Stihl Launches BT140, Its First Battery-Powered Auger
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
In May, Case IH released details of upgrades to the RB344, variable chamber baler and has now indicated multiple redesigns to the high-end RB456 and 466 HD-Pro models.
Designed to make high density bales in crops, including dry straw or wet silage, the company reports an extensive development and pre-production phase that saw machines producing more than 150,000 bales.
Aimed at farmers or contractors who make 10,000 bales a year or more, much of the development has centred around ensuring reliability and consistent bale shape. In the case of the former, machines have been fitted with heavy-duty components and fewer moving parts. Engineers have also enlarged and strengthened rolls, shafts and the rear door assembly, while also introducing a heavier duty gearbox and driveline.
Up front, an extra-wide diameter rotor is said to help prevent blockages, while a newly introduced, active drop floor means blockages can be cleared quickly. The bale chamber has also been redesigned to incorporate a revised belt path, said to deliver well-formed, dense bales that will stack efficiently.
The RB456 HD Pro makes 120cm-wide bales from 90cm to 165cm in diameter, while the RB466 HD Pro is also 120cm wide, but offers increased diameters from 90cm up to 190cm.
Each model offers a choice of three rotor options, including a basic feeding rotor, 13 or 25 knife chopping rotors. Bale size, number of net wraps and density can be easily set on the in-cab control panel.
Now in its fourth year, the 2026 Fencing Industry Awards, formed part of the proceedings of the FCANZ Conference, held in Nelson during August.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
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Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
Election years are always a concerning time for farmers, according to DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown.
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are coming to the West Coast of the South Island.
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OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.