Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of Ashburton on 6-7th April.
Organised by the Mid-Canterbury Vintage Machinery Club, the theme of this year’s event is 100 Years of Farmall Tractors.
Set on a 20ha site, with a further 3ha of standing wheat set aside to demonstrate vintage harvesters, organisers report that they are expecting more than 1000 exhibits. These include tractors and agricultural machinery, classic cars and motorcycles, stationary engines and a large display of military vehicles including a tank. Starting at 10.30 each day, a continuous parade will run until 3.30pm.
Giving visitors a chance to compare historic machinery with todays high tech modern equivalents, there will also be displays of units such as John Deere’s X9 harvester equipped with a 45-foot header, an example of Case IH’s impressive QuadTrac and a high output Agrifac self-propelled sprayer.
Previously attracting up to 4000 visitors over the two days, those looking to chance their luck will have the opportunity to take part in a raffle to win a gold-bellied Massey Fergusson 35, with surplus proceeds heading to the Westpac Helicopter Appeal.
One of Fonterra’s global customers, Mars is launching an ambitious sustainable dairy plan to work with dairy farmers and cut emissions by 50%.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive for the past eight years, Sam McIvor is heading for new pastures at Ospri, which runs NZ’s integrated animal disease management and traceability service.
The world's largest wool scouring facility, WoolWorks Awatoto plant in Napier, is back operating at full capacity.
A year on and the problems created by Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle has largely dropped off the radar of media and politicians.
Feeling forgotten and in a fragile space financially and mentally.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.