Kubota to unveil three new models at Fieldays
Kubota is thrilled to unveil three new models at National Fieldays this week.
Hustler Equipment, the Hastings maker of bale feeding, bedding and handling equipment, has bought Robertson Manufacturing.
Robertson, located in Hinds, Canterbury, make silage wagons, the Supercomby feedout machine and precision spreading equipment.
Hustler started manufacturing in 1961, Robertson in 1977. With nearly 100 years between them in designing and making innovative machinery it seems the two companies are a good fit.
Hustler told Rural News that while some branding changes may follow, the Robertson designs and attention to detail will remain and customers will get 'seamless' advice and support.
Meanwhile, on the global scene, cash-rich Japanese giant Kubota is to buy the planter and seed drill manufacturer Great Plains Manufacturing, of Salina, Kansas.
In the US$430 million deal, slated for July, Kubota will acquire all five divisions of Great Plains, said to be the largest family-owned farm equipment maker in the US. It has eight factories in the US and one in UK; staff number 1400.
"This acquisition is part of the long term strategic vision for our expansion, with the aim of providing high quality products and comprehensive solutions for customers," said Masato Yoshikawa, president and chief executive of Kubota Tractor Corporation.
Great Plains and Kubota had common values, he said, "in that we were both founded four decades ago and both companies have a reputation for quality and engineering excellence".
Great Plains founder and chairman Roy Applequist will remain to help guide operations.
"My plan is to play a significant part in helping Great Plains to become a vital part of the Kubota family," he said.
The companies already have a long term relationship: the Great Plains Land Pride brand has been sold alongside Kubota products in the North American market since 2007.
Kubota says the move builds on its commitment to the US and Canadian markets; it recently announced a North American distribution centre in Edgerton, US, for the supply of whole goods and parts to these regions.
Federated Farmers says the final report into banking competition is a significant step forward for rural New Zealand - and a vindication of the farming sector's concern.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride expects a strong mandate from farmers shareholders for the proposed sale of its consumer and related businesses to Lactalis for $3.8 billion.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says the sale of the co-op’s consumer and associated businesses to Lactalis represents a great outcome for the co-op.
The world’s largest milk company Lactalis has won the bid for Fonterra’s global consumer and associated businesses.
Fonterra has increased its 2024/25 forecast Farmgate Milk Price from $10/kgMS to $10.15/kgMS.
It took a stint at university to remind Otago dairy farmer Megan Morrison that being stuck in a classroom was not for her.
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