide range of applications. All engines comply with the Stage V emission standard. If you load heavy weights, Smart Loading provides active support. This unique assistance system precisely manages the interaction between all functions needed to optimise loading cycles. You only need to set the functions once, and they are then performed automatically. RC
EZ Web – the future of round bale silage in New Zealand
As New Zealand’s leading provider of crop packaging solutions for over 30 years, Agpac has built a reputation for supplying innovative, high-quality products that help contractors and farmers bale better, farm smarter and reduce their environmental footprint. As the exclusive distributor of Tama products in New Zealand, Agpac is committed to enhancing farm efficiency and sustainability and, as a proud partner of Plasback, ensures agricultural plastics are collected and recycled into new products.
Now, Agpac is proud to introduce EZ Web, the world’s first recyclable round baling solution, developed by Tama. EZ Web was developed to address one of the biggest challenges in round baling - the recyclability of netwrap. Conventional netwrap has been difficult to recycle due to contamination, making on-farm plastic waste management a challenge. With EZ Web, Tama has delivered a fully recyclable alternative that integrates seamlessly into the existing Plasback recycling program, New Zealand’s original and most trusted agricultural plastic collection scheme. Farmers can simply place EZ Web into a Plasback bin and liner system as part of their bale wrap recycling process, ensuring a smoother, more sustainable endof-life solution.
Farmers across New Zealand have been using EZ Web for the past two years under both extensive R&D trials and commercial pilot phases. These trials, conducted across diverse farming conditions, have demonstrated the product’s performance
EZ Web is the world’s first recyclable round bale solution, helping New Zealand farmers reduce plastic waste without sacrificing performance.
in maintaining bale integrity while providing a practical and effective recycling solution. Farmers involved in the pilot phases have praised EZ Web for its ease of use, reliability and contribution to on-farm sustainability goals.
The product reduces plastic use in baling without compromising bale integrity. It can be disposed of together with balewrap on baleage, or by itself on dry crop bales, making on-farm plastic management easier, quicker and more cost-effective. EZ Web delivers the same strong bale-binding qualities farmers expect from conventional netwrap and NRF solutions.
Jason Amos, Tama Oceania Regional Commercial Director, emphasised the
importance of EZ Web for the industry:
“New Zealand’s commitment to developing sustainable farming practices in the agricultural landscape is the perfect environment for EZ Web. This product is a new revolution in the crop baling world that answers the demand from farmers for a product that is easily recycled as part of their Plasback collections with their balewrap. It is easy to remove, easy to clean and fully recyclable with or without balewrap - it’s the first step of many into a more sustainable farming future.”
Tama has always been at the forefront of sustainable agri-plastics, and EZ Web is no exception. Manufactured using 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, this innovative product incorporates repurposed agricultural plastics, keeping valuable resources in use and reducing reliance on virgin plastic. Aviv Tron, Round Baling Products Manager at Tama commented:
“With EZ Web, we’ve achieved something previously thought impossible in round baling - creating a product that is fully recyclable while maintaining performance. This is a true game changer for the industry.”
Imagine a day when you no longer need to separate netwrap from balewrap or dispose of contaminated netwrap in landfill. A day when you can bale longer with fewer stops, achieving simple, trouble-free baling. With EZ Web that day has arrived. RC
Field trials across New Zealand have proven EZ Web’s strength, ease of use and contribution to on-farm sustainability goals.
Turning forage quality into profit with the Kverneland 85156 C
In any farming operation where forage quality makes the difference between a good season and a great one, the ability to process and preserve feed at its nutritional peak is critical. That’s why machinery that works with both precision and reliability is not just a convenience, it’s an investment in productivity and profitability. The Kverneland 85156 C tedder is built with this in mind - delivering high capacity crop handling with engineering that reduces downtime and maximises efficiency in the paddock. Distributed in New Zealand by Power Farming, it combines proven European design with the local dealer support farmers and contractors rely on.
At 15.6 metres working width, the 85156 C is designed for those who want to move serious volumes of forage quickly and cleanly. Its carrier frame construction means it is purpose-built for heavy-duty use, yet it remains compatible with smaller tractors thanks to the fact that the lifting capacity
With a 15.6m working width and 14 rotors, the Kverneland 85156 C is built for high-capacity forage handling at speed.
of the tractor is not a limiting factor. The weight is carried on its own running gear, giving stability in road transport and taking the strain off the tractor’s rear axle. This is a
machine designed for long days and varied terrain, with the confidence that it will stay steady on the road and sure-footed in the field.
NZ’s CROP PACKAGING SPECIALISTS
• Extensive product range
• Premium manufacturers
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One of the standout features is the innovative TerraFlow ground following system. This is not just a tweak to suspension geometry; it’s a redesign of how the tedder interacts with the ground. The frame connection between the carrier and the tedder unit is highly adaptive, allowing each of the 14 small-diameter rotors to move independently and follow the contours of the land. The tine distance to the ground remains constant across all terrain, which means the crop
10mm shot-peened spring steel with a coil diameter 20% larger than conventional designs. The result is a tine that is both flexible and durable, with a longer service life even in heavy silage work. Their symmetric design means the load is spread evenly, reducing wear and ensuring a consistent spread pattern.
Backed by Power Farming’s nationwide dealer network, the 85156 C combines European engineering with local service and support.
is turned efficiently without soil contamination. This results in a cleaner forage and a faster, more uniform dry-down - essential for maintaining feed quality. The rotors themselves are a key part of the equation. Small-diameter units provide a generous overlap, ensuring complete pick-up and even distribution of the crop. This overlap, combined with Kverneland’s Super-C tine design gives excellent crop turning in almost any condition. The Super-C tines are made from
In practice, the machine’s design makes life easier for the operator. The clever folding sequence - hydraulically controlled - is safe and quick, even on hilly ground and a sequence control system prevents damage during folding or unfolding. The machine’s transport width is under 3 metres, making it straightforward to move between fields without the need for an escort or complex logistics. Optional extras, like 500mm wide tyres for additional ground protection or a hydraulic foldable swath board for border tedding give the flexibility to tailor the machine to specific operating conditions.
Another major advantage is the low maintenance requirement. In-season upkeep is limited to the PTO and carrier - the driveline, gearboxes and most joints are maintenance-free. The ProLine gearbox is fully enclosed in an oil bath and does not carry frame load, which greatly reduces wear. Strong universal joints on the inside rotors and Kverneland’s HexaLink finger clutch on the outer rotors provide smooth and efficient power transfer while allowing for compact folding. The hinges use large-diameter, maintenancefree bearings for longevity and reliability meaning less time in the workshop and more time in the field.
In use, the 85156 C is about efficiency at every stage. Hydraulic height adjustment is available as an option, controlled from the cab with a clear scale for precise settings. Switching to headland position is simple - a single-acting valve lifts the tedder for generous clearance, allowing you to turn without disturbing already spread crop. The machine’s stability in this position is excellent, aided by wide-track running gear and generous tyres that protect both the machine and the sward.
All of these features come together to support what is ultimately the goal: processing the crop efficiently to boost grass management. By ensuring the correct dry matter content and preserving nutritional value, the 85156 C plays a direct role in producing quality feed. In today’s farming climate, where time windows for cutting, tedding and baling can be tight and weather conditions unpredictable, having a tedder that can cover ground quickly and deliver consistent results is a real advantage.
It’s also a machine that reflects a broader philosophy about farming. Success in modern agriculture depends on strong management decisions, the right strategy and investments in equipment that deliver measurable returns. The 85156 C embodies this approach - high output, low downtime, operatorfriendly design and the durability to handle demanding workloads year after year. Whether working in heavy silage, lighter hay crops, or challenging field conditions it is engineered to make tough jobs less complicated.
For contractors and farmers, the numbers speak for themselves: 14 rotors, 15.6 metres of working width, a theoretical capacity of up to 12.5 hectares per hour and a design that allows operation with a lower-horsepower tractor. But beyond the numbers, it’s the attention to detail - from the TerraFlow system to the Super-C tines, from the smooth folding mechanism to the minimal maintenance - that makes the difference in daily operation.
In the end, the Kverneland 85156 C is more than just a big tedder. It’s a machine built with an understanding of how important timeliness, forage quality and reliability are to a profitable farming business. Backed by the nationwide Power Farming dealer network, buyers also have the reassurance of local expertise, parts availability and after-sales support to keep them running through the busiest seasons. It turns the often challenging task of tedding large areas into a process that is fast, precise and efficient, ensuring that when the weather is right the work gets done and gets done well. RC
Protecting your people so they can go home to theirs
Offering a comprehensive selection of HAZCHEM safety solutions to meet all your farming requirements. Whether you need secondary containment solutions, personal protective equipment (PPE), signage or emergency response kits, we’ve got you covered Products are available through leading rural supplies retailers.
WITH CHEMICAL 2F PAPR
• CA-40G gives full-face protection for spray drift and agri-chemicals.
• Chemical 2F is the new generation of PAPR - compact, light, chemically resistant, and outstanding durability.
• A farm-smart combo: Reliable protection when handling sprays or fertilisers.
More growth, more quality, less impact: the new generation of forage
Succulent, super-abundant and lighter on the environment, the latest hybrid ryegrass from one of the country’s best-known pasture companies ticks all the boxes this season.
That’s the message from Barenbrug, which says Forge is a perfect fit for any farmers adapting their systems to meet fast-changing social, climate and market expectations.
The high-yielding tetraploid has recorded 14 to 28 per cent more growth year-round than other hybrids over three years in national industry trials.
“Extra dry matter is great. But extra dry matter across all seasons is even better, because it gives farmers more flexibility, and Forge excels in this regard,” Barenbrug commercial manager Graham Kerr says.
“We’re particularly excited about its growth in autumn, winter and early spring. These are times when high quality, home-grown feed typically has most value in New Zealand farm systems.”
Strong cool season growth also helps soak up excess soil nitrogen when the risk of leaching is highest, Graham adds.
Data from the National Forage Variety Trials spells out the difference – in autumn, Forge produced 14-33 per cent more dry matter than other hybrids and in winter, 15-36 per cent more, in a series of trials each run for three years.
Annual dry matter yield is at least 14 per cent more than any other hybrid in the NFVT, making Forge the new champion in mediumterm, high performance ryegrass for dairy and red meat production.
That’s enough to make most farmers sit up and take notice.
In parts of NZ where milder winters and hotter summers are becoming the norm, this growth pattern offers better opportunity to maximise cool season production, Graham says.
“Over three to five years, Forge grows approximately 1.4 tonnes dry matter per ha more than a high performance perennial, making it ideal for farmers who want an outstanding medium term pasture,” he adds.
Yield is one thing, however; quality is another, as any farmer who has ever tried to get their animals to graze an unpalatable pasture will confirm.
Forge is a tetraploid, so that extra growth is juicy and delicious for cattle, sheep and deer. This in itself benefits not only animal care, nutrition and performance, but farm system management, and environmental outcomes, Graham says.
“Animals love tetraploids. They’re soft, legume-friendly, rich in energy and easy to eat. Forge’s high metabolisable energy and palatability encourage high intakes, optimal per head performance and easier grazing management.
“That’s good for animals, and for the environment too, because it enables farmers to generate a similar amount of milk or meat from fewer livestock, with lower nitrate leaching and greenhouse gas emissions.
“These sorts of efficiencies are only going to become more important as NZ agriculture adapts to the many changes ahead.”
A key goal in breeding Forge was to create a longer lasting cultivar for farmers who wanted the benefits of a tetraploid with more persistence than other hybrids, he says.
“Persistence of Forge in trials and on-farm has been very good for a tetraploid hybrid.”
In this context, it dovetails perfectly in the Barenbrug tetraploid range between Shogun hybrid ryegrass, and 4front perennial ryegrass.
Shogun remains best in class for a one to three year pasture, ideal for paddocks known to be destined for crop in the next season or two, and for undersowing into existing pastures which have thinned out.
“Shogun transformed the hybrid ryegrass market when it was first released, and is still making a massive difference to productivity and animal performance on farms all over the country,” Graham says.
“Forge will be equally transformative, if not more so. No other three to five year pasture can match it.”
Seed for Forge tetraploid hybrid ryegrass is available now for spring sowing.
501 CHICORY
Fast-establishing, fast growing annual 501 Chicory benefits farmers, animals and the environment alike, Graham Kerr says.
with quick establishment, superb quality and climatic resilience to keep animals well-fed in summer and autumn.
What’s more, research has shown cows grazing chicory excrete significantly less N every time they urinate, reducing the N load in the urine patch compared to a typical ryegrass-clover pasture.
“We’ve heard a lot about plantain’s potential to improve environmental performance, but 501 Chicory is potentially better.
“Chicory, like plantain, has a high water content to dilute urine, but it provides higher animal performance, which gives the scope to lower greenhouse gas output per unit of product whether its milk or meat,” Graham says.
The first study to directly compare urinating patterns of dairy cows grazing chicory, plantain or ryegrass was carried out at Lincoln University Research Dairy Farm in February and March 2018 by scientists from
Barenbrug’s new Forge tetraploid hybrid ryegrass delivers up to 28% more year-round growth, giving farmers feed when it matters most.
the university’s Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science.
