John Deere Names 2026 Technician of the Year Finalists
John Deere has announced the finalists for its 2026 Technician of the Year Awards, with 30 regional finalists being named in five award categories.
John Deere's latest 5R series tractors offer a choice of four units in the all-important 90-125hp sector.
The 5090R, 5100R, 5115R and 5125R tractors are equipped with Stage IIIB compliant, 4.5L John Deere PWX engines, delivering 90, 100, 115 and 125 hp respectively. They offer an extra 10hp for transport tasks via their transport power management (TPM) system.
The manufacturer says the engines deliver up to 8% power bulge to respond to tough conditions, while a torque rise of up to 38% enables lugging as the engine drops below rated speed.
Transmissions start with the entry-level 16F 16R CommandQuad Manual with four ranges and four powershiftable gears in each range. Then follows the 16F 16R CommandQuad, then the 32F 16R Command8 transmission. The latter has eight powershiftable gears and an ECO mode that enables a top speed of 40km/h at only 1759rpm.
All three transmissions have a fully automatic clutch, individual start-up gears and an electric park. Auto shifting is standard on the Command8 and optional on the 16F 16R CommandQuad.
With the AutoClutch function, the operator does not use a traditional clutch to stop or control tractor take-off, although a clutch pedal is there for operators to use if they prefer it.
AutoClutch enables easy stopping, starting and take-off modulation using only the brake pedal. It enables the operator to stop without clutching but it does not overload the engine. It also enables ‘inching’ (‘creeping’) in forward or reverse on a level surface or an incline. And it enables acceleration back to normal speed when releasing the brake.
Optional mechanical cab suspension system is available for more comfort.
An air suspended Grammer seat is fitted, as found on the 6R Series. It has up to 15° of swivel, lumbar adjustment and optional heating.
Other new features include variable-ratio steering, and buyers may order tractors as AutoTrac Ready, allowing the future use of the latest guidance and steering technologies as they evolve.
Federated Farmers' new vice president Sandra Faulkner says the issue of adverse events emergency management and infrastructure needs to be taken out of the three-year political cycle.
Building a strong team is one of the biggest drivers of a successful sheep and beef business, but it can also be one of the tougher parts to get right.
Blueberry growers are warning that fresh imports could pose a huge biosecurity risk for NZ’s horticulture sector.
As expected, the US has launched a safeguard investigation into lamb imports, a move that could impact New Zealand sheepmeat returns.
A milk glut around the world shows no sign of easing, putting downward pressure on farmgate milk prices for the next few months.
A pause on Waikato Regional Council's (WRC) plan change that sets new freshwater rules for farming could be announced in the coming weeks.