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Alpego recently showed its three metre Alysium electric power harrow at the Italian Eima Event.
Distributed by OriginAg in New Zealand, Italian manufacturer Alpego recently showed its three metre Alysium electric power harrow at the Italian Eima Event, taking away an innovation award.
While the base machine is still mechanical, heavy metal groupies will notice the absence of a PTO shaft, while the gearbox used to drive the interlocking gears across the bed of the machine has also been removed.
Instead, the rotors are powered by five electric motors, one for every two rotors. Currently being tested behind a new hybrid tractor, a 700v DC connection provides the Alysium with 50-60kW of electrical power.
Still in the early stages of development prototype, development is centred around understanding what is possible with electrical propulsion, according to the company.
Challenges so far include safety, but already testers have found that the tractor uses up to 35% less fuel. Further benefits are the possibility of controlling rotor speed electrically, with variable speeds to offer real-time adaption to changing soils. It has not been confirmed when, or if, the concept will make it to production.
Operating large tractors became more expensive back in March due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz conflict, meaning contractors had to introduce fuel surcharges and farmers had to adjust their budget forecasts.
Close to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, Motueka is known for apples, pear and kiwifruit orchards, alongside specialised crops such as hops. Indeed, that specialisation, saw the area being the New Zealand centre of the tobacco growing, until the early 1980s.
Can-Am has introduced its 2027 range of side-by-side vehicles (SSV) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), including the industry leading Defender, the Maverick R and the hugely capable Outlander ATV, incorporating a host of advancements designed to deliver an exceptional riding experience.
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
Austrian manufacturer Pottinger has released details of a new compact, linkage-mounted compact twin rotor rake, without a chassis, that is said to deliver impressive manoeuvrability.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.
For Canterbury dairy farmers Sian Meijer and Rick Wobben, wearable technology has become one of their most valuable on-farm tools - helping manage 1850 cows across an expansive, high-performing dairy operation while improving efficiency, mating outcomes and day-to-day decision making.
Fonterra has unveiled its annual results for the 2026 financial year, posting $27 billion in revenue and close to $20 billion returned to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders.
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.
Ravensdown shareholders have elected Jane Montgomery and Kate Acland to the Ravensdown Board for three-year terms, following a closely contested director election.
Federated Farmers says new legislation replacing the Resource Management Act will cut red tape, unlock investment and help grow New Zealand's export-led economy, after the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill passed their third reading in Parliament yesterday.
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