Milk yield was similar across all three forages for the trial period.
Results from this study align with earlier research showing cows grazing chicory produced more milk solids than those grazing ryegrass, reflecting chicory’s higher summer ME, which averaged 12.3 in this trial compared with irrigated ryegrass at 11.9.
And Graham says chicory’s nutritional advantage is much higher in summer dry situations.
When it comes to incorporating these and other chicory benefits into individual farm
Both Forge and 501 Chicory offer farmers practical options to lift animal performance while meeting environmental expectations.
systems, it’s worth taking a close look at the different options available.
“Most chicory cultivars are perennial types. But 501 Chicory is an annual type, so it establishes quicker and can be grazed sooner. This advantage can add up to one full grazing more than other chicory cultivars over summer-autumn.
“We’ve measured this dry matter yield difference in two trials, and it’s significant –for example, 501 Chicory can grow 550 kg dry matter per ha more than Choice.”
That may not sound like a lot, but it could equate to an extra $390/ha income (based on $8/kg MS).
501 Chicory’s deep roots also improve soil structure, mine deep soil N and pull up other minerals from the soil profile.
It is ideal for effluent blocks, for example, because it soaks up both excess N and K, which are then re-distributed more evenly around the farm via the cows.
It’s low risk for facial eczema; unlike brassicas, it doesn’t need insecticide sprays, and because it is tap-rooted, it is more resilient and water efficient than ryegrass in summer droughts.
It’s also recommended as part of parasite resistance management programmes for both lambs and young beef and dairy cattle.
“Farmers in sensitive catchments like it because it establishes well via direct drill or minimum till, and can be renewed into grass in autumn the same way. So they’re not getting the same soil N losses as they would with full cultivation.”
That’s better for fragile soils, too, Graham says.
“Plus animals love eating it. It’s green and leafy and consistently high in protein when pasture dries off in summer, and much cheaper than feed that arrives on a truck. You can’t ask for more than that!”
For best results, 501 Chicory should be sown early, while moisture is available for good germination (as soon as soil temps are 12°C and rising), using treated seed at 10 kg/ha, drilled no deeper than 1 cm.
For more detail on Barenbrug forage cultivars, talk to your local area manager. RC
MAKE SPRAY APPLICATION
MORE ACCURATE
Variable Rate Application (VRA) has been used for several years to adapt the application rate of seeders, spreaders and sprayers to specific areas in the field.
VRA prescription maps can be created based on soil maps, pictures from a drone or satellite images. The optional SpotSpray application on every Kverneland sprayer with iXspray software is based on prescription maps with zero application rates.
Based on a predefined prescription map the Kverneland sprayer shuts on and off in combination with the SpotSpray application.
For more information drop in and see your local Power Farming dealership or call us on 0800 627 222.
Built to last: why NZ dealers are backing SaMASZ
With a growing footprint across New Zealand, the Polish manufacturer (together with agricultural machinery specialist, FarmShop) is looking set to reach a bold goal of hay mower market leadership by 2027. What’s driving the success? Thanks is due in large part to the service agents dotted throughout NZ who are putting their reputation behind the brand.
FarmShop recently hosted around 11 of these trusted partners at a dealer visit day, giving them the opportunity to connect, swap stories and get hands-on with the latest machines.
What is making the company stand out in paddocks from Southland to Northland? A few of the service agents were asked why they came on board and what they’re hearing from farmers on the ground.
For most, it came down to two things: build quality and value. “I’d heard stories about the strength, durability and price,” said James from Ag & Auto Direct in Balclutha. James had a really good season last year selling around 10 mowers from the range.
Others were drawn in by customer feedback. “It was a new product in our area and it looked the goods,” according to Jason Bain from Valley Agri in Reporoa.
For Charlie Milne from Thornlie Park in Edendale, it all started with a conversation
with FarmShop at Southern Field Days, while another agent joined after a customer recommended the brand. Pat from Ratpick Engineering (Sheffield, CHCH) summed it up simply: “I was impressed with the overall construction and assembly.”
When farmers and contractors see one of these mowers up close or in action, the feedback is strikingly consistent. “They’re impressed with how solid the mowers look,” said James. “You can tell they’re built tough.” Jason added, “They like the build quality and simplicity.” One thing that surprises contractors is “how quiet they run,” according to Charlie.
Paul Goatley, a service Agent from Ag & Auto Direct in Balclutha, shared a standout moment when a crop had been flattened by strong winds, yet despite the crop being fully bent-over it was no match for the mower. “They worked so well in those conditions,” he said.
When it came to common questions from farmers and contractors, “Most just ask where they’re made, or how to pronounce
Dealers across New Zealand say SaMASZ mowers stand out for their toughness, simplicity and value in the paddock.
the name,” joked Charlie. The answer? “Sah-MAHSH.” Built in Poland.
The brand has been manufacturing hay mowers for 41 years and recently opened a brand new 4,000sqm warehouse and lasercutting hall to provide state-of-the-art steel processing.
Some of the service agents are noticing a shift in demand. “Farmers are moving to larger gear,” said Jason, while Paul added that growers are actively “asking about this gear” now, indicating a growing trust in the company.
When asked to pick a favourite hay mower from the line-up, the XT390 came up more than once. “It’s a well-built kit,” said Charlie. Jason also gave a nod to the front mowers and groupers for efficiency.
And how would they sum up the brand in three words? “Tough, reliable, solid,” said James. “Simple, affordable, reliable,” added Jason, and “Very well made,” said Paul. For farmers and contractors looking for gear that delivers in the field, that’s probably all they need to hear. RC
From Balclutha to Northland, contractors are backing the Polishbuilt brand for its durability and quiet, efficient performance.
Grow more, emit less, bank bigger profits
There’s a new way to make money this season, one that could add tens of thousands to the bottom line for dairy farms across New Zealand.
Think of it like carbon farming, but better –no pine trees!
Four years of research has just proved what we have long believed – every kilo of homegrown feed eaten directly by cows cuts farm emissions intensity.
And milk with low emissions intensity is now worth serious money – up to 25c per kilogram of milksolids, depending on the dairy company.
On an average South Island dairy farm, producing 281,000 kg milksolids a year, a low emissions premium of 15c per kg adds up to $42,000 extra income. The same premium for an average North Island farm producing 136,000 kg milksolids a year is $20,400,
The best part, according to a leading national pasture expert?
“This is something several hundred farmers can achieve, without a lot of disruption, using resources they already have. In fact, they can start working towards this straight away. And those not far off will be looking at how they can get their farm over the line.”
Graham Kerr, pasture specialist for Barenbrug, says key findings from the biggest study of its kind in New Zealand dairy farming are reassuring, in that cutting greenhouse gas emissions doesn’t reduce farm profitability.
“The study showed there was no relationship between the two. There are farms across the country combining industry leading profitably and industry leading emissions efficiency.”
Better yet, the effect holds true no matter the farm system, location or herd size.
Emissions and Profitability is a joint project between DairyNZ, Fonterra and LIC that used data from 8000 NZ farms to analyse the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and farm profitability over the past four years.
Researchers released their first results in July, and say more analysis is planned this season.
Graham Kerr says all dairy farmers can start benefiting from what has come out of the study without delay.
That’s because the analysis found the best performing farms in terms of both emissions intensity and profitability had three things in common.
They all grew more feed, of higher quality, with more efficient use of nitrogen, than the others.
With spring here, there’s no better time to act on this knowledge, Graham says.
His advice?
“In terms of growing more, first up, help your farmers do a really good job of this season’s pasture renewal and spring cropping.
“That means getting the right level of renewal or crop across the farm; identifying how many under-performing paddocks they have, and ticking all the boxes in the process of getting these back up a high level of production.
“Well planned and established, this means they grow more feed at home.”
Barenbrug cultivars are well-suited to this goal.
“We’re hugely proud of the performance of our varieties in industry-run National Forage Variety Trials. Maxsyn and Array perennials, and Forge hybrid ryegrasses are particular standouts for high yields. And we have great crop options like 501 chicory, and Dynamo summer turnip.”
And spring’s the pivotal time for
New research shows dairy farmers can cut emissions intensity and lift profits by growing more highquality homegrown feed.
maintaining high pasture quality.
“Eighty per cent of pasture quality is influenced by management. That includes identifying and managing surplus pasture, and creating a culture of achieving consistent post-grazing residuals, day in, day out, to set up quality at the next grazing. But we have cultivars with the genetics to help.”
What about improving nitrogen use efficiency, the third common trait of high performing farms in the emissions and profitability study?
“Clover is king here, for its natural nitrogen-fixing ability. When renewing pastures, remember clover seed must be sown shallow, no more than 10mm deep. So much is wasted every year because it never emerges.”
Growing more clover is a double win, Graham says, because it also enhances feed quality.
“Use top clover genetics like Ruru and Kotuku to really improve clover performance in pastures. They’re aggressive growing, and high yielding with good pest resistance.”
If clover is missing or lacking, spring’s a good time to oversow seed.
Other ways of using nitrogen more efficiently include sowing Array perennial ryegrass, which can extract more nitrogen from the soil in deficit periods; and introducing tetraploid ryegrasses.
“On their own or mixed with diploids, they can be grazed half a leaf stage later than straight diploids, so again, you effectively harvest more feed from the same amount of nitrogen.”
Whatever path your farmers take using homegrown pasture to reduce emissions and lift profitability, help is at hand.
“We’re always here to discuss options and provide advice as needed,” Graham says.
“Just contact us.” RC
Built to shift more: JCB 435S AGRI powers through the tough jobs
Power farming’s distribution of the JCB 435S AGRI wheel loader puts one of the most capable and performance-focused machines on the market into the hands of New Zealand’s contractors and farmers. Designed to shift serious volumes of material with maximum efficiency, the upgraded 435S is a machine built for operators who demand power, speed and reliability without compromising fuel economy or comfort.
Weighing in at just over 15 tonnes and delivering 282hp from its Stage V Cummins 6.7-litre engine, the 435S has a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 19hp per tonne. That translates to exceptional pushing power, rapid acceleration and the ability to take on steep climbs or long roading runs with ease. JCB’s unique six-speed transmission with torque converter lock-up, paired with twin variable displacement piston pump hydraulics, means the loader end responds instantly while maintaining smooth, controlled operation even under heavy load.
The headline figure is a 12% horsepower increase over its predecessor, giving operators more tractive effort and a broader rpm range for peak torque. That extra muscle pays off in faster cycle times and improved productivity across tasks, whether you’re moving bulk silage, loading
grain, handling compost or working in feed pads and bunkers. The 435S AGRI has been engineered to keep you working at pace without burning through extra fuel, with systems optimised for efficiency and reduced operating costs.
Fuel-saving features include torque lock-up in gears one to six for improved roading performance, an automatic hydraulic cooling fan that adjusts to demand and an auto engine shutdown that prevents unnecessary idling. These small efficiencies add up over a season, especially for contractors clocking up high hours across varied jobs. JCB has also made maintenance easier with a large single-faced widecore cooling pack and automatic reversing fan to keep chaff and dust at bay, ensuring optimum working temperatures and reducing the risk of overheating during extended shifts.
Versatility has been another focus in the redesign. The 435S is available with both standard lift and high lift arms to suit different material handling requirements, and an optional tow hitch with integrated camera extends its usefulness around the yard and on-farm. The JCB Quickhitch allows for fast and secure attachment changes, helping operators switch between tasks with minimal downtime. Agricultural-spec 750/65R26 tyres come as standard, offering excellent traction and stability across paddock and yard surfaces.
Operator comfort hasn’t been overlooked. The CommandPlus cab with a new lever steer, in its high-spec configuration, offers
3.4m3 of space, excellent visibility and intuitive controls. The Smoothride system ensures a stable, comfortable experience over rough terrain while the single-lever joystick control puts precise loader operation at the operator’s fingertips. Long days are part of the job, and the 435S has been built to make those hours as comfortable and productive as possible.
Durability is baked into the design. Heavy-duty axles, advanced manufacturing techniques such as robot welding and precision machining all contribute to a robust, long-lasting machine. The quality of the build is matched by the finish, with precision paint technology protecting against corrosion and wear, extending the loader’s working life. JCB’s LiveLink telematics system is included, allowing operators and fleet managers to monitor performance, fuel usage and maintenance schedules remotely, giving greater control over uptime and servicing.
For contractors and large-scale farmers, the JCB 435S AGRI offers an attractive combination of raw power, intelligent efficiency and operator comfort. The extra horsepower, broader torque band and highperformance hydraulics make it a standout for productivity, while its fuel-saving features and maintenance-friendly design help keep running costs in check. With Power farming’s backing and JCB’s reputation for building machines that last, the 435S AGRI delivers on its promise to be an unstoppable force in the yard, in the field and on the road. RC
The upgraded JCB 435S AGRI delivers 282hp and a class-leading 19hp per tonne, making light work of heavy loads.
Wrapped right: feed preservation that works where it matters
As expectations around bale quality, fermentation and product longevity continue to climb, Independent Wrap has carved out a clear role in delivering premium solutions for contractors and farmers who simply want the job done right. From silage inoculants and hay preservatives to multi-layer silage wraps designed for New Zealand’s varied conditions, the Independent Wrap offering is underpinned by science, supported by local testing and fine-tuned for performance in the paddock.
