Case IH Unveils Next Generation Puma Series Tractors
Case IH has unveiled its redesigned next generation Puma Series tractors, said to offer improvements in connectivity, operator comfort, fuel efficiency and drivability.
Tractor and machinery importers, manufacturers and dealers gathered recently in Wellington for the inaugural conference of the New Zealand Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA).
Their industry was calculated recently as being worth about $1.3 billion annually and providing 2500 jobs.
Supplying key industry data to its 38 members, TAMA also acts to understand and disseminate current and proposed legislation affecting the industry.
TAMA plans to expand its membership to the wider industry and to serve parts and service staff in the various companies. Its plans include more training, particularly in health and safety, a scholarship scheme for youngsters and an idea for a North Island working field day.
The 80-strong conference audience heard from a broad range of speakers: economist Cameron Bagrie looked at challenges to the rural sector; Alan Kirsten, of Agriview, spoke about industry statistics; and Ian Yule, of Plant Tech, spoke about the change of new technologies and their likely effects.
Katrina Thomson, group human resources manager, Moana Fisheries, addressed the challenge of how to attract and retain millennials to the industry -- while recognising that not all younger people aspire to own a house or drive a flash car. Group discussion covered the skills required in employees -- now and moving into the future.
During the conference dinner, guest speaker Patrick (Paddy) Gower, a former political journalist, had the audience laughing loudly at his stories about reporting on ego driven politicians -- many far out of their depth.
The evening concluded with the President’s Awards for Enduring Service and Emerging Talent in the Agricultural Machinery Industry. These were awarded to Graeme Tulloch, of Tulloch Farm Machines, and Kieran Steffert, of Origin Ag, respectively.
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.
LIC shareholders have elected a new North Island representative to the co-operative's Board, along with five representatives to its Shareholder Reference Group (SRG), following the company's Annual Meeting held in Invercargill.
Farmers across parts of Southland and South Otago are continuing to deal with difficult conditions after a prolonged run of wet weather, with pressure building around feed supply, stock management, pasture damage, farm infrastructure and everyday workloads.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.

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