Case IH Farmall C Upgrade: More power, weight & precision
The Case IH Farmall C, well known across New Zealand, has just seen an upgrade including a new look, increased weight and hydraulic power, and a cab overhaul.
The Case IH Maxxum 145 Multicontroller has won Tractor of the Year 2019 and Best Design 2019 at the EIMA International farm equipment show in Bologna, Italy.
Launched last year alongside three smaller 116-135hp (rated) models, the highlights of the 4-cylinder 145hp Maxxum 145 Multicontroller include its ActiveDrive 8 eight-step semi-powershift transmission and the Multicontroller armrest and joystick — attributes recognised by TOTY judges as helping ease of operation and enhancing efficiency.
The TOTY award builds on the tractor’s previous achievements, including the lowest average specific fuel consumption recorded in the field work section of the PowerMix test by Germany’s DLG testing station.
Complementing the existing ActiveDrive 4 four-step semi-powershift and CVXDrive continuously variable transmissions, the key development on the new Maxxum Multicontroller range is the ActiveDrive 8 three-range/eight-step semi-powershift transmission. The transmission and many other operating functions can be controlled via the Multicontroller armrest and joystick.
Recent revisions to the Maxxum range have given the line a fresh new look, and in a double recognition the same model has also won the Best Design category, recognising the importance to functionality and form of a modern tractor’s styling.
Following its introduction last summer, the new Case IH Maxxum range, in its Multicontroller guise with the new ActiveDrive 8 semi-powershift transmission, also won Machine of the Year 2018 at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has released its 2026 election manifesto, outlining priorities to support the sector’s growth, resilience, and contribution to New Zealand’s food security and export revenue.
Farmers have voted to continue the Milksolids Levy that funds DairyNZ.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell has resigned after eight years in the role.
Matt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the Beef +Lamb NZ Board as a farmer director.
Ravensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days Farm Innovation Awards in February 2026.
While mariners may recognise a “dog watch” as a two-hour shift on a ship, the Good Dog Work Watch is quite a different concept and the clever creation of Southland siblings Grace (9) and Archer Brown (7), both pupils at Riverton Primary School.
OPINION: Expect the Indian free trade deal to feature strongly in the election campaign.
OPINION: One of the world's largest ice cream makers, Nestlé, is going cold on the viability of making the dessert.