Stihl Launches BT140, Its First Battery-Powered Auger
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
The Brandt Group has announced they have acquired AGrowQuip.
The acquisition is effective from 30 January 2023, ensuring access to broad support infrastructure for customers throughout the North Island and delivering products, parts and services from Cape Reinga to Wellington.
“Going forward, our customers can look forward to service enhancements via investment in a best-in-class field service truck fleet and upgrades to existing facilities,” says Brandt chief executive Shaun Semple.
“Brandt is fully committed to building a comprehensive dealer infrastructure that delivers unmatched support for New Zealand Construction, Forestry and Agricultural businesses, every single day,” he says.
The acquisition means Brandt owns and operates 138 dealerships across New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.
“As a family-owned business for over 90 years, Brandt’s number one focus is always on the people and our customers,” Semple says.
“Whether it’s getting to know our new team, helping our customers succeed or supporting the communities in which they live, we look forward to deepening our roots on the North Island.”
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.

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