Claas Balers Turn 30
Claas built its first variable chamber round baler - the Variant 100 - in 1996, so 2026 marks 30 years and the fifth generation of the Variant name, recently complemented by the new Cerex Series introduced in 2025.
Cost effective data exchange has become a reality with the Pӧttinger Connect telemetry unit providing access to the world of networked data, looking after the functions for controlling, recording and transmitting data of ISOBUS-controlled machines
Available from August 1, the module has a certified data interface to Agrirouter, the internet-based data exchange platform. The system is being released for worldwide implementation, meaning that numerous, localised farm management information systems can be connected.
Used in conjunction with Pӧttinger’s Next Machine Management and Next field indexing software, the system offers the possibility to visualise data and document it over the long term. Automated recording and transmission of data ensures automated, permanent back-up, ensuring a complete and professional documentation trail is compiled, while avoiding data chaos.
Simple operation sees the telemetry unit and the respective farm implement are operated using ISOBUS-capable terminals or alternatively using the tractor terminal. For this purpose, Pӧttinger offers its intelligent terminals; power control, Expert 75 and CCI 1200, as solutions for every application. This concept, without the need for multiple monitors, offers a better overview in the cab, by using just one terminal.
Pöttinger Connect also offers the possibility of using precision farming applications, base around ease of use and cost efficiencies, with the module taking over task controller jobs, enabling applications such as section and variable rate control, so reducing the number of passes required and saving on running costs.
When dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen learned the farm, she was joining held weekly health and safety meetings, she initially thought that was “a bit over the top”. Experiencing that culture changed her mind.
Nominations are open for the 2027 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award.
Keeping up with pasture moisture demands is likely to be the key challenge for dairy farmers during this season’s El Niño weather pattern, says Blue Skies Weather & Climate Services meteorologist Tony Trewinnard.
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
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.