increase font size
Bale production specialists Vermeer says its new autonomous bale collector, Bale Hawk will save time and labour by removing the manual task of collecting bales from the paddock.
We've got used to many forms of tech in agriculture, such as global positioning systems (GPS), auto steering and variable rate application of fertilisers and sprays. Now it looks like the mundane task of moving bales is about to see an upgrade.
Bale production specialists Vermeer has recently shown where they see the future heading, with a look at their autonomous bale collector, Bale Hawk, that is said to save time and labour by removing the manual task of collecting bales from the paddock.
The patent-pending system uses sensors to detect its position in the paddock, then plots the most effective route to collect up to three bales and transport them to a central location for wrapping or stacking.
Powered by a Deutz powerplant, rubber tracks are then used to move the machine, while similar tracks lift and transport the bales onto the machine. It is said to weigh less than three tonnes, and the manufacturer also suggests there are benefits of reduced compaction, both in terms of the machine’s footprint, but also in the optimal route the unit takes to collect bales. This is in comparison to the haphazard movements and repeated passes that traditional collection by front end loader or telehandler will typically make.
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed an agreement with Manitou to take over the distribution and retail rights for Manitou Agricultural Equipment covering the lower North Island and the South Island, effective August 1, 2025.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to improve cutting precision and wear resistance.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.
A tiny organism from the arid mountains of mainland Greece is facilitating a new way of growing healthier animals on farms across New Zealand.
OPINION: Westland Milk may have won the contract to supply butter to Costco NZ but Open Country Dairy is having…
OPINION: The Gene Technology Bill has divided the farming community with strong arguments on both the pros and cons of…
