A GREAT thing about New Zealand is our being surrounded by ocean, isolated from most pest and diseases, avoiding conflict with neighbouring countries, and having a buoyant economy, a fair society and stable governance. 

MICROSOFT’S SOFTWARE Windows XP and Office 2003 are no longer supported (as of April 8). That’s not the end of the world, but it does mean it’s time to consider looking at new options in software and hardware.

NEW FARM management cloud software developed by Wairarapa sheep-and-beef farmers allows input from everybody on a farm, says Gretchen Bunny, managing director of AgRecord, formed to market the product.

FELLA HAS launching a trailed mower with transport chassis and centrally linked drawbar. The SM 3065 Trans with a working width of 3.00 m and the SM 3575 Trans with a working width of 3.50 m are both available with roller or tine-rotor conditioner.

NIGEL RATHGEN and his father Ross farm 1400ha at St Andrews, South Canterbury. Their dairy farm is 280ha and the rest is cropping and dairy support. 

AMID A wave of 10 new quad and side-by-side releases by Polaris in Australia recently, two in particular are likely to attract attention in the New Zealand market – the UTE 570 HD and the Sportsman Ace.

ONLINE ACCOUNTING software company Xero will launch its ‘Farming in the Cloud’ mid-year, offering farmers and their advisors real-time, single ledger reporting.

New Holland has launched a redesigned combine maize header that speeds crop gathering and feeding, accelerating the whole harvesting task.

SILAGE WRAP recycling is gaining pace, says Plasback, which recently achieved 3000 tonnes and expects to add 1000 tonne to its total this year.

A NEW variable-chamber baler-wrapper from McHale – the Fusion 3 Vario – uses a special bale transfer system that accommodates the variable chamber and quickly moves the bale to the wrapping system.