The calvary arrives — finally!
The first batch of overseas drivers for local agricultural contracting work is expected in the country next week, says Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ) chief executive Roger Parton.
A 4-METRE disc airseeder launched at Fieldays by Reese Agri is “a hit” with contractors, the company says. The machine is a disc variant of the Aitchison Airpro airseeder.
The new machine gained Reese Agri a finalist placing in the Fieldays innovation awards contest.
Sales manager John Norfolk says it has proved as much a hit with contractors testing it as with the Fieldays competition judges.
The prototype of the air seeder was tested by contractors in Hawkes Bay, Waikato and Taranaki. “The last contractor who did the trial work for us in Taranaki decided he didn’t want it to go back to the factory so he put a sticker with his company logo on it.”
Norfolk says the implement is popular because of its narrow transport width, multi-functionality (up to three boxes) and its ability to hug the ground contours “like no other”.
Though the air seeder has a 4m sowing width it folds up to 2.75m and can be towed at up to 40km/h. “It’s easy enough to transport through gates and over farm bridges but at the same time it’s got all the bits there to cover a lot of acreage fast.”
Norfolk says a frame consisting of three separate parts gives the seeder excellent contour-following ability, also improved by individually sprung discs that add another 120mm of individual travel.
The drill is offered with bins of 1500L or 1000L capacity; an optional 80L bin has individual hydraulically driven fans.
Tel. 06 357 9323
www.reesegroup.co.nz
Massey University says its stand at the Fieldays will showcase regenerative science and “circular bioeconomy innovation supporting more sustainable and resilient farming systems”.
Fonterra is strengthening its foodservice presence in China with the launch of a new cream for professional bakeries at Bakery China 2026 in Shanghai.
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From last week, the Industrial Hemp Regulations 2006 have been revoked.
The Rural Support Trust is hosting a series of community wellbeing events featuring former NZSAS soldier and Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata.
Government plans to reduce the regulations relating to drones that farmers use on their own properties has drawn a mixed reaction from commercial drone operators.
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