Fendt Ideal 2027: New Separation Area & Spreader Kit
Updates to the latest models of AGCO Group’s Fendt Ideal headers for 2027 sees a greater separation area and a new straw and chaff spreader kit.
Complementing its existing portfolio of agricultural machinery brands, which includes Grange Machinery, Horsch, Novag, Manitou and MacDon, Ashburton-headquartered Carrfields has been appointed as distributors for Stocks Ag, best known for its applicators and seeders.
Supplying the full range of British-manufactured products across both North and South Islands, with new machines held in stock, parts and service will be available for new and existing machines via the ongoing development of Carrfields' regional support network.
There are already many Stocks Ag applicators and seeders working in New Zealand. "I've known the brand for years and am aware of the potential it holds here in NZ," says Paul Southgate, Carrfields' technical sales specialist and Stocks Ag product specialist.
"With an excellent build quality and competitive pricing, we anticipate strong demand from the farming sector for effective, high-performing applicators and seeders to meet a wide range of requirements."
In other news, Carrfields has announced an unconditional agreement to purchase Hinds Seed Cleaning, marking a significant strategic step in strengthening the group's seed capabilities.
Hinds Seed Cleaning has been owned and operated by the Ellis family for generations and has built a strong reputation as an independent, specialist seed processor servicing NZ farmers and seed companies. Following completion, the business will continue to operate as a standalone entity and remain independently managed, trading as Hinds Seed Cleaning 2026 Ltd.
Carrfields sees the acquisition as a strategic move as Hinds Seed Cleaning currently processes large volumes of small seeds each year for Carrfields, with increasing pressure on processing timeframes and priorities to meet both international and domestic customer quality and deadlines.
The acquisition enables deeper vertical integration across seed processing, calibration, treatment, and packaging, particularly as Carrfields and its subsidiary Winseed invest in new seed processing and calibration equipment not currently available in New Zealand.
Carrfields Group managing director Craig Carr said, "This is a progressive and exciting step for Carrfields and further cements the foundations we are building for the future."
2025 was a busy year for Carrfields, with several major milestones announced, while 2026 will mark 50 years since the business was founded by Greg and Glenys Carr.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) and Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network are calling for investment in a proposed new training pathway for rural GPs, warning that many rural practices are struggling to recruit while a large share of the existing workforce nears retirement.
Federated Farmers has called on Central Otago District Council (CODC) to drop or vote down a plan to truck sludge from Alexandra and Cromwell to farmland near Lauder, warning it would compound an "outrageous" situation created by a separate council's decision weeks earlier.
Synlait has swung to second-half profit as operations stabilise, but the dairy processor still posted a $75.4m annual loss.

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