The ForageMate range of inoculants continues to gain traction among contractors and progressive farmers, particularly those focused on maximising dry matter recovery and silage consistency. ForageMate AP, in particular has been tested in New Zealand under local conditions, where it demonstrated a clear performance advantage over untreated silage. Independent testing on the West Coast showed a significantly faster pH drop and more than double the lactic acid concentration in treated silage
within the first two weeks. The result is a faster fermentation, reduced spoilage and improved feed quality.
Lactic acid plays a key role in preserving silage until it’s needed. With ForageMate AP, the production of lactic acid is both rapid and sustained thanks to the formulation’s three-strain bacterial profile. Each strain operates optimally within a different pH range, ensuring fermentation remains active throughout the critical early phase. In practice, this means the product helps producers lock in energy value early and safeguard feed quality for longer. The treated silage’s pH fell at a markedly quicker rate compared to the control, delivering better dry matter recovery, which ultimately translates to more tonnes of usable feed from each hectare harvested.
One of the more practical features of ForageMate AP is its visibility in the tank. When mixed, the solution turns blue, making it easier for operators to verify application levels on the fly. It’s suited to use on lucerne, grass, whole plant maize and cereals, and is priced with commercial producers in mindthose who already follow good silage-making practices and want a reliable inoculant that offers value without compromise.
ForageMate BP offers another layer of feed protection with a focus on bunkers and pits. Air exposure is the enemy of any ensiled material and where pit faces can become vulnerable. BP is formulated to guard against aerobic instability. Like its stablemate AP, ForageMate BP has been developed with consistency in mind, helping to retain nutritional value for as long as possible after feedout begins. Independent Wrap's data shows the BP-treated silage holds up significantly better when exposed to air compared to untreated samples. This is critical for larger operations that may only be removing a small amount of feed from the face each day and need to limit spoilage during that time.
In the hay market, where the moisture window is narrow and the pressure to get baling done on time is intense, Independent Wrap’s Hay Defender has become a go-to preservative. It’s designed to give contractors and hay producers more flexibility when weather conditions are marginal, allowing baling at slightly higher moisture levels without compromising quality or risking mould. For lucerne and lucerne-grass mixes, Hay Defender supports baling at moisture contents up to 23% for conventional bales and 20% for rounds. For larger square bales, it can handle up to 18% moisture in straight lucerne.
This increase in the acceptable moisture threshold buys valuable time, particularly during unsettled weather patterns and helps preserve more of the crop’s nutritional value. By reducing dry matter losses and limiting microbial activity in the bale, Hay Defender provides peace of mind that the final product will remain palatable and safe for stock. For high-value crops like lucerne, where protein and energy levels are a priority, and minimising leaf loss through shattering when crops are baled at high moisture levels, this kind of safeguard can be the difference between a premium feed and a disappointing result.
Complementing the inoculants and preservatives is Independent Wrap’s range of agricultural films, which continues to set the benchmark in performance, durability and ease of use. The silage wrap line-up includes options across five- and seven-layer formats, all developed to handle New Zealand’s conditions, including UV exposure, high winds and fluctuating temperatures.
From five-layer to premium seven-layer formats, Independent Wrap’s silage films deliver strength, stretch and puncture resistance in tough paddock conditions.
The Independent Wrap bale wrap collection includes several strong performers tailored to different contractor needs. The flagship “Elite” seven-layer wrap delivers both productivity and economy, with longer rolls available in 1900 and 2200 metre lengths. Titan, the superior-grade wrap offers a high-grade 25-micron film in a 1500 metre roll, while the new XL 7 wrap provides a khaki-coloured option at 1650 metres and 22 microns.
Each of these wraps is built around consistent stretch, excellent cling and strong puncture resistance. These aren’t just buzzwords - in the paddock where stony fields, broken bale edges, stalky crops or awkward stacking can wreak havoc on lower-grade films, a tougher wrap means fewer failures and less waste. The durability of these films also supports better oxygen exclusion, which is central to silage preservation.
For contractors who prefer five-layer wrap, Agroland and Newrap remain reliable choices. Agroland is a versatile khakicoloured wrap available in 1500 metre rolls, built to handle a broad range of conditions. Newrap, Independent Wrap’s best-selling option is offered in a variety of colour choices and comes in 1500 and 1800 metre rolls at 25-micron gauge.
Whether the job calls for longer rolls for fewer stops or higher-grade wrap for rough terrain, the range has been built to give contractors choice without compromising
Hay Defender gives contractors flexibility in tight weather windows, allowing safe baling at higher moisture levels.
on quality. With every pass of the wrapper contractors can feel confident they’re using a product that’s been proven, refined and selected to perform.
Independent Wrap has never taken a one-size-fits-all approach. Their product line is a reflection of years of on-the-ground experience and feedback from the farmers and contractors who rely on the gear every day. From how a product flows through an applicator tank to how it holds up after six months stacked under an open sky, the focus is on real-world performance.
In a time where feed losses can make or break a season and margins are constantly squeezed, investing in the right preservation system is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity. With a product suite that covers inoculants, preservatives and wraps, Independent Wrap gives contractors and farmers the tools they need to get the best result - not just when the bale is wrapped, but when the feed is finally in front of the stock.
By combining evidence-backed formulations with practical product features and a commitment to local trialling, Independent Wrap continues to lead from the front. Their offering doesn’t just look good in the brochure - it performs where it matters: in the stack, in the pit and in the paddock. RC
Tested under New Zealand conditions, Independent Wrap products provide farmers and contractors with confidence that feed will last right through to feedout.
Attention to detail can increase maize yield
Growers wanting to increase maize grain and silage yields and profits should focus on seedbed preparation, planter set-up and crop monitoring, says Foundation for Arable Research maize researcher Rene van Tilburg.
Average maize yields in New Zealand are 12 tonne/ha for grain and 21 t/ha for silage. In comparison, record yields have been up to 23.4 t/ha for maize (Pioneer Cup results) and up to 30 t/ha for silage.
“To improve their averages, growers need to monitor and manage potential yield and profit robbers; particularly poor and uneven establishment, inefficient nutrition, water stress and pests.
“Weather is obviously a significant contributor to yield, and while it cannot be controlled, taking temperature, rainfall forecasts and sunshine hours into account when making crop management decisions will contribute to efficient systems and maximum profits in any given season.”
The common themes amongst yield recordholders around the world are effort around seedbed preparation, planter setup and crop monitoring. “For example, world record holder (United States grower)
David Hula says that 65 per cent of the yield potential is done when the planter leaves the field.”
The perfect crop is considered to be one where all plants emerge within 12 or 24 hours of each other, depending on the prevailing temperature at the time.
“As growers, your job is to question (and dig) for the reason any seed is slow to emerge, or does not emerge at all.
“After emergence is complete, dig in the gaps and look for misses caused by pests
such as cutworm, wireworm and Argentine stem weevil. These are one-off losses, with remaining plants likely to go on to reach their potential.”
Unevenness of germination can be more problematic. It may be because of poor seed to soil contact, poor soil structure, dry conditions, variable planting depth, side wall compaction and a smeared seed trench. “Maize plants will not ‘grow out’ of these problems, which will rob yield right up to harvest.”
Understanding soil fertility and the interactions of different nutrients is also important. Oversupply of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) is not the path to success and phosphorus application without consideration to other nutrients, particularly zinc, can depress yields, Rene says.
“Soil test regularly; smaller grids are better than large ones. While there are different methods of trace element testing, choose one and stick with it.”
Consider regular tissue testing from V6. “Get expert advice on results. A deficiency or excess can have knock-on effects on other nutrients leading to misleading conclusions.
“Record all inputs, weather conditions, soil and leaf test results, along with yield, every year. This database will allow you to observe how any differences in weather or inputs between seasons impact on yield. If you are making changes to your system, only change one thing at a time...this will allow you to understand its impact. It’s a long game.” RC
FAR maize researcher Rene van Tilburg.
One pass, multiple benefits –the Agrisem Scalp advantage
In modern farming, the pressure to produce more while using fewer inputs - and to do so in a way that builds soil health rather than depleting it - is shaping the way farmers think about cultivation, weed control and crop establishment. For many, especially those working in organic or regenerative systems, the challenge has been finding machinery that can meet these demands without compromising productivity.
The Agrisem Scalp tool, supplied in New Zealand by North Canterbury Equipment (NC Equipment) is designed with exactly these challenges in mind. It brings together precision engineering, versatility and an environmentally minded approach to soil management.
The Scalp is built around an innovative single-blade design that enables it to work effectively in conditions where traditional multi-tine hoes or cultivators struggle. Tall weeds, heavy crop residue, or established cover crops can be difficult for conventional mechanical weeding systems to penetrate
but the Scalp’s sharp, hydraulically controlled blade delivers consistent, homogenous penetration regardless of conditions. This allows it to control even large weeds and drastically reduce the number of passes required.
Minimal soil disturbance conserves moisture, protects soil carbon and supports long-term fertility in regenerative systems.
Its modular and scalable frame - from four to 24 rows, with spacing adjustable between 50 and 80cm - means the Scalp can be configured to suit different crops, row widths and farming systems. Farmers can start with a smaller setup and expand later or customise the machine with a range of attachments to handle specific tasks. The machine’s active Isobus-controlled lateral guidance, driven by GPS or camera, ensures precision row tracking, while a GPS row-by-row cut-off system allows for targeted work saving time and reducing unnecessary soil disturbance.
The Scalp’s capabilities go far beyond simple weed control. In full scalping mode it can be used for stubble cultivation and seedbed preparation under crops or cover crops, with excellent ground following to ensure a uniform result. It can also be equipped for strip sowing, allowing autumn cereals, summer crops, or cover crops to be established directly during a scalping pass. Fertiliser application, whether solid or liquid, can be integrated into the operation, placing nutrients precisely alongside the root zone for efficient uptake and reduced losses.
For organic farmers in particular, the Scalp
offers an alternative to herbicides that is both effective and sustainable. By working under crop residue or established cover crops, it can remove competitive weeds without damaging the main crop. It is equally capable of operating in no-till systems, where maintaining soil structure and minimising disturbance is critical to preserving carbon stocks and soil biology.
A key environmental benefit of the Scalp system is its role in water and carbon management. By scalping weeds and unwanted plants, it creates a capillary break that reduces moisture loss from the soil. Because it works with minimal disturbance, it avoids mixing soil layers and helps maintain soil carbon levels. In fact, the process actively encourages carbon storage by breaking down crop residues in place, feeding the soil food web and improving long-term fertility.
This approach to soil care is particularly important in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and recurring droughts. By conserving moisture and building soil organic matter, the Scalp helps farmers protect their crops against dry spells while also contributing to climate-friendly
By combining weed control, sowing and fertiliser placement in one pass, the Scalp saves time, fuel and wear on machinery.
farming practices. For farmers aiming to integrate conservation agriculture principles into their business, it offers a practical highcapacity solution that can be adapted to a wide range of crops and rotations.
Practicality in the paddock has not been overlooked. The Scalp’s hydraulic downforce system ensures consistent blade engagement across all rows, while 500mm of parallelogram travel per row unit allows it to follow ground contours closely. Gauge wheels are non-stick and easy to adjust without tools and accessories can be attached or removed quickly thanks to a smart modular mounting system with settings memory. This makes it straightforward to switch between different operations whether that’s hoeing, scalping, sowing, or fertilising.
In New Zealand, the Scalp is supported by NC Equipment’s long-standing reputation for supplying quality machinery backed by expert advice and service. With branches in North Canterbury, Mid Canterbury and Manawatū, NC Equipment’s team understands the practical realities of farming here - from the need to make the most of tight weather windows to the importance of having reliable backup when machines are working at full capacity. Their commitment to providing the right equipment for the job, combined with local knowledge ensures that the Scalp is not just a purchase, but a longterm asset in a farm’s system.
For many farmers, the appeal of the Agrisem Scalp tool lies in its ability to consolidate operations. By combining weed control, seedbed preparation, cover crop sowing and fertiliser application into a single pass, it saves time, reduces fuel use and lessens wear and tear on other machinery. In an era where efficiency is a key driver of profitability, those savings add up.
At the same time, the machine supports broader goals around sustainability and resilience. Whether replacing herbicides, improving soil structure, conserving moisture, or enabling innovative crop rotations such as relay cropping, it provides a flexible platform for farmers to adapt to changing demands and opportunities.
The Agrisem Scalp tool represents a shift in thinking - away from single-purpose machines towards adaptable, multifunctional equipment that can evolve with a farming system. It’s a tool for those who want to get more from each pass, protect their soil and maintain productivity without compromising environmental goals. With NC Equipment’s backing, New Zealand farmers have access to a piece of technology that’s as forwardthinking as they are and robust enough to deliver, season after season. RC
Minimal soil disturbance conserves moisture, protects soil carbon and supports long-term fertility in regenerative systems.
