Case IH launches new Tier 3 Puma Tractor at Fieldays
Case IH is expanding its popular Puma range in New Zealand, with a new model that was released at Fieldays.
Despite conditions in the farm machinery industry, which can only be described as difficult, the German-headquartered Claas Group has reported net sales of €5 billion for the 2024 financial, around €1.1 billion, or 19% lower than the corresponding period in 2023.
A company spokesperson says tight producer prices, elevated interest rates, extreme weather conditions and geopolitical tensions have all combined to elevate levels of uncertainty, meaning farmers and contractors have been hesitant in buying new tractors and machinery.
Despite the drop in sales, the business has successfully navigated a tough 2024 fiscal year, ending on September 30, delivering an operating profit before depreciation of €584 million compared to €769 million in 2023, alongside a net income of €253 million, against €347 million in the previous year.
“We have performed well in the highly competitive agricultural machinery market,” says CFO Henner Böttcher. “Despite a significant decline in sales, our strong earnings demonstrate our resilience. Today, it is paying off that we adapted our structures and processes early, amid a phase of high market dynamics and increasing geopolitical uncertainties.”
Claas chief executive officer Jan-Hendrik Mohr says that the business has remained on course and managed costs efficiently, while also proactively advancing the business.
“We have again increased our R&D expenditure to over €330 million and made targeted investments in future projects, new technologies and our production network to ensure sustainable growth and drive innovation.”
Targeted investments in the production network have seen modernisation work currently taking place at several Claas plants. At Bad Salgau (forage harvesting technology) in Germany, the infrastructure and production facilities have been updated to facilitate the expanded product portfolio, and expand production capacities. The Harsewinkel plant (combine harvesters, forage harvesters and Xerion tractors) will be modernised with more automated systems soon.
Looking ahead, Claas says that the current industry trend of reduced investments by farmers, most of whom have seen producer prices fall sharply, suggest that with no upward trend currently in sight, a moderate decline in sales for 2025 and a noticeable decline in income before taxes is expected.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
This past week has seen another round of negotiations between India and New Zealand to produce a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
The Infrastructure Commission has endorsed a plan by Chorus to expand fibre broadband to 95% of New Zealand much to the delight of rural women.
Questions are being raised about just how good the state of the dairy industry is - especially given that the average farmgate payout for the coming season is set to exceed $10/kgMS.
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