increase font size
Stevenson and Taylor have opened a new branch in Hastings.
Since CNH Industrial announced the establishment of a new retail footprint for New Holland machinery in New Zealand early this year, many of its Case IH dealerships have been taking over dealer responsibilities for the New Holland brand.
This supply route continues to grow across NZ with several expansions unveiled in the past few weeks.
Stevenson and Taylor have operated a Case IH branch at Waipukurau, Central Hawke’s Bay, since they started business in 1951, but this month have seen a significant expansion with the opening of a new branch in nearby Hastings.
Based at 1420 Omahu Rd, Hastings, an existing building has been renovated to accommodate sales, parts and service departments, alongside an expanded product offering, since the addition of the New Holland Agriculture brand to the business.
“While we always had a second dealership in our long-term plan, the changes around New Holland this year, offered the opportunity to represent both the Case IH and New Holland brands. We realised we needed to expand our dealership space and staffing numbers, so the new dealership in Hastings became an immediate priority,” said Robby Smith, Stevenson and Taylor General Manager.
Further south, Case IH dealer Cochranes – with branches at Amberley, Leeston, Ashburton and Timaru – has recently opened a new branch at 342 Stuart Street Blenheim, to assist with the addition of New Holland to the company’s brand portfolio and to support increased customer demand for products, parts and service.
“It’s certainly been a big year with the addition of the New Holland brand, but thanks to the support of CNH Industrial and all our staff, who are enthusiastic about the opportunity and really got on board, things have gone very well. New Holland customers have also been very welcoming, so there’s a lot to look forward to and exciting things ahead,” said Chris West, Cochranes’ managing director.
Both companies acknowledged New Zealand farmers in every sector of the industry were facing challenges, but noted that machinery supply was no longer an issue, with good stock levels across the CNHI brands.
Smith noted that with the opening of the Hastings branch would come increased demand for specialty tractors for the horticulture and viticulture sectors, and higher horsepower machines for grain producers.
Global tyre manufacturer Michelin has extended its agricultural trailer tyre range, with the introduction of its new WorkxBib series, designed for tipping trailers, slurry tankers and manure spreaders.
Following the record-breaking success of its hydrogen-powered Hydromax, JCB is ramping up its investment in the business, key to the first major change at the executive level of the business, with George Bamford stepping up to the post of joint chairman, alongside his father Lord Bamford.
During calf rearing, logistics can play an important role in getting the job done quickly and efficiently.
Massey Ferguson has announced a strategic supply partnership with International Tractors Limited (ITL), a manufacturer of low-horsepower and compact tractors, with recognised brands such as Sonalika and Sollis, to expand its portfolio with a new tractor range.
With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
Farmlands has reported higher operating earnings and a profit before income tax of $4.5 million, up 118.9%, for the year ended 30 June 2026.
AgriZeroNZ has invested a further NZ$17.7 million in methane vaccine developer ArkeaBio and NZ$5.1 million in BioLumic, a New Zealand-founded company that uses ultraviolet light to develop low-emissions pasture..
Good news for Fonterra farmers. The co-op has raised this season’s farmgate milk price mid-point by 25c to $9.75/kgMS.
OPINION: Political parties are getting plenty of advice and recommendations from sector groups as the election approaches.
In farming there are external factors that can influence behaviour of a whole herd, such as a bad weather event, triggering false positive heat detections or health attentions.
For Canterbury dairy farmer Cameron Henderson, supporting Meet the Need comes down to a simple question: how can the success of New Zealand farming benefit more than just those within the industry?
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.