The importance of premium silage covers in ensuring optimal fermentation
The quality of silage is a critical factor in the success of livestock farming. Whether feeding dairy cows, beef cattle or sheep, the quality of preserved forage directly impacts animal health, production efficiency and profitability. Central to achieving highquality silage is the fermentation process, which transforms harvested forage into a nutritious and stable feed. However, the fermentation process is highly dependent on the exclusion of oxygen - a factor that premium silage covers play a crucial role in controlling.
Donaghy’s Crop has long understood the vital role of oxygen management in preserving silage.
With decades of experience supporting New Zealand farmers, the company specialises in providing high-quality silage covers designed to form an effective barrier against oxygen infiltration, safeguarding the hard work and investment that goes into every harvest.
The fermentation process begins once forage is compacted in the silage pit, a crucial step in creating anaerobic conditions. In the absence of oxygen, naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria break down sugars in the forage and convert them into lactic acid. This lactic acid is key to preserving the forage, reducing its pH and preventing spoilage by undesirable microorganisms. A successful fermentation process results in nutrient-dense silage that can be stored and fed to livestock throughout the year.
Oxygen is the enemy of effective fermentation. When it enters the silage pit, aerobic organisms such as moulds and yeasts proliferate. These consume valuable
nutrients, reduce the feed’s nutritional value and increase the risk of feeding spoiled forage to livestock, which can have serious health implications. Preventing oxygen from entering the pit is therefore essential. Research underscores just how important this is. Studies published in the Journal of Dairy Science show that modern multi-layer silage films can reduce dry matter losses by up to 50% compared to traditional singlelayer covers. These advancements, including oxygen barrier films have transformed silage preservation by maintaining more stable anaerobic conditions. By investing in premium covers, farmers can protect the nutritional integrity of their silage far more effectively. Donaghy’s Crop incorporates these innovations into its range, ensuring farmers benefit from the latest material science designed for New Zealand’s farming conditions.
Manufactured with advanced multi-layer technology, Donaghy’s premium silage
Correctly compacted silage combined with oxygen-barrier covers helps preserve valuable nutrients for healthier, more productive livestock.
covers are durable, tear-resistant and capable of withstanding the country’s often unpredictable weather. Their flexibility and strength make them ideal for covering large pits, sealing them tightly to maintain anaerobic conditions throughout the entire fermentation period. Built-in UV protection ensures the covers retain their integrity even under prolonged exposure to sunlight, while their high puncture resistance means they remain intact despite rough handling or hazards such as animals or debris.
Using a premium silage cover is not simply about preventing spoilage - it is about protecting an investment. The forage in a silage pit represents a significant portion of a farm’s resources. By preventing oxygen ingress, Donaghy’s covers help minimise wastage and ensure livestock receive the best possible forage, leading to better animal health, higher productivity and improved profitability.
The fermentation process is the foundation of high-quality silage and protecting this process from oxygen exposure is critical. Donaghy’s Crop premium silage covers provide farmers with a robust, reliable defence, ensuring nutrient-rich spoil-free feed and offering peace of mind that the harvest will deliver its full value when it matters most. RC
Investing in durable, tear-resistant covers safeguards the year’s harvest, minimising losses and maximising profitability.
Claas have you covered for crop packaging
Quality matters when it comes to crop baling products and Claas has you covered with its Rollatex Netwrap, Quadotex and Baletex twine range and Wrapex stretch film. Distributed by Tama Farm Grown Solutions, your Claas Harvest Centre can provide comprehensive baling solutions.
Rollatex Pro is an advanced Netwrap that improves field operations and bale quality, with long roll length and excellent strength at a usable roll weight. Consistent and uniform quality allows easy operation in the field with fewer stoppages and it is available in 2500m, 3150m and 3800m roll lengths for versatility, depending on application.
Thanks to Bale+ technology, Rollatex uses less plastic per bale, saving 218kg of plastic every 5000 bales compared to standard wrap (1.7m diameter with three wraps).
There is zero waste in production and all rolls come packaged in post-consumer recycled materials. To make things simple in the field, Rollatex Pro includes a zebra asymmetrical pattern that shows which direction to load the roll and how to unroll the bale when it is used, a roll end warning stripe and an EnterNet tag that makes it easy to feed in new rolls into the baler.
Operators can also rely on a guaranteed minimum roll length rather than an average, and every roll includes carry handles for convenience. Claas Covered means the Netwrap maintains width as it feeds onto the bale ensuring full coverage to maintain bale shape, reduce losses and make handling and storage simple.
The Claas Quadotex and Baletex twine range is suitable for every square baling
application. Claas Quadrant balers offer fast output of high-density bales, so they need twine that can stand up to the job. Quadotex twine delivers strength, reliability and consistency to secure the highest density bales, with knots staying tied and crops remaining secure from the first to the last bale.
Baletex is designed for long baling days, making it the best choice for standard baling applications. It is compatible with large and medium square balers, including the Claas Quadrant range. Longer spools mean fewer changeovers and more bales per spool, providing a cost-effective combination of strength and length. Its excellent knotting characteristics and durability in the field are complemented by UV protection for safe and secure outside storage.
Every bale uses 25% less plastic through
cutting-edge design, creating stronger and lighter twine. With zero waste and optimised energy use in manufacturing, Baletex Care products have an environmental footprint to be proud of.
Wrapex stretch film completes the range. Strong and durable with superb cling for first-class silage preservation, Wrapex is an advanced silage wrap made from multilayer blown film with optimal stretching and adhesive properties. It offers superior tack under increased stretch, maximising both machine and product capabilities. Designed to work with round and square bale wrappers, it is the best choice for ensiling crops. RC
Claas Rollatex Pro Netwrap ensures secure, uniform bale coverage while reducing plastic use on-farm.
Deep learning meets dirt: new AI tool transforms soil monitoring
The launch of an AI-powered soil moisture mapping tool created by University of Sydney researchers could transform irrigation, fuel reduction burning and pasture management across Tasmania and beyond.
The interactive online map can accurately measure soil moisture levels across most of the state, at very high resolutions in close to real time. The results are published in the academic journal Soil.
Lead developer Marliana Tri Widyastuti, a PhD student from Indonesia at the Sydney Institute of Agriculture, believes the new system is a world-first.
“The mapping tool uses information from satellites, weather forecasts, soil and land maps and then applies deep learning - a type of artificial intelligence to combine real-time data from 39 in-ground soil moisture probes with local rainfall readings. Our software effectively joins up the dots to create a clearer picture,” Marliana said.
Professor Budiman Minasny, co-researcher and a global expert in agricultural technology, said the secret of the AI-driven model is found in the complex algorithms that accurately monitor Tasmanian soil layers to a depth of 80 centimetres, in close to real time.
“The daily predictions being generated are the most high-resolution maps of soil moisture I’ve ever seen. The resolution works down to 80 square metres. This rich data can help Tasmania’s land managers make faster, better decisions - such as timing the
By combining satellite data, rainfall records and in-ground probes, the system provides detailed insights up to 80cm below the surface.
planting of crops, optimising irrigation flows or preparing for fires,” Budiman said
The online soil moisture maps are freely available, and are already having real-world impact, following adoption by land managers at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas).
Dr Mathew Webb, a senior spatial scientist with the NRE Tas, said the tool is a good example of how AI technology can help manage environmental challenges.
“This new tool is great to have in the arsenal because it gives us more detailed information for decision making,” Mathew said.
“It’s already proving useful for trend monitoring - allowing us to monitor when local areas are moving into and out of drought conditions. This is especially helpful for dairy regions like King Island, where changes in moisture have previously been hard to predict.
“Our fire managers are also starting to examine how it can help in planning fuel
University of Sydney researchers have developed an AI-powered soil moisture mapping tool with near real-time accuracy down to 80 square metres.
reduction burns in our national parks and forests. We’re hoping the precise data from the tool can be added to the resources already being used by fire managers when assessing when a planned burn can be carried out in an area,” Mathew said.
“This is just the beginning of the journey. We’re excited to explore this awesome technology in the long-term and use it to help predict and assist with managing the impacts of droughts or heavy rainfalls across our vast landscapes.”
Budiman said the tool builds on more than a decade of soil science research developed at the University of Sydney, in partnership with Tasmanian agencies and national data providers.
“This is a perfect example of collaborative science delivering real-world impactimproving food security, protecting livestock and helping land managers adapt to increasingly variable rainfall,” Budiman said.
Marliana said she spearheaded the tool’s development as part of a Masters scholarship funded by the Indonesian Government. She hopes to see the new tool help rural communities in her Indonesian homeland, as well as in Australia and other nations.
“Now we have shown that the tool works in Tasmania, I hope it might one day help millions of people across the globe. From better irrigation in our food-bowls, through to the management of drinking water catchments, or the protection of rainforests, swamps and fragile ecosystems from fire,” said Marliana, who has now started her PhD research. RC
A new era for Merlo in the North Island
In New Zealand’s contracting and construction sectors, having the right machine for the job is only half the story. The real measure of a brand’s value is the support network behind it - the people who keep machines running, provide expert advice and make sure operators can work to their full potential without costly delays. For Merlo telehandlers, that support in the North Island has now entered a new chapter with Ag & Civil Machinery Direct appointed as the official dealer.
A dedicated division of Waikato Tractors Ltd, Ag & Civil Machinery Direct was established in 2017 to meet the rising demand for specialised machinery across agriculture, earthworks and civil construction. Over the past seven years, it has built a reputation for sourcing premium equipment from Europe, America and Canada and matching it with the right advice, service and parts support. The business already represents leading names like Kemper, Bunning, Erth Engineering and Moreni, supplying contractors with equipment that improves capability and efficiency in the field.
Adding Merlo to the line-up represents a significant milestone in Ag & Civil’s growth. Merlo, a family-owned company from Cuneo, Italy, traces its history back to 1911 and has built a global reputation for innovation and engineering excellence. Officially established as Merlo S.p.A. in 1964, it now operates in
over 80 countries with a dealer network of more than 800 outlets. In the telehandler market, Merlo is recognised for its blend of performance, operator comfort and advanced technology - with compact, medium, highcapacity and rotating models available to suit a wide range of applications. There are already over 1,000 Merlo machines at work in New Zealand. For the past 25 years, that presence was built and supported by Power Farming, whose dedication to the brand has been widely acknowledged. Their decision to move in a different direction has paved the way for Ag & Civil Machinery Direct to take the reins in the North Island, with a clear focus on continuity for
Ag & Civil Machinery Direct has been appointed as Merlo’s new North Island dealer, ensuring strong sales, service and parts support.
existing customers and growth for the future. Ag & Civil is well placed to take on the responsibility. Backed by Waikato Tractors Ltd and The Tractor Centre Ltd in Pukekohe, the group has more than 35 trained technicians across its network, with the capability to provide rapid service and maintenance across the region. Their North Island footprint ensures Merlo customers - whether in agriculture, construction, or specialist industries - have access to sales, service and parts support when and where it’s needed. This local capability is reinforced by strong links to Merlo Australia, ensuring access to time-critical parts and technical resources to keep machines working. The team also benefits from the expertise of two well-known figures in the Merlo world. Ken Bill - widely referred to as ‘Mr Merlo' - has joined Merlo Group Australia (MGA) to support the New Zealand distribution network. Having played a role in almost every Merlo sale in the country over the past quarter-century, his knowledge of the machines and the needs of Kiwi operators is unparalleled.
Joining him is Daniel Strachan, formerly in a national technical support role for Merlo, now based in New Zealand as part of Merlo Technical Support. His presence on the ground adds another layer of capability to Ag & Civil’s offering ensuring customers receive timely, knowledgeable assistance when required.
The appointment as Merlo’s North Island dealer is not just about maintaining the status quo – Ag & Civil has plans to expand its presence, with new permanent locations
Merlo’s versatile telehandlers are trusted worldwide for performance, safety and operator comfort - now supported locally by Ag & Civil.
Spot on Li-1000 helps get spray exactly where it should be
As a contractor, you know there’s no room for a 'hit and miss' approach. Farmers expect results that maximise their investment in, the often costly, spray programmes which are critical to their business.
Helicopters South Canterbury
CEO and pilot Richard Geary has over 20 years under his belt. The successful company was founded back in the 1990s and Richard has an experienced team, an impressive fleet of helicopters and very broad expertise.
Based near Timaru, they operate primarily in South Canterbury, Mid Canterbury and the Mackenzie Country, though Richard doesn’t rule out going further afield, if there’s the demand. The company caters for a broad range of clients, but agriculture is their bread and butter.
Precision and high standards are critical and margins for error are very slim. Richard says every variable is always factored in. That means everything from the safety of staff to the ability to deliver an effective and efficient service to the farmers who rely on the company for everything from mustering to spraying gorse, broom and brushweed; and applying other crop protection products. Spraying out old pastures, often over challenging terrain is a staple for
Helicopters South Canterbury rely on Li-1000 for precision spraying across challenging terrain and sensitive crop areas.
the busy company.
When using Roundup, Richard says they use drift-controller and penetrant Li-1000 95% of the time. “There are often sensitive crops nearby, like fodder beet or emerging grass and Li1000 gives us that extra bit of certainty and security.”
