European tractor registrations down
A total of 108,800 tractors were registered across Europe in the first six months of 2022, with 31,900 tractors of 37kW (50 hp) and under and 76,900 of 38kW and above.
Some tractors never die, and look at this Israel-made mixer wagon in Germany, churning out feed to suit the farmer’s typically intensive European dairy production.
The RMH wagon, supplied in 2004 by Stovelaar Machinery, is a self-propelled VS-18 model that has clocked up an impressive 33,675 hours.
The 18cu.m machine, with one auger, has spent 6 - 7 hours daily for 14 years producing a TMR ration for 1200 cows.
It’s obviously well-built, and the company says its longevity results from regular service and maintenance.
It has twice had a new Deutz engine and new hydraulic pumps; its vertical mixing auger has been replaced four times.
Otherwise parts replacement has been limited to normal wear and tear.
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.