MS 8S Xtra Raises the Bar for Fuel Efficiency
With the rapid rise of diesel prices since the start of the Iran conflict, farmers and growers are taking fuel consumption seriously as their bottom line is being eroded.
There will be plenty to see, do and experience at this year's Northland Field Days on March 3-5, at Dargaville.
There will be plenty to see, do and experience at this year's Northland Field Days on March 3-5, at Dargaville.
With grounds almost booked to capacity and exhibitors coming from as far afield as Australia, the organisers predict something for everybody at Northland's biggest annual outdoor event.
About 90% of the sites were booked by last December, says event coordinator Meagan Edmonds. And there are lots of interesting products on offer.
North Auckland automotive dealership Winger motors will attend for the first time. General sales manager Jason MacDonald sees it is a great way to present buyers with never-before-seen 2016 Chrysler Jeeps and Dodge SUVs and commercial vehicles.
The event's reach made the decision to attend a no-brainer, he says. "We have just taken over New Zealand's northernmost franchise for Jeep and the field days will connect us with a wide range of customers."
Another company looking to re-enter the Northland market is Worldwide Sires.
General manager Hank Lina says the company has rebranded and is on target to offer farmers a source of genetic material free from the potential of inbreeding.
"We are able to draw on the widest range of genetic material in the world so there is no chance for any inbreeding with the herd," Lina explains "We're looking forward to getting into Northland."
Farmers looking for larger equipment will have plenty to choose from: new Massey Ferguson and Kubota tractors will be on show.
AGCO New Zealand manager Peter Scott plans to show the 90-100hp Massey Ferguson 5700 range of tractors. He expects the non-cab range to be popular due to its specifications and value for money.
"This combination will appeal to customers looking for a tractor loader package with good hydraulic performance, ample power and ease of use," he says.
Free parking is available close to the showground and regular public transport runs to and from.
A Local State of Emergency has been declared for the Waikato for a period of seven days as the region prepares for Cyclone Vaianu to hit the area.
Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.
Specialist horticulture and viticulture weather forecasters Metris says the incoming Cyclone Vaianu is likely to impact growers across the country.
A group of old Otago uni mates with a love of South Island back-country have gone the lengths of Waiau Toa Clarence from source to sea. Tim Fulton, who joined the group in the final fun to the river mouth, tells their story.
Operating with a completely different format from conventional tractors and combine harvesters, the NEXAT prime mover combines all steps of crop production in one modular carrier vehicle, from tillage, through seeding to harvesting.
Reports of severe weather forecast to move over the vast majority of New Zealand’s kiwifruit orchards this weekend will be very concerning for a significant number of growers.

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