Farming smarter with technology
The National Fieldays is an annual fixture in the farming calendar: it draws in thousands of farmers, contractors, and industry professionals from across the country.
German harvesting specialist and tractor manufacturer Claas has acquired a minority shareholding in Dutch start-up company AgXeed, the developer of the autonomous AgBot vehicle.
The move is described by Claas as a "win-win" situation. This is because the Dutch technology is at an advanced stage and the overall aim of the joint venture is said to be further development and commercialisation of such machines.
At this stage, AgXeed is testing several 156hp diesel/electric, rubber tracked machines. These offer a low unballasted weight of around six tonnes, with the ability to lift eight tonnes, alongside the convenience of hydraulically adjustable track widths.
Alongside belt options, ranging from 300 to 910mm widths, there will also be the option of an electrically-driven PTO system, which is independent of the engine driven by external high-voltage connectors for powering electrically driven implements of the future.
Machine management includes hazard and obstacles detection, with guidance delivered by a RTK GPS system.
"Our involvement provides Claas with access to innovative technology and complements our existing expertise in robotics and autonomy," says Thomas Bock, chief executive of the Claas Group. "In turn, AgXeed will benefit from our expertise in areas such as data transfer, system interfaces and drivetrain solutions."
AgBot is expected to be launched during 2022.
Northlanders scooped the pool at this year's prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy Awards - winning both the main competition and the young Maori farmer award.
Red meat farmers are urging the Government to act on the growing number of whole sheep and beef farm sales for conversion to forestry, particularly carbon farming.
The days of rising on-farm inflation and subdued farmgate prices are coming to an end for farmers, helping lift confidence.
A blockbuster year and an exciting performance: that's how Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General, Ray Smith is describing the massive upsurge in the fortunes of the primary sector exports for the year ended June 2025.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says the 2025 Fieldays has been one of more positive he has attended.
A fundraiser dinner held in conjunction with Fieldays raised over $300,000 for the Rural Support Trust.