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.
The John Deere 6R will deliver more power, precision agriculture technology and manoeuverability to New Zealand farmers, according to the company’s Australia/New Zealand production system manager, Steph Gersekowski.
She says the complete 6R stable is fitted with John Deere’s data collection network, JDLink, that is available to farmers with no ongoing costs and will help to power a new wave of precision across the industry.
“With JDLink now readily available, more businesses will have access to data and insights to drive productivity and efficiency improvements,” Gersekowski explains. “While users can also monitor a machine’s location is and gain insights to its performance from any location.”
A further benefit is the suite of online tools delivered through Connected Support to allow remote diagnostics and back up support from local dealerships.
In November last year, four new models were added to the 6R series, including the 6R 140, 6R 150, 6R 165 and 6R 185. The lineup features increased power capacity on the smaller frame models, while the Hydraulic IPM feature provides an extra 20 to 40 horsepower for hydraulic applications.
All 6R tractors can be enhanced with the addition of an optional loader technology package specifically developed to do more work in less time. The package includes a reconfigurable loader joystick with an integrated F/R shuttle, to set preferences and easily manage the direction of the tractor at the touch of a button.
“When equipped with the optional large hydraulic pump, cycle times are improved compared to previous models and help time-poor operators,” Gersekowski adds.
The loader package also includes a dynamic weighing system (DWS), level to horizon (LTH) and return to position (RTP) features. DWS can weigh loads on the go, so removes the need to stop the tractor, as required with static weighing systems, while also removing the need for weigh systems on feeder wagons.
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.
Recent results from its 2024 financial year has seen global farm machinery player John Deere record a significant slump in the profits of its agricultural division over the last year, with a 64% drop in the last quarter of the year, compared to that of 2023.
An agribusiness, helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sector, has picked up a top innovation award at Fieldays.
The Fieldays Innovation Award winners have been announced with Auckland’s Ruminant Biotech taking out the Prototype Award.
Following twelve years of litigation, a conclusion could be in sight of Waikato’s controversial Plan Change 1 (PC1).
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