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."
According to Ravensdown's most recent Market Outlook report, a combination of geopolitical movements and volatile market responses are impacting the global fertiliser landscape.
Environment Canterbury, alongside industry partners and a group of farmers, is encouraging farmers to consider composting as an environmentally friendly alternative to offal pits.
A New Zealand dairy industry leader believes the free trade deal announced with India delivers wins for the sector.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.

OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…