Richard and his team discuss jobs with clients before they commence and make notes not only on what is required, but also on any adjacent crops or other potential issues. Their focus: delivering jobs better! “Li-1000 trumps everything else as a drift retardant and works well as a penetrant.” He says that factors including rotor wash (the downward movement of air caused by the action of the helicopter’s blades) mean helicopter spraying, while often the most practical and costeffective solution, is heavily reliant on effective drift control
in the pipeline to strengthen sales, service and parts coverage. This forward-looking approach aligns with Merlo’s own commitment to continual innovation and improvement, ensuring that operators here can benefit from the same cutting-edge solutions available to Merlo customers worldwide.
For contractors, the benefits of Merlo’s technology are well established. Whether it’s the versatility of a rotating telehandler on a construction site, the agility of a compact model in a farmyard, or the high capacity of a heavy-duty unit handling bulk loads, the
products to get spray exactly where it’s meant to be. “Li-1000 is a great product.”
Li-1000 is a non-ionic, low foam surfactant, penetrant and drift retardant in one. It enhances the activity and penetration of herbicides and other crop protection products and is an excellent partner for spray-out knockdown herbicides such as glyphosate.
Ash Pace, UPL NZ Ltd. Regional Manager Central South Island, says deposition (getting spray on target) gets the most out of spray programmes and avoids wasting active. “When you’re paying good money, you want to get good value and with Li-1000 you can also adjust rates a bit, according to conditions and applications.
“Using a helicopter in this challenging kind of country means time can be reduced and efficiency gained, and it avoids
brand’s machines are designed to improve efficiency and safety. Combined with Ag & Civil’s knowledge of local operating conditions and commitment to after-sales support, this partnership promises to give operators the confidence to take on bigger and more demanding jobs.
As Ag & Civil Machinery Direct steps into its new role, the message to North Island Merlo owners is clear - you can expect continuity, capability and a commitment to keeping your machine working at its best. For those yet to experience what a Merlo can do, now is the
the risk of churning-up wet paddocks or even rigs toppling over on the slope.”
Richard says his company also uses other UPL adjuvants including All Clear 2X tank cleaner, and Du-Wett SuperSpreader, which delivers better spray coverage and Slikka, a super-penetrant used on gorse and brushweeds.
Richard says it’s reassuring to know that there is solid research and testing behind UPL’s products. “I can use their products with confidence knowing how much work has gone into them.”
With a portfolio of over twenty adjuvant products, UPL NZ Ltd (formerly Elliot Chemicals Ltd) are industry leaders with a specialist understanding of New Zealand conditions, requirements and the pressures on producers and rural contractors. RC
perfect time to find out, backed by a dealer network that understands both the machines and the industries they serve.
In an environment where downtime costs money and performance drives profit, the combination of Merlo’s world-class equipment and Ag & Civil’s strong service network is set to make a real difference. This is more than just a change of dealer - it’s the start of a new era for Merlo in the North Island, one built on experience, innovation and a shared focus on keeping Kiwi operators moving forward. RC
Your solution wrapped up in one machine!
Since its market launch in 1978, the Rollant from Class has characterised the product segment with numerous innovation, such as the net binding introduced in 1983 and its simplicity and robustness. Now Claas is taking the new Rollant 630 RC to a higher level with further improved wear behaviour, optimised drives, state-of-the-art operator comfort and high ground clearance with maximum soil protection - in other words: it’s more economical than ever before.
The Rollants' improved reliability is thanks to the new power train and an automatically lowering PRO cutting frame equipped with 17 or 25 knife options for more power and fewer blockages.
Equipped with the latest generation Claas pick-up, the Claas Multiflow design ensures a constant crop flow, even at high speeds and an excellent pick-up. The pick-up is built with a cam-track that controls the tines, for superior feeding performance and compact dimensions to ensure a smooth crop transfer to the rotor, known as well from the Jaguar or all other Claas pick-ups. The HD pick-up has five tine bars that are equipped with a quickrelease plastic stripper, which promotes a
smoother run and less noise.
“The new HD option pick-up has five tine bars for better raking quality, which is a 20% higher pick-up capacity compared with previous models” says Claas Harvest Centre Product Business Manager - Green Harvest, Luke Wheeler.
The new Claas Rollant 630 RC delivers more power, smoother crop flow and higher reliability thanks to its upgraded drive and PRO cutting frame.
The latest generation Claas Multiflow pickup with, a working width of
NEED TO MAKE YOUR GLYPHOSATE HIT HARDER?
PUT THE HAMMER DOWN.
Improve the overall performance of your knockdown herbicide including the speed of burndown with Hammer ® Force.
• Fast acting: Faster burndown than glyphosate applied alone
• Enhanced control: Helps improve overall control on tough broadleaf weeds such as Mallow
• Non Residual: Nil grazing or drilling withholding period, no additional restrictions to the use of glyphosate
Built for longevity, the Rollant 630 RC features reinforced chains, stronger sprockets and a 14% larger oil reservoir for continuous lubrication.
Available as standard with an HD pick-up offering five rows of tines and a new design cam track for reduced wear, it will leave a thoroughly cleared field.
Based on more than 90 years of experience in pick-up technology, it enables even lower crop losses, and the crop flow is noticeably more constant keeping the baler fed correctly maximising output and maintaining quality bale shape. Thanks to the new geometry of the pick-up cam track, the drive load has been reduced by 20 per cent while at the same time significantly optimising durability.
Removable strippers made of robust, durable plastic guarantee quick and easy access for maintenance work. The standard pick-up works with four controlled tine barsa 5-row HD pick-up with reinforced bearings, shafts and couplings is available as an option, which enables even faster driving speeds due to 20 per cent more raking capacity with maximum pick-up efficiency.
Behind the pick-up, the crop is transferred to the bale chamber by the proven heavyduty Roto Cut feed rotor with 8 mm thick, spirally arranged double tines made of
double-hardened boron steel. Four rows of tines convey the crop at up to 13,800 cuts per minute through either the 17-blade cutting rotor with 65 mm or the 25-blade cutting rotor with a 45 mm theoretical length of cut.
In addition, the PRO cutting frame can open by up to 30 mm to adapt to the forage flow and prevent blockages.
“The PRO floor is driver-assisted, which gives a visual signal if you have a high throughput and warns you acoustically if the drop floor opens over a certain threshold, to inform the driver before the machine is blocked.”
“All knives are protected individually with a spring, allowing the knives to move out of the crop in case of foreign objects, the spring ensures the same trigger force for each knife and can prevent damage from foreign objects.”
The knife groups of (17/0, 17/9/8/0 or 25/13/12/0) can be conveniently selected electro-hydraulically without having to leave the tractor cab. The knives are individually secured and can be swivelled in and out hydraulically via the Isobus terminal.
The knife cleaning system is a new feature for all machines with knife group activation. For the cleaning process, the operator can release the knife tension springs which keep the knives in the crop flow during baling and swivel them downwards by 180°. This causes
With a five-row HD pick-up and Multiflow design, the Rollant ensures cleaner fields, reduced wear and a constant, efficient crop feed.
the dirt to fall downwards. The subsequent knife change is therefore much faster and above all, cleaner.
The Rollant 630 RC works with reinforced chain drives in the drive areas subject to the heaviest loads. The chain links there are longer and stronger and are subjected to less stress thanks to the larger gears with 14 per cent more contact surface. The double-sided guide on the chain tensioning sprockets also improves durability, as the chain cannot slip or tilt. In addition, the chain lubrication oil tank which has been enlarged to 7.2 litres, provides sufficient oil supply under all conditions of use. The separate oil quantity control for each chain is economical and environmentally friendly, as only as much oil is applied as is actually needed for up to 14 working hours without having to top up - saving valuable time. The new central lubrication system is also designed for the most demanding and changing harvesting conditions.
Whether you are working with hay, hemp or silage - all Rollant models are characterised by one thing - their outstanding performance in the field.
The new chain tensioners optimise lubrication and reduce wear. Fitted with a precise chain guide, a strengthened tailgate made of even tougher steel, larger ground clearance for bale transfer, new stronger chains for a longer service life and a 14% larger oil reservoir for permanent chain lubrication, the Rollant 630 RC Uniwrap has been manufactured with longevity in mind.
The Rollant 630 RC replaces the RC 540, 455 and 454 models from summer 2025 and will arrive in our Trans-Tasman market late 2026. RC
High-capacity pick-up and cutting precision deliver perfect bales in any crop.
BEAST OF A BALER
THE MCHALE FUSION RANGE SUITS NZ CONDITIONS
Profi-Flo Pick-up
Increase crop intake through more efficient crop flow, with a high-performance pick-up.
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The adaptive intake automatically adjusts for light and heavy crops to facilitate a smooth crop flow into the chamber.
Isobus Compatible
All McHale Fusion 4 Plus machines are ISOBUS compatible as standard
Biological allies: rust fungus and weevil to combat invasive Darwin’s barberry
In the ongoing battle to protect New Zealand’s unique ecosystems from invasive species, two unlikely heroes have emerged - a rust fungus and a small South American weevil. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has granted approval for these biological control agents to be introduced to combat Darwin’s barberry, a noxious weed that has taken root across the country.
Native to Chile and Argentina, Darwin’s barberry (Berberis darwinii ) was introduced to New Zealand in the 1940s as a garden ornamental. With its dense, spiny branches and bright yellow flowers it was prized for its hardiness and visual appeal. But the very traits that made it desirable in gardens have
become a problem in the wild. The plant thrives in disturbed forests, pastures, shrublands and tussock grasslands crowding out native flora and reducing biodiversity. Birds feast on its blue berries and disperse seeds
far from the original plant, allowing it to spread rapidly across the landscape.
Now with infestations particularly severe in Canterbury, Otago and Wellington, two South American organisms are being enlisted to help curb the spread. One is a rust fungus, Puccinia berberidisdarwinii and the other is the Darwin’s barberry flower weevil, Anthonomus kuscheli. Both target the barberry in specific and destructive ways. The rust fungus infects the plant’s leaves and fruits, weakening it and reducing seed production. The flower weevil lays its eggs in the flower buds, damaging the plant from within and further cutting back on viable seed formation. Together, the two agents are expected to significantly reduce the vigour and reproductive capacity of the weed.
Darwin’s barberry is a spiny, invasive shrub threatening native ecosystems across New Zealand.
the Department of Conservation that coordinates the development and implementation of weed biocontrol programmes in New Zealand. Standard control methods such as herbicides or physical removal are often impractical for Darwin’s barberry due to its remote locations, tough physical structure and extensive root systems. They are also expensive and can pose risks to surrounding native vegetation and waterways.
www.gaz.co.nz
“The effects of the agents are expected to combine and result in weaker plants and fewer viable seeds,” an EPA spokesperson explained. That could translate to a significant reduction in the spread of Darwin’s barberry over time - without the ongoing cost and labour of mechanical or chemical control.
Environment Canterbury submitted the application for release on behalf of the National Biocontrol Collective, a consortium of regional councils and
Biological control on the other hand, offers a targeted self-sustaining solution. “Once the organism is released into the wild, there’s no need for more human intervention,” said Dr Chris Hill, General Manager of Hazardous Substances and New Organisms at the EPA.
“New Zealand has a strong track record of using biological control agents to manage invasive weeds with minimal impact on native ecosystems.”
That success is grounded in caution. Every potential biocontrol agent must undergo a thorough, science-based assessment before it can be released. “It’s important to
know that using a biocontrol agent is one tool in our toolbox,” said a member of the EPA’s assessment team. “But we need a combination of all the tools we have to help us mitigate pest populations in New Zealand.”
The EPA’s process weighs each agent’s environmental, economic and cultural impacts. “We ensure that our biocontrol agent is safe to be released by doing a risk assessment on how it will impact our environment, but also our economy, our public health, the community and Māori and their relationship with the environment,” the EPA spokesperson said. “We also look at the latest research that is done on the agent to help us assess this impact. Once we finalise our assessment, if the benefits outweigh the risk then the biocontrol agent can be released into the environment.”
In this case, both agents passed that test. The flower weevil which is just a few millimetres long, does not bite or sting and poses no threat to people. It also does not attack any plant other than Darwin’s barberry. The same is true of the rust fungus - it is highly specific
Rain’s
to Darwin’s barberry and poses no threat to other plant species or crops.
That specificity is crucial. New Zealand’s experience with past biological control efforts - such as those targeting purple loosestrife, old man’s beard, Sydney golden wattle and moth plant - has demonstrated that when carefully selected and properly assessed, biocontrol agents can help restore native habitats without collateral damage.
For mana whenua and many communities around the country, that careful stewardship matters. The EPA’s process included engagement with Māori to ensure the proposal aligned with cultural and environmental values. The ultimate goal is to protect New Zealand’s native biodiversity, which includes not only unique plant and animal species but also the ecosystems that support traditional practices, food gathering and spiritual connections to the land.
The rust fungus and flower weevil are not silver bullets, but they mark an important step forward. “Assessing biocontrol agents is an important role of the EPA,” the spokesperson said. “It
helps us to continue to protect the environment and our unique biodiversity.”
Over time these two agents are expected to reduce the density and reproductive success of Darwin’s barberry populations, slowing its spread and allowing native vegetation to recover. The success of the programme will be monitored, and further releases may be planned in areas where the weed is particularly aggressive.
