STIHL launches battery-only production site in Romania for power tools
STIHL outdoor products, especially petrol chainsaws and brush-cutters, have always been firm favourites with farmers and rural dwellers.
FOUR OF NEW ZEALAND'S best are in Germany to compete in the world's premiere woodchopping competition, the Stihl Timbersports Series World Championships 2013.
Kyle Lemon, Shane Jordan, Adam Lowe and five-time series individual champion (STSWC) winner, Jason Wynyard, will join over 100 athletes from more than 20 nations in the annual event. The Kiwi's will be watched by an estimated 10,000 fans at the Porsche-Arena in Stuttgart over the next two days.
Gearing up for the new challenge they can testify that being an axeman is not for the frail. Accuracy, technique and power are what these hard men bring to bear on their wooden targets.
The first part of the STSWC, a relay competition, will take place on Friday (October 25). Contending countries in teams of four will face-off in four categories; the Single Buck, Standing Chop, Stock Saw and Underhand Chop, to determine the best Timbersports team in the world.
To determine the best individual, a competition will take place the following day in a six-category event, made up of three sawing skills; Single Buck, Hot Saw and Stock Saw and three chopping skills; Standing Chop, Underhand Chop and Springboard Chop.
From Massey in West Auckland, Wynyard is determined to continue his winning streak of four consecutive wins as Stihl Timbersports Series World Individual Champion. He has dedicated 25 years to woodchopping and has won 110 individual world titles.
Wynyard, along with team members, Lemon, Jordan and Lowe are tipped to be team favourites in 2013 – testament to their solid showing of skill, speed and strength over the last three years.
Stihl New Zealand marketing manager Stace Hall says the championship is thrilling to watch and be involved with.
"These men are highly trained and use immense strength to chop and saw their way to victory. We are proud to sponsor this fantastic event and wish the New Zealand team all the best in 2013."
The Government is set to announce two new acts to replace the contentious Resource Management Act (RMA) with the Prime Minister hinting that consents required by farmers could reduce by 46%.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change would be “a really dumb move”.
The University of Waikato has broken ground on its new medical school building.
Undoubtedly the doyen of rural culture, always with a wry smile, our favourite ginger ninja, Te Radar, in conjunction with his wife Ruth Spencer, has recently released an enchanting, yet educational read centred around rural New Zealand in one hundred objects.
Farmers are being urged to keep on top of measures to control Cysticerus ovis - or sheep measles - following a spike in infection rates.
The avocado industry is facing an extremely challenging season with all parts of the supply chain, especially growers, being warned to prepare for any eventuality.

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