Kuhn Group Sales Dip 9% in 2025 but Orders Signal Recovery
Kuhn Group recorded net sales of NZ$2.27 billion in 2025, finishing around 9% lower than in 2024.
To complement recently introduced trailed mower conditioners with centre pivot drawbars, grass harvesting specialist Kuhn has launched three new models with offset drawbars.
The Kuhn FC 2860, FC 3160 and 3560 TL machines offer mowing widths of 2.67, 3.1 and 3.5m respectively, and the choice of roller or tine-based crop conditioning units.
Why the need for offset or centre-pull drawbars? Centre-pull machines have the potential for up to 10% more output in large areas because they can operate on either side of the tractor, like a reversible plough. By contrast the offset drawbar machines can only work to the right side of the tractor, but cost less.
The new units have the same key features as the centre-pull units: Gyrodine swivel headstocks take care of any PTO problems, even in tight turns; and the Optidisc cutter-bar uses irregular spaced discs to promote crop flow and clean cutting.
A gear-driven conditioner driveline is protected by the Posiguard safety system if junk is encountered, and there is a choice of two speeds for best conditioning effect.
The conditioner has, as standard, adjustable swath doors for different following machines, and it can spread to the machines' full width if required – said to promote more rapid wilting, and in most cases can avert at least one following tedder pass.
Extra-large tyres reduce ground pressure and sward damage, particularly in damp ground conditions.
Converting a longstanding cropping farm to dairy was the only way to ensure the land stayed in the family long term, says new dairy farmer Rod May.
As the election heats up, Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) has launched its election scorecard designed to help voters wanting to support policies that grow organic and New Zealand's organic sector.
A 'tsunami' of milk from key exporting countries is winding down and this may be good news for New Zealand dairy farmers.
Will the good times last? That's one of the key issues to come out of the latest Federated Farmers confidence survey.
Outgoing Fonterra Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson says that it has been a privilege to represent the co-op's farmer shareholders.
Have a plan in place for your cows and staff.