The EPA’s decision reflects international best practice in weed management, drawing on lessons from decades of experience in other parts of the world. By using nature to fight nature, and doing so with care and precision, New Zealand continues
The newly approved rust fungus and flower weevil will work together to weaken Darwin’s barberry and reduce its spread.
to lead the way in innovative and sustainable environmental protection.
In a country where introduced pests have often outcompeted native species with devastating effect, the rust fungus and the flower weevil may not look like heroes. But in the quiet corners of tussock country and the shaded edges of native bush, their work could mean the difference between losing and regaining the delicate balance of our natural world. RC
a gift if your soil can take it.
Waterlogged and compacted soils lack oxygen, which slows down microbial processes that are essential to healthy soil structure. The Rata Field Wave restores air flow by relieving compaction and increasing soil pores (macroporosity) - allowing optimum water retention and oxygen-loving microbes to thrive. This means roots can grow deep and access water, nutrients and oxygen to grow strong, resilient crops.
Technology key to finding efficiencies for May Brothers Contracting
Technology is at the heart of how May Brothers Contracting continues to find efficiency gains in an increasingly competitive industry. For Phil and Tim May, who operate around the Methven area in Canterbury on New Zealand’s South Island, investing in the right machinery with the right technology has underpinned their ability to deliver reliable service at scale.
Since launching May Brothers Contracting as teenagers 17 years ago, the brothers have built the business from a single second-hand 1986 Hesston windrower into a diverse fleet of more than 30 John Deere tractors, complemented by combine harvesters, forage harvesters and windrowers. Their rise has been shaped not only by ambition and hard work, but also by a clear strategy: blend a strong sense of innovation with a willingness to seize opportunities as they come. Today, they are well known throughout Canterbury for servicing the region’s small grains, forage and grass seed industries while also growing potatoes for a major international company.
Phil said much of their success has been driven by the ability to streamline operations, monitor costs closely and deliver a cost-effective service - all made possible by equipping their fleet with JDLink and John Deere Operations Center. Having realtime insights into machine performance has become critical.
“A lot has changed over 17-odd years,” Phil said. “As far as technology goes, everything is so much more efficient - and it's right there on your phone. We've always got to be managing our costs when we're running machinery and Ops Center shows us how efficient the machines are, our working times, idle times and how
much fuel is getting burnt. It has transport as well, so we can see how much time we're spending on the roads. Having these capabilities means we can factor all of that into what we're charging and offer a cost-effective service.”
The technology has also transformed how quickly and easily data can be accessed and acted upon. Phil pointed to the difference yield mapping makes to decision-making, particularly now that data can be delivered to the office without any manual handling.
He recalled how not too long ago, yield maps required downloading information from the machine onto a USB stick and then transferring it to a desktop computer. “Now, you’ve got all the benefits of sending information from the forage harvester straight back to the office. I wouldn’t look back; this is a lot more user-friendly and all remote - it’s brilliant.”
As the business has grown, the value of machine connectivity has extended well beyond day-to-day monitoring; it's also helped to significantly reduce downtime. Phil and Tim grew up knowing Pete Etheridge from the local dealership, Drummond &
Etheridge which has operated in Ashburton for half a century. The personal connection remains strong, but what stands out now is how the technology keeps both the contractor and the dealership in sync.
“You do business with the dealership, but it’s people who make the business,” Phil said. “Knowing Pete has been a big part of our John Deere background. The ability for the machines to send error codes to the dealership often means that when we phone to tell them we’ve had a breakdown, Drummond & Etheridge are almost one step ahead of us.”
While it’s difficult to put a precise figure on the return from connectivity, Phil said the time savings alone make the investment worthwhile. With detailed, real-time data on fleet performance and crop conditions decisions can be made faster and more confidently, reducing costly delays and improving overall productivity.
The brothers’ most recent upgrade to their machinery lineup is a John Deere X9 1100 combine harvester, which had its first run during the last harvest season. It’s already been put through its paces in a variety
Phil and Tim May have grown their business from a single Hesston windrower to a 30-tractor John Deere fleet in just 17 years.
of crops, including ryegrass, rapeseed, kale seed, wheat and barley and the results have been impressive.
“We’ve only done the one harvest with the X9 so far, but the performance in cereal crops is probably twice the capacity of anything we’ve ever owned,” Phil said. “They (John Deere) spend a lot of money on R&D and they’re working years ahead of where we are today; they’re already onto the next thing.”
For May Brothers Contracting, embracing that forward momentum and the technology that comes with it continues to be a key part of staying competitive and keeping pace with the demands of modern contracting. Whether it’s the ability to predict downtime, manage fuel usage, monitor yields remotely or simply move faster between jobs, the tools now at their fingertips are making a real difference on the ground. RC
The honest choice
Importing and supplying quality agricultural products New Zealand-wide for harvesting silage, hay, and straw.
From cut to conditioning – the Kverneland 3336 FT and 5387 MT advantage
In forage production, every cut matters. The quality of the crop at harvest directly influences feed value, animal performance and, ultimately, the profitability of the operation. Achieving a clean cut, optimal conditioning and efficient handling is as much about the skill of the operator as it is about the capability of the equipment. The Kverneland 3336 FT front-mounted mower conditioner and the Kverneland 5387 MT butterfly mower are designed to work in tandem to deliver high productivity and excellent forage quality. Distributed in New Zealand by Power Farming, these machines combine proven European engineering with the local service and support that make a real difference in the paddock.
The Kverneland 3336 FT is available with either SemiSwing steel tines or a roller conditioner, with working widths ranging from 3.16 to 3.60 metres. It has been designed with operator comfort and cutting accuracy as priorities. At the heart of the machine is the ProLink suspension system - a three-dimensional floating suspension that allows the mower to adapt instantly to ground contours. With 250mm of downward travel, 420mm of upward travel and a 24° transverse range, the cutterbar stays close to the ground without scalping, ensuring an even stubble height and protecting both the crop and the machine.
The ProLink system not only improves
ground tracking but also safeguards the cutterbar by absorbing shocks from obstacles. Stubble height adjustment is integrated into the suspension, making it simple to set the cutting angle from the cab. Dual adjustment of the conditioner plate allows the operator to fine-tune the intensity of conditioning, optimising wilting speed for different crops and conditions. The self-adjusting swath doors make setting swath width straightforward, reducing the time spent on adjustments and improving consistency across the field.
For maintenance, the 3336 FT has been designed with accessibility in mind. The cutterbar, conditioning system and drive components are all easy to service and key adjustments can be made without complex
BLUE PRINT
tools. It’s a mower conditioner built to perform season after season with minimal downtime.
Paired with the 3336 FT, the Kverneland 5387 MT brings serious capacity to the rear of the tractor. Based on the proven 3300 Series platform, it features two 3.2m mowing units, each with eight round discs, giving a total working width of 8.75 metres. The 5387 MT is built for efficiency, capable of operating with tractors from 180hp and offers the option of mechanical controls or the convenience of the Dual Lift Control joystick for electrohydraulic folding and unfolding.
The hallmark of the 5387 MT is its QuattroLink suspension system - a four-arm design that delivers precise ground following across challenging terrain. It offers a vertical
The Kverneland 3336 FT front mower uses ProLink suspension to deliver a clean, even cut with outstanding ground tracking.
With 8.75m of working width, the 5387 MT butterfly mower brings serious capacity and efficiency to large-scale forage harvesting.
range of 400mm upward and 300mm downward movement, with a 30° transverse range, meaning the cutterbars stay at the optimal height and angle to protect the sward and deliver an even cut. The NonStop BreakAway protection covers the full working width, including the sections closest to the tractor, instantly allowing the mower to move back and up if an obstacle is hit before returning to position.
For those looking to streamline crop handling, the 5387 MT is available in a BX version with integrated belt mergers. Designed to handle high volumes of material, including heavy first cuts, the swath belts operate at speeds up to 1500 rpm forming uniform, narrow windrows ready for baling or chopping. The belts can be removed in less than 15 minutes and stored on dedicated transport rollers, saving weight and fuel when merging isn’t required.
Transport and storage have also been carefully considered. The mower folds to over 90° for safe road travel, keeping the weight close to the tractor and the cutterbars clear of overhanging branches. Optional hydraulic folding of the outer FlexProtect guards adds further convenience. For storage, the machine stands securely on its own parking
feet taking up minimal space in the shed.
When combined, the 3336 FT and 5387 MT offer a cutting width of over 12 metres providing the capacity to make the most of short weather windows. The front and rear combination ensures even crop flow and a consistent cut across the full working width, reducing passes in the field and lowering fuel consumption. With both machines built to withstand the rigours of contracting or large-scale farming, operators can work longer hours with confidence in the reliability of their kit.
From a business perspective, investing in this kind of capacity makes sense when every
hour counts. Faster mowing means more time for tedding, raking and baling while conditions are at their best. Cleaner cutting and consistent conditioning lead to higherquality forage, which translates directly to improved livestock performance and better returns.
The Kverneland 3336 FT and 5387 MT represent a well-matched combination of productivity, precision and durability. They are engineered to cope with demanding workloads, designed for ease of use and supported by a dealer network that understands the needs of New Zealand farmers and contractors. RC
Mechanical weeding is now mainstreamjust in time to combat herbicide resistance
By Dr Charles N. Merfield Head of the BHU Future Farming
You know when the biggest names in an industry are buying into a niche sector that the niche is now mainstream. We have seen this with biologicals such as biopesticides, biostimulants and biofertilisers with the titans of chemistry like Bayer, Corteva and Syngenta now boots and all into biologicals. Just in time, as the amount of resistance to pesticides and fungicides shows no signs of abating.
Exactly the same is happening in mechanical weeding. For many decades it has been the preserve of organics, with farmers and growers endlessly fiddling around with frustrating and often ineffective machines. However, over the last two decades, mechanical weeding has improved beyond measure, such that the likes of Amazone, Case IH, Horsch, John Deere, Kverneland, Kubota, Kuhn, Lemken, Monosem, New Holland, Pöttinger, Väderstad and Zurn now all offer a portfolio of mechanical weeders. Either through buying up, or into, existing specialised mechanical weeding companies like Steketee, Thyregod, Schmotzer and Garford, or just designing their own machines from scratch.
The start of the revolution was vision and GSP guidance making weeding a standard three point linkage operation that can be done at speeds up to 20 kph for hours, even days on end, with minimum operator fatigue. There has also been convergent evolution of what makes a good weeder. Many weird and ineffective weeders have been culled and all manufacturers now produce, and only
With herbicide resistance rising sharply in New Zealand, mechanical weeding offers farmers an effective, cost-efficient alternative.
produce, just four key weeders. Spring tine weeders, rotary tine weeders and rotary hoes (spoon weeders) are contiguous / broadacre machines that weed the whole field surface, crop and weeds alike. Row-hoes are incontiguous weeders that weed the crop row and the interrow with different tools, aggressively killing weeds between the rows and being gentler with the crop. Combined with pre-plant and preemergence techniques like false seedbeds, blind harrowing and stale seedbeds, high levels of weed management can be achieved entirely without herbicides.
Just in time as well because herbicide resistance continues its unrelenting march across farmland. The point has been reached in Europe where resistance in key weeds like blackgrass and a political push to reduce the use of herbicides means mainstream (non-organic) farmers are increasingly trying out mechanical weeding
and being quite surprised how easy and effective it is. To the point that farmers have found it so effective and cost efficient that they are using them where they still have herbicide options, often where herbicide efficacy is not what it used to be or just because mechanical weeding is the cheaper option!
However, New Zealand considerably lags behind in adopting mechanical weeding. It’s not because we don’t have herbicide resistance. In the arable areas of the South Island, more than half of farms have resistance, and in South Canterbury it is over 70%, with many farms now having lost the use of the post emergent Group 1 (Acetyl CoA carboxylase inhibitors such as haloxyfop and pinoxaden) and Group 2 (acetolactate synthase inhibitors such as iodosulfuron and chlorsulfuron) and are now reliant on Group 15 (VLCFA inhibitors) preemergence herbicides such as Firebird®, Gardoprim®, Avadex® and Sakura®. The irony of herbicide resistance is if you want to keep it at bay you need to use herbicides as little as possible. If you protect your chemistry, your chemistry can continue to look after you. And by far the most obvious way to protect your herbicides is to start using mechanical weeding. So what are you waiting for? Talk to the reps for the above machinery companies to start working out how you can integrate mechanical weeding into your farm or contracting business. Or give me a shout. RC
Modern mechanical weeders use GPS and vision guidance to work at speeds up to 20kph with precision and minimal operator fatigue.
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The website is continually updated and contains product listings, a fully searchable online product manual, a powerful search engine of weeds, diseases & pests, including photo galleries with all the agrichemical options to use on individual crops as well as up-to-date SDS’s, Haznotes and product labels, plus posts about industry news and information.
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SureShield Coveralls supplied by pH7, provides both protection and comfort with exceptional liquid and particulate protection.
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Ideal for asbestos removal, spray painting, low hazard pesticide spraying, boat building, dusty areas and general light industry.
These are best suited to spraying diluted chemicals such as round up for the fence lines, general maintenances on farm, or when spraying from a airconditioned cab.
