Balers get upgrade
In May, Case IH released details of upgrades to the RB344, variable chamber baler and has now indicated multiple redesigns to the high-end RB456 and 466 HD-Pro models.
Enterprise Ireland and the Ploughing Association decided to push ahead with the annual Innovation Arena competition for new innovations from agri-tech and farm machinery companies – albeit in a virtual format.
Sixty companies entered the competition, of which thirty were selected to make a pitch to the judges via a video link.
Malone Farm Machinery, the Mayo-based machinery company, was named as the overall winner of the 2020 Innovation Arena, winning the award for its latest product, a new purpose-built round bale chaser with a capacity of 16 bales.
The Express is able to operate to a weight capacity of 26 tonnes, the design features a heavy-duty chassis with a tubular loading arm on each side of the trailer to lift and lower the bales without damage.
In operation, after four bales are collected, they are lifted onto central cradles that are cleverly lifted using a telescopic mast to the “second floor”, allowing room for a further eight bales underneath. This configuration allows the machine to carry a larger payload than single level machines, but importantly reduces the overall length to make maneuvering in the paddock and the stackyard much easier.
Judges report that they were impressed with the superb design and high quality of engineering of the machine, alongside the potential the machine must have to improve the speed of collection and safe handling of round bales.
Farmer-owned fertiliser company, Ballance Agri Nutrients is welcoming National’s plan to negotiate security agreements with key supplier countries to protect New Zealand-bound products from export restrictions and greater supply chain certainty.
Carrfields has announced the appointment of Stu Hall to the newly created role of chief operating officer, Carrfields Ltd, reflecting the continued growth of their agribusinesses and the need to ensure the company has the leadership capacity and support in place as it pursues the emerging opportunities ahead.
New Zealand's role is not to compete with Indian growers, according to NZ Apples and Pears.
The potato industry is celebrating the success of two rising stars - James Blair, the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and runner-up and innovation award winner, Amber Davy.
Twenty-eight emerging leaders from across the horticulture sector spent two days last month learning valuable skills and connecting with industry experts.
There are five entrants in this year’s Young Horticulturist of the Year, competing in a series of technical, practical, business and leadership challenges.
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