Hose runner saves time and effort
Rakaia-based equipment manufacturer Pluck’s Engineering will soon start production of a new machine designed to simplify the deployment and retrieval of temporary water troughs used in winter break feeding.
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.
A further ten commercial beef farmers have been selected to take part in the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme to help drive the uptake of genetics in the industry.
This morning, NZ Young Farmers (NZYF) has announced that Cheyne Gillooly will take over as its chief executive in June.
The message for the 2025 World Bee Day is a call to action for sustainable practices that support bees, improve food security, and protect biosecurity in the face of mounting climate pressures.
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Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters often describes NZ as a small and isolated nation situated 'just north of the penguins' but says in terms of global affairs, NZ and other small nations should be judged on the quality of their arguments and not the size of their military.
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