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An increase in ATV sales is being welcomed by Federated Farmers.
Federated Farmers president Bruce Wills says a 10.8% increase in the sale of new ATVs reported by the Motor Industry Association "is strong indication that farmers are focusing on productive investment".
But he points out not all bikes are destined for the farm.
"Quad bikes take a pounding so is one asset we need to plan for periodic replacement. That explains why 6,570 were sold in 2011. Let me put it this way, when compared to tractors, there's very few 'vintage' quad bikes around.
"Quad bikes are the farmer's Swiss army knife but aren't cheap. Without options, a new quad bike represents a five-figure investment. Any increase in sales, such as 645 more sold in 2011 over 2010, indicates that farmers are focused on productive investment.
"A strong increase in sales may indicate greater confidence from the non-dairy sector especially. It's a similar picture that saw fertiliser imports leap in the latest Statistics NZ release.
"Better returns are seeing farmers tackle deferred maintenance and that's good."
Wills says it's also interesting to read that ATV sales were some 70% higher than the sales of road-going bikes over 50CC.
"While there are more quad bikes, users need to understand that they are unforgiving if abused. Federated Farmers, FarmSafe, ACC and the Department of Labour all stress the need for users to be competent and trained.
"That's a message that the sizeable recreational market needs to heed. Casual and recreational users need to understand that quad bikes aren't toys and training is essential."
Confirming a move signalled over a year ago, in response to a directive by the Australian federal government that all quad bikes must be fitted with operator protection devices, Honda will stop selling quad bikes in Australia on October 10.
While the stranglehold of ATV’s on the off-road market has been tempered by the arrival of side by sides or UTV’s, the sector is still strong, particularly on narrow tracks or areas of difficult terrain.
CFMoto has launched the all-new CFORCE 625 EPS quad bike.
A stoush is brewing with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) heavily criticising Farmsafe Australia’s recent Safer Farm Report.
The farming sector is very important to Suzuki, says the company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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