BA Pumps expand
Cambridge based BA Pumps & Sprayers, specialists in New Zealand-made spraying equipment, has acquired Tokoroa Engineering’s product range, including the iconic Milk Bar mobile calf feeder products, alongside calf and feed trailers.
John Deere has announced updates to its 5 Series Utility Tractors, scheduled for production in November 2022.
For 2023, the three-cylinder versions of the 5E Series will be available in 5050E, 5060E, 5067E and 5075E versions, with the former as an open station and the three larger models in open platform, standard or a new premium cab format.
The Premium Cab features a redesigned right-hand console for easy operation and includes electronic, quick raise/lower buttons that allow a single button activation to raise or lower implements to pre-set positions. Improved operator comfort is provided with an adjustable air seat, factory-installed instructor seat, Bluetooth radio, USB port and cab microphone for hands-free operation of mobile devices. In addition, the engine emissions systems remove the need for a DPF engine regeneration function.
There will also be updates to the 5M Series Tractors, with the availability of more, horsepower and transmission options and the integrated AutoTrac™ system.
Engines from the larger 6M tractors will be used in the four-cylinder versions of the 5M, bringing with them an extra 5hp five additional horsepower, in the 5095M, 5105M, 5120M and 5130M. The 5075M remains in the range as a three-cylinder, 74hp option, available with a cab or open station. Meanwhile, high-crop and low-profile models will also receive the additional hp boost and include the 5105MH, 5105ML, 5120ML and 5130ML versions.
Transmission options include the PowrReverser, a two-lever option to change ranges and gears, available on the 75- to 120-horsepower models. The PowrQuad™ PLUS and Powr8™ transmissions, available for the larger 95- to 130-horsepower models, offer a single shift lever that allows range and speed changes, without the need to use a foot clutch. All 5M transmissions continue to have a left-hand reverser for direction changes.
Said to increase the range’s versatility, the 5M is will be available with a bar-axle option, allowing tyre spacing up to 90 inches, allowing the tractor to straddle wide windrows when baling, and more stability when working on hillsides.
The country's largest lender to the agriculture sector says it's not favouring home loans over farm and business lending.
Reeling from two consecutive years of heavy losses, Alliance says it has appointed Craigs Investment Partners to explore external capital-raising options.
Meat company Alliance has posted a second consecutive trading year of a heavy loss.
Red meat farmers are warning that wholesale conversion of farms into forestry to achieve climate change targets will be unsustainable for the country.
Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton says his recent visit to China has left him feeling optimistic about the situation there for the meat industry.
Fonterra leaders are making their case for offloading the co-operative's $3 billion consumer business, noting that its return on capital has been nowhere near respectable.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
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