Grape Days 2026: AI Adoption and Vineyard Research Insights
Generative AI in the workplace, trials in the field, and industry-relevant research took centre stage at this year’s Grape Days events in Central Otago, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough.
John Deere has released new software updates to its Operations Centre and MyOperations App.
This will enable users to conveniently take information from their Operations Centre account into the paddock, help manage equipment information, production data and farm operations from a mobile device.
The update also allows users to collect and edit a variety of field information from the convenience of their phone or tablet more easily. The aim is to give users more timely collection of field records and a comprehensive picture of what has occurred throughout the season.
These include better data editing for crop types, crop season (year), post calibrated yields and areas harvested. Farmers will also be able to manually add tillage, planting, application and yield information from their mobile device.
The update allows capture of complete field records, regardless of a machine’s data collection capability.
A further feature sees the removal of the sign in requirement to view a machine display from the MyOperations app.
The industry is crying out for graduates with agricultural related degrees.
While GPS and guidance have become the norm and yield mapping and variable application continues to gain traction, most agricultural machinery manufacturers continue to expand their technology offerings, amalgamating the vast amounts of data being collected to streamline real-time and ongoing management decisions.
Supply chain problems, growing protectionism and a move to greater food security are some of the key challenges facing New Zealand exporters, according to our top trade negotiator, Vangelis Vitalis.
A spat within the ranks of the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association has resulted in the suspension of outspoken North Canterbury farmer Barry Cuttance.
After delivering a strong financial year, rural trader PGG Wrightson says the coming months will depend on customer confidence and weather.
Beef+Lamb New Zealand and the Ag Emissions Centre have launched a new research project aimed at helping beef farmers reduce methane emissions without impacting productivity or profitability.

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