Fieldays hold out the begging bowl
OPINION: When someone says “we don’t want a handout, we need a hand up” it usually means they have both palms out and they want your money.
The complete Puma range is being revamped with a new design and additional features geared towards operator comfort.
Scheduled to hit New Zealand’s shores in time for the next spring campaign, the new MY2021 Stage V Puma Series from Case IH will see its first major cosmetic change in more than a decade.
While the complete Puma range is being revamped with a new design, the larger frame models – from 185-240hp – also benefit from additional features geared towards operator comfort.
Split into the standard wheelbase Puma 150-175 models and the larger, longer wheelbase Puma 185-240 tractors, features include an optional hood-mounted camera and upgraded road and work lights as fitted on the larger Case IH Optum and Magnum tractors.
New cab features include a low-mounted front windscreen wiper for improved visibility, a cool box with cover on the front end of the steering column and turning indicators with electronic cancelling. New left-hand aluminium steps with high performance LED ingress lighting makes entrance to and exit from the cabin safer and easier.
On the mechanical front, the FPT Industrial 6.7-litre engines meet the latest Stage V emission standards with HIeSCR2 technology, without the use of exhaust gas recirculation. Housed under the distinctive new hood, the Stage V models offer lengthened engine (750hr) and transmission oil (1,500hr) change intervals meaning fewer oil/filter changes over a machine’s lifetime, lowering the total cost of ownership.
On Puma CVT models, updated engine power management is now also available when operating in reverse. Meanwhile, both transmission offerings gain extra power at high RPM for a more agile drive in transport applications.
Overall, the factory reports improved acceleration and deceleration, better shuttle behaviour – as well as drive pedal sensitivity and cruise control override – and better multi-controller sensitivity and position detection.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has added its perspective to numerous primary sector voices urging the Government to strengthen its draft legislation to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA).
The Commerce Commission has finalised new information disclosure requirements for local councils and water organisations that deliver water supply and wastewater services.
Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) is calling for significant changes to the Government’s reforms to the Resource Management Act (RMA).
NZPork says the Government needs to strengthen its proposed planning laws to ensure New Zealand's pig farmers can continue to produce pork.
Good news for kiwifruit growers - a record crop with forecast per hectare returns at record levels for all fruit categories for the 2025-26 season.
As guests gathered on what is known as the Speaker's Lawn - a beautifully manicured patch of grass behind the main buildings of Parliament - to mingle and enjoy a lamb chop to celebrate National Lamb Day, the mood was very much upbeat.

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