Lely order book 'slightly better'
Dairy automation company Lely reported a 3.4% decline in total turnover last year but notes that sales are picking up.
Italian manufacturer Maschio, whose products are imported and distributed in New Zealand by the Power Farming Group, has introduced the SC Pro-Bio rotary cultivator.
This machine is specifically designed to target cover crop incorporation, resulting in improved soil organic matter. The SC Pro-Bio has been designed to break down and incorporate crop residues, cover crops and green manures.
The cultivator mulches plant debris and mixes it with fine soil in the top few centimetres of the profile. This helps speed up the decomposition and the transformation of residue into compost-like material.
Meanwhile, the company suggests that adding a front flail mower to the operation can improve mulching and organic matter breakdown – particularly in thicker cover crops.
Suitable for use with tractors from 110hp and 170hp, the SC Pro-Bio is equipped with 6 ‘L’ type blades per flange, operating at 540rpm or 1,000rpm, to achieve a rotor speed of up to 300rpm.
To achieve a uniform working depth across the full 2.8 or 3.1 metre working width of the machine, the SC Pro-Bio has four depth wheels. This ensures optimum stability and uniformity – particularly at shallow settings. Working at depths of 3cm to 6cm the SC Pro-Bio can work to speeds of up to 10km/h.
To aid aeration, with the aim of increased material breakdown, the rear hood can be adjusted hydraulically from the tractor seat to allow perfect control of soil mixing.
The quick response to the discovery of another fruit fly in Auckland is being praised by fruit and vegetable growers.
Māori-owned milk processor Miraka is looking for a new chief executive following the resignation of Karl Gradon last week.
The red meat sector is watching anxiously as the US embarks on a tariff war with its key trading partners.
The red meat sector is poised for a strong rebound this season, with export receipts forecast to top $10 billion and farm profitability to almost double.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) chair Kate Acland says there are clear governance processes in place to ensure fairness and transparency.
This International Women's Day, there are calls to address a reported gender disparity gap between men women New Zealand's horticulture industry leadership.
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