Shearing legend hooked on CanAm
Sir David Fagan, world-renowned competitive sheep shearer with 642 shearing titles worldwide and a knighthood to his name, now runs beef and dairy operations near Te Kuiti with wife Wendy and son Jack.
While still a rare sight in New Zealand, self-propelled diet feeders/mixers have been widely available in the northern hemisphere for many years.
Kuhn’s range of SP mixers now includes the SPW Intense, said to be heavy-duty and available in 14, 16, 18, 19, 22, 25 and 27m3 capacities, with a Tier 5 Volvo 250hp engine to comply with the latest emissions standards.
Designed for loading, weighing, mixing and distribution, the former is achieved by a 2,000mm-wide silage cutter, using 200hp, for rapid filling of the mixing tub.
Mixing is performed by two vertical augers, ensuring a regular flow and homogeneous feed mix. As an optional extra, the mixing augers are available in K‑NOX alloy (made from chromium and ferrite) to increase their service life and resistance to wear and tear.
Distribution is taken care of by a front-facing cross conveyor belt that discharges to the left or right, allowing the operator excellent visibility throughout the process. For those operating in tight confines, rear unloading equipment is available with a discharge chute or tilting belt conveyor, while an optional 4-wheel steering system also improves manoeuvrability.
The SPW INTENSE range has a forward speed of 25km/h, rising to 40km/h for the more road-focused options. The Visospace cab remains the most spacious cab on the market and boasts a panoramic view. A new CCI800 fullcolour touchscreen terminal displays information relating to the operation of the machine and is paired with a single, multi-function joystick for smooth and comfortable driving.
A new weigh system offers paperless data transfer, while by using a web interface or the smartphone app, the user can change the feeding schedule remotely, as well as accessing all recorded data.
The engine, equipped with SCR technology, is installed in an overhang position at the rear of the machine, transferring 65% of the total machine weight to the rear drive axle, ensuring greater traction in all conditions.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says it is delighted by the Government’s announcement that it would invest $250,000 in the organisation.
The road between Napier and Wairoa is on the mend.
Biosecurity remains the top priority for agribusiness leaders, according to KPMG's 2025 Agribusiness Agenda released last week.
Farmers are feeling more satisfied with their banks, but the situation remains fragile, says Federated Farmers.
Environment Canterbury has confirmed a surge in interest in new dairy conversions, with four effluent discharge permits for conversions granted since the start of the year.
Probably the smoothest season growers can remember. That's how Kiwifruit Growers Association (NZKGI) chief executive Colin Bond describes the situation with fruit picking just past its peak.
OPINION: The Free Speech Union is taking this one too far.
OPINION: New national data from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), a leading workplace drug tester, shows methamphetamine (meth) use is…