Golden Fendt tractor shines at US Capitol
ACGO showcased a one-of-a-kind golden Fendt tractor at the US Capitol in early August, commemorating the Great American Farmers Market, a week-long celebration of food, family and farming.
The likelihood of electric or hybrid powered farm tractors still appears a long way off.
The German news site Top Agrar says research by Fendt indicates that the energy density of currently available batteries would not suit high horsepower prime movers.
Fendt director of research, development and purchasing, Heribert Reiter, says tractors up to 68hp (50kW) can typically use batteries to run for one to four hours depending on the task.
Calculations show that a 250hp (180kW) tractor running for 10-12 hours a day at about 50% capacity would need a massive battery.
A capacity of 800kWh would be required, taking up about 2 cu.m of space and weighing about 6 tonnes. And a 395hp (290kW) unit would need a battery of at least 1700 kWh requiring 4 cu.m and could weigh up to 12 tonnes.
Fendt also reports its new 700 series -- its most popular range -- will probably appear at Agritechnica in November.
It will include a new multi-function joystick with added functions such as a revamped cross-gate lever with forward/reverse shuttle control, and extensive colour coding to ease operator use.
The tractors will also have three display options with a central computer. A 9-inch steering column mounted, tablet style display will offer machine features and road travel information. A 12-inch terminal is mounted to the right-hand armrest, while an optional 12-inch display is located just below the roof lining on the right-hand side of the cabin.
The tractors will eventually have the FendtOne system that will connect on-board information with, say, farm offices or mobile devices, all with consistent appearance and layout.
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
From 1 October, new livestock movement restrictions will be introduced in parts of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
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