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green means go for Vuletich Contracting
Located at Pakotai about halfway between Dargaville and Whangarei, Vuletich Contracting has become a trusted name in Northland agriculture, offering an extensive range of services that covers cultivation, drilling, spraying, baling, bulk silage harvesting, mulching, fencing, planting, haymaking and the supply of grass and maize silage.
Their central location in the Mangakahia Valley makes them a convenient and reliable choice for rural communities stretching from Kaipara to Whangarei and as far north as the Far North.
The business was established just over eight years ago and has steadily grown its customer base across the region. Eden Vuletich, who owns and operates the business alongside his parents Warren and Diane, says that balance has been a key part of their success. “We believe we are continuously expanding because we are not too big and not too small. Importantly, we pay attention to detail, turn up when we say we will, hopefully exceed customer expectations and charge a fair price for the job. We also have a hard-working, dedicated and experienced team, some who have been with us for more than five years.”
From cultivation and silage harvesting to fencing and spraying, the team delivers a wide range of services across Northland.
During the peak of the season, the team numbers 12 and each person plays an important role in keeping things running smoothly. Warren, with his extensive background in automotive engineering takes on the role of head mechanic, carrying out up to 90 percent of the routine maintenance and repairs on their machinery. This is a reassurance to farmers who value quick responses to mechanical issues, knowing breakdowns are dealt with immediately and downtime is kept to a minimum. Warren’s knowledge extends
Eden, Warren and Diane Vuletich have built a trusted contracting business in Northland with a focus on reliability and community.
beyond just fixing equipment - he also provides training on the go, teaching team members how to assist with repairs and maintenance so the workload can be shared when needed.
Diane, meanwhile, is described by Eden as the ‘Chief Gopher', a title earned from her ability to juggle countless jobs in a
Word-of-mouth referrals drive much of Vuletich Contracting’s growth, proof of strong relationships and consistent delivery.
day. From delivering fuel and collecting parts to preparing meals for the crew, she ensures everything keeps moving, often dispensing a few sharp words when required to keep everyone focused. It’s a family-driven work ethic that sets the tone for the whole business.
The Vuletich family’s connection to the land in Pakotai stretches back more than two decades. When they first arrived, they managed their own farm, learning first-hand the importance of having access to dependable contractors. Eden grew up with a clear understanding that timing in agriculture can make or break a season, and that those who turn up when they say they will quickly become valued partners in the community. That understanding is now woven into every aspect of Vuletich Contracting’s work.
Eden’s own pathway into contracting was shaped by experience gained far from
home. Around five years ago he spent several seasons working in Western Australia’s wheat belt, a region known for its large-scale cropping operations. Long hours seeding, spraying and harvesting cereals were part of life but so was the discipline of working to strict schedules and making the most of every weather break.
“Over there, the paddocks seem to go on forever and the scale means you have to be organised, because any delay can be costly,” Eden says. The experience gave
him valuable technical skills, from operating large machinery to troubleshooting mechanical issues in the field. It also allowed him to build the capital needed to return to New Zealand and go into business with his parents on a 50/50 basis. That foundation of overseas experience still influences the way Vuletich Contracting operates today, with a focus on efficiency, professionalism and investment in reliable gear.
That investment is clear in their
tractor fleet. The Vuletich family had long been familiar with the Deutz-Fahr brand from their own farming days, valuing its reliability. Today, as contractors they run ten Deutz-Fahr tractors ranging from 100 to 250 horsepower. This includes two 7250 TTV flagships, a 630 TTV, two 6215s, a 6219 C-shift, a single M620, an Agrotron 150, an Agrotron 135 and a smaller 5130 TTV. Eden says the mix ensures they always have the right size machine for the job, whether
it’s precision drilling, heavy cultivation or hauling silage.
“All our larger and later-model tractors are 50kph capable, meaning we can travel between jobs quickly. The units with TTV stepless transmissions are easy to drive, but more importantly they let us adjust speeds precisely to suit the job, so we get increased output and efficiency. This is unlike a conventional power shuttle-powershift tractor, where you can find yourself stuck between two speeds - one too
fast and one too slow,” he says.
Fuel economy is another factor.
Eden notes that Deutz-Fahr tractors consistently use 15 to 20 percent less fuel than other brands they have trialled. Keeping the fleet to a single brand also has operational advantages. “It’s easier for our operators to understand the controls, especially when they’re moving between tractors. The colour coding makes it clear - orange for throttle, transmission, 4WD and diff,
Eden’s contracting skills were sharpened in Western Australia’s wheat belt before returning home to Northland.
green for linkage, yellow for PTO and blue for remotes. The roomy cabs give great visibility and are comfortable for a big day’s work.”
The tractors along with much of their other machinery, are supplied and supported by Power Farming Northland in Whangarei. Eden is quick to praise the backup they receive from long-time Service Manager Ian Drake, known locally as ‘Zoom'. “Zoom often talks us through any issues over the phone, which keeps us moving,” he says. On the sales side, Ed Harvey has been a steady supporter of the business for years, living not too far away and always willing to offer advice. “They really are a good team.”
In addition to contracting for others, the Vuletich operation has over the past three years, expanded into growing its own feed for sale. By progressively purchasing and leasing pockets of land, they have been able to produce silage and grazing feed that can be sold directly to farmers. Their grass silage is typically made from high-quality ryegrass and clover pastures, while their maize crops are grown for high-energy supplementary feed. Over the quieter winter months, this land is also used for grazing cattle. One of the biggest benefits of this expansion has been the ability to employ staff on a full-time, year-round basis. “It’s hard to attract good people to contracting if you can only employ them for eight or nine months of the year. We’ve been trying to solve this problem; this is one of the ways we’re doing it. We now have four working full-time, plus three seasonal staff,” Eden says.
A notable recent addition to their line-up is a McHale Fusion 3 Plus baler. Equipped with on-board scales and moisture-reading technology,
Vuletich Contracting runs a fleet of ten Deutz-Fahr tractors, chosen for fuel efficiency, operator comfort and precision performance.
it can print out a job summary detailing the average bale weight and dry matter content. “It really takes the guesswork out of it for farmers - we’re pretty excited about our new baler,” Eden says. At busy times of the year the operation runs around the clock, with the team working long hours to make the most of favourable weather windows. In Northland, those windows can be short and unpredictable. Heavy rain can quickly halt progress, but fine spells can dry paddocks almost overnight, and when that happens it’s all hands on deck. “Weather is one of our biggest challenges; we have to be prepared to put in the hours when conditions are right,” says Eden. The team’s willingness to respond quickly has helped them build strong, long-term relationships with farmers, many of whom come back season after season. Much of their work now comes through word-of-mouth referrals, a sign of the trust they’ve built in the community. The commitment to service is backed by a business philosophy that values relationships as much as results. Eden knows that every paddock they work in belongs to someone who relies on it for their livelihood. The Vuletich team takes pride in leaving a job well done, whether it’s a few hectares of hay cut for a lifestyle block or hundreds of bales of maize silage harvested for a large dairy unit. “At the end of the day, our name is on the work. We want to be the contractor people can rely on year after year.”
Looking ahead, the focus remains on steady, sustainable growth. Expanding the range of services is always on the table, but Eden is mindful not to grow so fast that the quality of work or personal touch is lost. For now, the emphasis is on making the most of the solid foundations they’ve builtreliable machinery, skilled staff and strong relationships with customers.
For farmers in Northland looking for a dependable honest and capable team, Vuletich Contracting continues to live by the philosophy that “green means go” - not just a nod to their Deutz-Fahr fleet, but a reflection of their readiness to get the job done, whatever the season brings. RC
Impressive results in all conditions
The Rapid seed drill carries out seedbed preparation, levelling, drilling and reconsolidation in one pass. It offers a reliable seeding result at high working speed. The simplicity in construction, paired with a high machine quality ensures a long working life and low operating costs.
High precision –perfect emergence
The pneumatic seed drill Spirit carries out levelling, seedbed preparation, reconsolidation, seeding and pressing in one pass.
Thanks to the individual row depth control, Spirit always places the seed at the intended seeding depth. You benefit from an even emergence over the entire field.
Learn more at vaderstad.com
quiet confidence:
Ukko’s trusted approach to vineyard and orchard success
Trust in the people behind the work is what makes the difference in viticulture. For Ukko, that trust has been earned over more than 16 years, shaped by experience in the vineyards of Marlborough and expanded through a commitment to delivering smart, scalable solutions that put people, land and long-term value at the centre of everything they do.
From a modest beginning under the name Marlborough VineWorks with just a few tools, a van and a handful of people, Ukko has grown into a respected name in vineyard and orchard management. The early years built deep technical experience in the unique soils and seasons of Marlborough. As the business evolved, so too did its identity.
The 2013 rebrand to Hortus marked the start of a new era - one where the company built strong industry partnerships and carved out a reputation for excellence in labour supply, machinery contracting and full-service property management.
By 2024, with more than a decade of hard-earned momentum behind them, the team launched under a new name: Ukko. Named after the Finnish god of thunder and agriculture, the name reflects the team’s enduring link to the land and
The team culture at Ukko is grounded in respect, discipline and shared ambition – every operator takes pride in their work.
a renewed focus on scale, innovation and future-focused growth. The change also signals a step forward, expanding Ukko’s machinery and management services into Hawke’s Bay while strengthening its operational base in Marlborough.
The connection with Hortus remains integral. Through the Monarch Platform, both businesses share vital back-end services, ensuring continuity across
From Marlborough to Hawke’s Bay, Ukko brings trusted vineyard and orchard management built on 16 years of experience.
everything from finance to health and safety, HR and operational support. The close relationship allows Ukko to offer clients the same dependable workforce services they’ve always had
their machines and knows the land makes a massive difference,” says Henry Williams, Operations Manager, Hawke’s Bay.
access to through Hortus, while refining their own specialisation in machinery and vineyard-orchard management.
One of the most striking things about Ukko is its clarity of purpose. This is a business grounded in practical outcomes, built on relationships and driven by the ambition to help others succeed. Their guiding principle is simple: to provide trusted solutions that enable clients, people and communities to thrive. That shows up in the way they workwith tailored approaches for each site, thoughtful communication and a willingness to adapt when the season or the customer calls for it.
“We're not a one-size-fits-all business. Every block is different, so we work with the client and figure out what's going to work best. Having a crew that knows
Ukko's offer is comprehensive. For those who want to hand over the gate keys and know everything will be taken care of, the all-inclusive vineyard and orchard management service brings everything together. It blends local knowledge with data-driven insights and coordinated operations to maximise productivity while maintaining long-term sustainability.
Clients can expect everything from canopy management and yield forecasting to property maintenance, compliance management and direct liaison with wineries or packhouses. The in-house machinery workshop keeps equipment moving and in top shape, while back-end support from Monarch ensures operators in the field are backed by solid systems in health and safety, training, payroll and logistics.
But for those who prefer a more
flexible relationship, Ukko’s machinery contracting services meet the brief. With a broad fleet of reliable, modern machines and operators who genuinely care about the outcome, the company handles everything from canopy spraying, leaf plucking and mowing to deep ripping, heavy rolling and trellis work. Custom scheduling and adaptable services allow clients to scale up or down depending on seasonal need. It’s a relationship built not on templates, but on listening to what each property requires.
When grape harvest arrives, the pressure ramps up - and it’s here that Ukko’s machine harvesting team proves its worth. Modern harvesters, trained operators and well-practised systems ensure fruit moves quickly and cleanly from vine to winery, with minimal waste and maximum efficiency.
“When the pressure's on, we just crack on and get it done. There are always unexpected challenges, but our team has the knowledge and support to tackle them head-on,” says Troy
“We stand for quality, reliability and doing what we say we will do” - Ukko’s guiding principle continues to earn grower trust.
McElhinney, Regional Vineyard Manager, Marlborough. Clients know they can rely on the team to turn up ready, act fast and deliver quality results. That trust earned in the most time-critical moments, is part of what sets Ukko apart.
Development is another area where Ukko’s depth of knowledge shines. Establishing a vineyard is as much about precision as it is vision. Ukko handles the entire process, from terrain assessment and irrigation planning to trellising and plant health strategies. Every decision is made with the long-term performance of the block in mind. When done well, development lays the foundation for productivity and profitability for decades to come. Ukko's track record across both new and redevelopment projects gives clients the confidence to
invest in their land.
What makes this level of service possible is a team culture rooted in respect, discipline and shared ambition. Ukko’s people come from a wide range of backgrounds, but they are united by a passion for making things work on the ground. From the machinery operators to the management and training teams, every person has a role to play in delivering consistent, high-quality outcomes. Staff development is prioritised, with a dedicated
training lead ensuring that each operator is equipped not only to do the job, but to do it safely, efficiently and with pride. Operators are encouraged to take ownership of their work and that sense of accountability is reflected in the company’s results.
That commitment to quality people also extends to the way Ukko works with clients. It’s not about a transactional job done and dusted. It’s about building lasting partnerships based on shared values and respect. The
Ukko’s modern machinery fleet ensures precision in every task, from canopy spraying to machine harvesting.
company actively seeks out clients who share their vision for the future and who are motivated to make a positive impact. It’s a collaborative approach that pays off over the long run.
