John Deere combine harvesters get 2026 overhaul with productivity boosts
John Deere has announced new automation and efficiency updates on its 2026 model combine harvesters that provide more capabilities and boost productivity by up to 20%.
Everyone likes a hot savoury and a steaming cuppa for morning “smoko” but it seems that one UK tractor driver has made sure it happens every day.
Paul Spinks has moved on from air conditioning and multiple cup holders to incorporate a 600W microwave and a travel kettle into the linkage-mounted front weight block on his John Deere tractor.
Power for the project comes from a 1000W inverter, tucked under the operators seat, that also doubles up to provide power to tools such as grinders and drills, via a waterproof socket mounted at the front of the tractor.
The traditional looking weight block is split into three compartments, with concrete in the centre section, storage for tools and spares to the right and a double sealed, moisture proofed cabinet for the culinary hardware to the left.
The microwave is held in place by a frame a ratchet strap, making removal easy, although we have no reports on the likely lifetime of the microwave when subjected to long days in a rough paddock.
The 2024-25 season apple harvest has “well and truly exceeded expectations”, says Apples and Pears NZ chief executive Karen Morrish.
Through collaborative efforts with exhibitors, visitors, and industry partners, Fieldays says it is reaffirming its commitment to environmental responsibility with new initiatives for 2025.
Fonterra has announced a record forecast opening organic milk price of $12.30/kgMS for the new season.
Farmer-owned co-operative Ballance Agri-Nutrients is ceasing phosphate manufacturing at its Mount Maunganui site.
Australian dairy farmers supplying Fonterra are getting an opening weighted average milk price of A$8.60/kgMS for the new season or around NZ$9.26/kgMS - NZ74c less than New Zealand suppliers, based on the current exchange rate.
Taranaki veterinarian Dr Rob Mills is the new president of New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA).