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.
Sir David Fagan, world-renowned competitive sheep shearer with 642 shearing titles worldwide and a knighthood to his name, now runs beef and dairy operations near Te Kuiti with wife Wendy and son Jack.
Farming in the region brings its share of challenges, especially the unpredictable climate, extended droughts and hilly terrain.
In light of these challenges, Sir David relies on a fleet of Can-Am side-by-sides, including a XMR Defender HD10, a Defender HD10 and an XT Defender HD10 Limited.
Having discovered the Can-Am brand after being encouraged by his local dealer to take a Defender test drive, Sir David was impressed by the superior design and performance of the Can-Am side-by-side, allowing himself and his family to get necessary tasks done around the farm, from carrying equipment to moving stock.
The enclosed cab ensures that everyone stays warm and dry during the area’s cold winters.
And ever practical, Sir David keeps a toolbox and a selection of tools under the front seat for any maintenance jobs around the farms.
The Visco-Lok autolocking front differential, which is customisable for different terrains, helps maintain control in slippery or uneven conditions on his undulating property.
Performance is also important, and Sir David knows the Can-Am Defenders are more than capable of handling any tasks in tough New Zealand conditions and can be relied on.
Recognising the importance of regular maintenance and valuing the relationship he has with his local dealer, he appreciates the fact that the 200-hour service intervals mean there’s less down time between visits.
“Once you try a Can- Am, you don’t go back,” says Sir David, who is optimistic about the future of farming, citing the essential role farmers play in food production and New Zealand’s agricultural exports.
Sir David Fagan is a rural ambassador of Can-Am and will be appearing on Can-Am’s Fieldays site (G66-68) throughout the event.
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.