Case IH Unveils New RB6 Round Balers & 2026 Square Baler Upgrades
Case IH has released details of its all-new round balers and redesigns to its large square balers aimed at increasing productivity.
Global machinery manufacturers Case IH and New Holland have unveiled the FieldOps app, a new all-in-one mobile and web solution purposefully designed for farmers and contractors to connect, view and manage their operation of a multi-branded fleet at any time, from any location.
The FieldOps portals provide real-time access to agronomic, machine, and operational data, connecting users to their machines, fields, teams and partners and empowering them with actionable insights.
Driven by the digitisation of agriculture, connected machines allow farmers to access vehicles to drive more profitable and productive operations, while also allowing dealers additional access to better service machines to minimise downtime and maximise operational efficiency.
Addressing severe limitations for those in remote areas of the globe in connecting with their machines or operations, Case IH and New Holland has taken a significant step in enhancing connectivity options for operators via a strategic collaboration with Intelsat, a renowned leader in satellite communications for more than 60 years. This means that operators, regardless of location, can fully utilise the functionalities of FieldOps with consistent and reliable internet access.
Machine Analytics proactively monitor machine health and quickly spots high-priority issues while staying informed with customised notifications. Data can also be viewed for any specific field over individual seasons and years, enhancing operational efficiency. Remote Viewing of the In-Cab Display allows external machine monitoring leading to easier coordination with operators and the ability to suggest alternative machine settings.
FieldOps centralises tools from the respective AFS Connect and MyPLM Connect platforms into a single streamlined management solution, using data from farm operations, even for those with multi-branded fleets.
“Agriculture is changing rapidly, and farmers are increasingly asking us to support them with simple solutions for complex problems,” New Holland brand president Carlo Lambro said. FieldOps was created thanks to our customers’ feedback, prioritising simplicity and intuitiveness of the interface. It enables farmers to improve their efficiency and profitability, whether they’re investing in a new fleet or adding automation to their existing machines.”
FieldOps mobile and web apps are currently in the final stages of development and testing, with a full release expected later in the year.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.

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…