Krone XDisc 710 Now Fits John Deere, New Holland Foragers
Krone's XDisc 710 direct-cut header can now be used by John Deere and New Holland forage harvesters, as well as the Krone Big X it was originally designed for.
TAMA president Kyle Baxter says imports of ag equipment are still sitting at 8 to 12 months lead times.
While tractor deliveries for the year-to-date April 2023 showing a 28% reduction compared to the same period in 2022 seems dramatic, a closer look provides a clearer picture into the market dynamics.
For the same period in 2022, tractor deliveries were greatly inflated from the combined effects of manufacturing delays and global supply chain constraints. That means a large numbers of tractors were delivered 3 to 6 months later than originally intended.
Geographically, the North and South Islands have seen a marked difference in deliveries. The North has been affected by an extremely unsettled summer and the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle, resulting in a reduction of 32% in tractor deliveries. It has also seen the typically higher volumes of orchard and horticulture tractors included in the yearly numbers severely constrained.
In the South, the overall reduction in deliveries has tracked to a more modest 18%. Most southern regions have experienced favourable summer weather patterns, delivering good crop growth and yields.
Overall, most ag dealerships are currently reporting strong demand for spring deliveries of tractors and equipment. This means that despite the year-to-date reduction, the market is tracking above average and the overall result for the year is still looking favourable.
TAMA president Kyle Baxter reports that imports of ag equipment are still sitting at 8 to 12 months lead times. He says many member companies are planning beyond 2023 and striving to confirm production slots, for arrivals to NZ landing in early-mid 2024, whichever way the market trends.
“I’m seeing and hearing first-hand that the flow of equipment into New Zealand has increased, which in turns provides customers with product from dealer stock,” Baxter explains. “This offers a welcome relief for customers who are requiring new equipment to go to work straight away.”
Ballance Agrinutrients chief executive Kelvin Wickham says despite a tough year, he is pleased the business has returned to profit.
When Northland farmer Mark Cameron entered parliament six years ago, the Beehive was a lonely place.
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
I think it's going to greatly weaken National at the election. That's the view of a former senior National MP on the recent attempted coup against Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Despite political shenanigans in Wellington, farmers are confident that Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms will get over the line in this term of Parliament.
New Zealand's pest problem has reached crisis point, according to Federated Farmers' second National Pests Survey, which shows farmers are spending more money and effort on control — yet pest numbers keep climbing faster than they were two years ago.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…