Across both regions, Ukko is seeing growing demand for full-service solutions that balance short-term yield targets with long-term value creation. Clients are looking not just for labour or equipment - they want insight, integration and a proactive partner. With a strong foundation in compliance management, seasonal adaptability and innovation, Ukko is positioned to deliver all three.
Technology plays a major role in that transition. Tatou, the workforce management platform developed in conjunction with industry partners, provides real-time visibility of field operations. From job allocation and tracking to productivity and payroll integration, the system adds a layer of efficiency and reliability that benefits clients and workers alike. The Monarch Platform, meanwhile, underpins the broader business functions, ensuring finance, safety, HR and logistics all run smoothly behind the scenes. It’s a modern infrastructure for a modern business, and it gives Ukko the ability to scale while maintaining quality and control.
There’s also a practical awareness of what growers face year to year. Weather volatility, market
pressure, labour shortages and regulatory demands are constant considerations. Ukko’s ability to respond quickly to changing conditions - be it scaling up operations during a compressed harvest or introducing alternate payment structures to ease financial pressure - is a key part of the company’s appeal. “Whether you want steady monthly payments or invoices that follow the seasonal highs and lows, we have the flexibility to design payment structures that work for you,” the team explains. That kind of responsiveness shows a business that truly understands the nature of primary production.
The reputation Ukko holds today hasn’t been built overnight. It’s the result of deliberate growth, hard-earned trust and a refusal to cut corners. While the visual identity has changed over the years, the underlying character of the company has not. This is a business that stands for reliability, problem-solving and continuous improvement. As the team puts it: “We stand for quality, reliability and doing what we say we will do. We take ownership and we take pride.”
Looking forward, Ukko has its sights set on continued growth, but not growth for its own sake. The team is focused on adding value where it counts, whether that’s bringing new capabilities into their machinery fleet, expanding into other horticultural crops, or deepening partnerships in the regions they already know so well. There’s a quiet confidence in the way they operate, a belief that doing the right thing, consistently and professionally will always be good business.
In a sector that often relies on seasonal labour and shifting conditions, stability can be hard to come by. That’s why Ukko’s offer matters. They bring a sense of certainty to operations that are anything but predictable. For growers who want to focus on their core business, Ukko is the team that takes care of the rest. Whether it’s taking fruit from vine to winery, machines from paddock to packhouse, or people from potential to professionalism, Ukko continues to shape what smart, sustainable viticulture looks like in New Zealand. They may not make a lot of noise about it - but then again, thunder doesn’t have to. RC
Harvest time showcases Ukko’s strength –trained operators, modern harvesters and proven systems under pressure.
Clients value Ukko’s flexibility, with tailored services and even payment structures designed to match seasonal realities.
Easily the most environmental way to bale...
TO CLEAN TO REMOVE
Easily removed from the bale!
Just a gentle shake can remove all crop remnants
TO RECYCLE
Materials can be cleaned ground and pelletized in preparation for reuse
finding the connection
A Western Australian farm family is using precision tools to understand how to manage different soils and how it determines outcomes on their Woodanilling farm.
Kerry Crosby, his father Roger and brother Braden have planted 3300 hectares of wheat, barley, canola, oats and lupin. They also run a 4000 commercial flock of self-replacing merino ewes, across 700 hectares.
Kerry and Braden are the fifth generation on the farm, with the family celebrating a century on the land this year.
The region averages between 400mm to 450mm rainfall per year, although the averages have been lower over the last number of years.
nutrient uptake and yield, the family have been exploring variable rate application and other precision methods for four years.
Kerry says two main challenges are figuring where the point is where the nitrogen response flattens out, and how the curve of diminishing returns works.Tied
Kerry says they always keep production targets front of mind with the goal of pushing beyond four tonnes per hectare in cereals.
to that is having enough data to make variable rate applications a
The farm has a range of soil types that the family have to contend with, from heavy loam to sandy duplexes and gravel ridges.
across ditch the Profiles in Australia's AG Contractor & Large Scale Farmer July/August 2025, we visit Kerry Crosby in Western Australia.
Because of the different soil types and the effect it has on
Kerry Crosby (right) and father Roger. Maps showing soil type and crop performance help them draw better conclusions around interactions between soil, nutrient availability and yield.
At this stage Kerry says he is seeing gains by following the variable rate approach. While they figure this out, they are not doing variable applications across the whole farm yet.
lot more accurate.
To this end they soil test all paddocks every three to four years, analysing PK and nitrogen, amongst other things.
Kerry says although paddock testing gives accurate results, it cannot fully reflect what nutrients are plant-available.
He uses a range of tools to help him. One such tool is Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) maps.
NDVI is a calculation that uses satellite data to determine the health and density of vegetation. He wants to use it to map soil type and crop performance, and draw better conclusions around interactions between soil, nutrient availability and yield.
The Crosby’s also focus on soil pH, with Kerry saying they try to keep soil pH above 5 to 5.5. They do this by soil testing and liming when required, applying roughly
depending on soil test results.
He uses CSBP DecipherAg’s platform to help manage soil and plant sampling, which records sampling information in one location, so it’s easy to manage. With it, he can map the farm and paddocks, view sample site locations, plan and store sample information such as test
and view daily, monthly and seasonal biomass imagery.
Using CSBP he particularly tries to understand Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) in soils. K is particularly valuable on the farm as heavy red soils are very high in K, and lighter sandy soil types are typically low in K. Kerry was one of 10 to test the
released in 2023. It is now a key precision tool he relies on. Kerry operates a New Holland
Kerry Crosby, father Roger and brother Braden plant 3300 hectares of wheat, barley, canola, oats and lupin.
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Because of the different soil types and the effect it has on nutrient uptake and yield, the family have been exploring variable rate application and other precision methods for four years.
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fully integrated. CropScanAg says the tech includes near infrared transmission tech; the world standard for measuring whole grains and oil seeds.
It also includes real-time protein, moisture, oil, fibre and starch data across major crop types, with data synching directly to the N-Gauge app and server.
It features a new sample head design; increased three-four second scan speed for high density field maps and higher spatial density data maps, with 180 readings per hectare. Calibrations include wheat, barley, canola, lentils, chickpeas, lupins, rice, oats, corn and soybeans, with a large sample head to ensure flow.
Kerry says the protein meter shows him that, just because a soil test shows nutrients are present, it doesn’t mean they’re all plant-available.
Kerry says they always keep production targets front-of-mind and, for example, for canola, typically aim to harvest 2.5 to 3 tonnes per hectare, with the goal of pushing beyond 4 tonnes per hectare in cereals.
“The higher you push yields, the more the soil variance comes into play,” he says. “I honestly do believe protein content is going to be the next big focus.
“We’ve been using this tech for three years, doing two harvests
with it, and we’ve seen the potential when it’s working well.”
The system measures protein, oil, moisture, starch and fibre in real time.
“From a grain logistics perspective, it’s a gamechanger. You can see tank averages as you’re loading trucks, and manage grain movements straight from the iPad — which bin it’s in, what the protein and moisture levels are, all on the go.”
But for him, the real promise lies in how it links to nitrogen use.
“Being able to overlay protein mapping with soil types or zones in your paddocks, and then build variable-rate nitrogen maps off that — it’s incredible technology. I can’t wait until we’re able to unlock its full potential.”
The N-Gauge app, developed by Matt Clancy from Next Instruments, will be key to precision growing in the future, he says.
“That’s become a key part of how we use the protein meter.”
While the protein meter itself captures raw data, it’s the app that makes it practical.
“N-Gauge takes that data and turns it into maps. We can correlate protein and yield data with other layers — anything from soil types to nitrogen removal.”
A key focus is understanding nitrogen use and removal, and how that affects overall plant performance.
“There’s a huge connection between nitrogen, yield and protein. It’s something we’ve known for a long time — if you’re consistently harvesting
lower-protein grain, it’s usually a sign that you can have a lot of potential upside in applying more nitrogen.”
That can have an impact on both yield and finances.
“If your protein’s down, you’re potentially losing out — both in grain weight and value. When protein levels increase, you’re improving both yield and quality, and that shows up in the returns.
“We’re definitely seeing that each soil type has a different efficiency when it comes to converting nitrogen into a usable form,” he says.
“In some parts of a paddock, we’re applying around 60 units of nitrogen and pulling over six tonnes of barley, with protein levels above 9.5%.”
But it’s not consistent across the whole field.
“In the same paddock, there are areas where we’re putting on 100 units and only getting two to three tonnes — even though protein is still over 9.5%. So there’s a massive difference.”
Kerry says two main challenges are figuring where the point is where the nitrogen response flattens out, and how the curve of diminishing returns works.
investment.
“Each soil type has its own response curve — its own point of diminishing returns. That’s where the data really helps us make more informed decisions.
“It’s changing the way we manage those poorer-
and still seen no difference in yield or protein — we understand that that soil type has reached its capacity.
“There’s no point pushing more nitrogen into a block that’s not responding, so with the use of N-Gauge we can better
longer managed as one block.
“The moment you vary the rate, you’ve effectively created two different paddocks. And you’re going to treat them differently from then on.
“With the use of N-Gauge it is very simple to manage each zone.”
That kind of approach requires a long view.
“It’s not just about this season.
It’s about understanding how we’ll manage that land over a three-, five-, or even ten-year period. The big question is whether, with enough data and refinement, will we ever get back to a blanket rate — or if this variability is here to stay.”
At this stage Kerry says he is seeing gains by following the variable rate approach.
Kerry says we have known for years that nitrogen leaches — that it needs to be reapplied annually as standard practice.
Different soil types are clearly holding onto nitrogen in different ways.
That’s shifting how they view
nitrogen losses.
Leaching remains on the radar, but it may not be as widespread or severe as once believed.
The evidence suggests a more complex picture than traditional blanket assumptions allowed.
While they figure this out, Kerry says they are not doing variable applications across the whole farm yet.
“There’s still a little bit we want to learn about how it all sort of fits in all together.”
However, in areas where they focus on precision, yield has gone up.
“After year one you might have a 20% to 30% nitrogen
application variance between your highest and lowest plots. By year five it might be back to a 5% or 10% difference, but with what we have found so far each soil type is different.”
Kerry says he has been playing around with N-Gauge to map soil types dependent on crop performance.
“It uses yield and protein data to show patterns — like where you’re getting high yield and high protein, or low protein and low yield. It’s helping us understand where different soils are performing well or falling short.
“You want to put fertiliser where you’ll get the best return,”
It’s a good day to be on the farm when it looks like this.
he says. “Soil tests help, but applying nutrients based on crop response is more complex — that’s where N-Gauge makes it simple.
“The protein meter is only half the tool — the app is the other half.”
The Crosbys run a New Holland 9.90, with a Can Bus protein meter.
With growing becoming more expensive, Kerry says they want to be as efficient as possible, with these tools making it easier to find efficiencies.
Kerry says the industry has many challenges. Climate, as always, is a challenge for the region.
Then there is outside influence with, for example, the sheep live export ban, a key to their sheep operation, on the chopping block.
“Which was a 100% a political agenda with zero understanding for the wider global agricultural industry,” he says.
“It’s scary how our industry has been negatively affected by people playing politics in Canberra.”
There are also useful ag chemicals that are on the chopping block. But it doesn’t help being deterred.
Kerry says we’re not far from tractors driving themselves and fertiliser inputs being precisely calculated, with many in the industry working toward a more efficient future.
On their farm they try and find efficiencies, and keep going forward.
With growing becoming more expensive, the family wants to be as efficient as possible, and new tools make it easier to find efficiencies.
ACCURATE, INTELLIGENT VERSATILE & EFFICIENT
The Optima delivers outstanding precision in seed placement. Its sowing unit perfectly follows ground contours, while the coulter forms a clean, well-defined furrow to ensure optimal seed-to-soil contact. Thanks to ISOBUS compatibility, you stay in complete control.
Whether you’re planting shallow or deep, small or large seeds, or switching between crop types, the Optima adapts seamlessly. And when the conditions are right, its reliability means you’re ready to sow without delay.
The new GEOFORCE system is designed to meet the challenges of varying soil conditions by ensuring precise seed placement. Light soils require less pressure, while heavier soils demand more. The system adapts seamlessly, maintaining even depth control and consistent pressure on the gauge wheels across different soil types and working speeds.
The PUDAMA system ensures the reduction of at least 25% of starter fertilizer compared with the continuous band application of fertiliser - whilst maintaining 100% yield. Kverneland Sync also ensures smooth connectivity and farming data flow between your ISOBUS implements and digital tools, like your phone or laptop.
For more information drop in and see your local Power Farming dealership or call us on 0800 627 222.
STEP UP WITH FENDT.
For performance you can count on, the Fendt haytools range delivers the precision, reliability and forage quality that New Zealand farmers require. From silage to straw, there’s a Fendt machine to suit your operation, whatever the scale or task. Designed to form consistently compact bales and minimise time in the paddock, Fendt hay products ensure more yield per bale and greater efficiency in transport and storage. Engineered to perform in the toughest conditions, Fendt makes tidy work of your harvest, season after season.
To find the best Fendt haytool for you, speak to your local Fendt dealer.
