Case IH Puma Tractor Wins Prestigious Red Dot Design Award
While equipment sales teams bask in the glory when they sell a product, they often forget the designers and engineers who bring that product from an idea to production.
Case IH has unveiled a new 3-metre centre set-up for the the Optum tractor range, designed to meet the needs of growers operating under Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF) practices.
The factory-supported set-up allows the Optum tractor range, available up to 340hp, to seamlessly integrate into fixed tramline systems, helping reduce soil compaction, improve water infiltration, and enhance long-term productivity with full factory warranty support.
Reflecting Case IH’s ongoing commitment to delivering practical, high-performance solutions for broadacre and horticulture operations, Seamus McCarthy, Case IH medium tractor product manager for ANZ, said the set-up was introduced in response to strong demand from growers looking to align their machinery with CTF practices.
“We’ve seen a real shift in the market toward precision farming systems, particularly in cereals and horticulture.
“The set-up will be fully covered by warranty, and allows customers to operate the Optum range with peace of mind and without compromising on power or technology. The Optum range, now with the 3-metre centre option, offers a smart solution for growers who need to travel between bed spacings with accuracy and consistency,” Seamus said.
Horticulture New Zealand says proposed changes to the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 will drive innovation, investment and long-term productivity.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.
Despite difficult trading conditions for European machinery manufacturers brought about conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, alongside the United States imposing punitive tariffs, Italian manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo, has seen turnover increase 12% in 2025 to €390 million (NZ$775m) with a net profit of €11.2 million (NZ$22.3).
New Zealand innovation company Techion, best known for its animal diagnostics platform, FECPAK has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Farmlands to bring independent animal health disease intelligence to its customers.
Zespri says it welcomes the recently signed Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal, describing it as an important step towards supporting growth in the region and for New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.
Troubled milk processor Synlait has lost its third chief executive in five years.

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