Ballance Launches AI Assistant for Fertiliser Ordering
A new digital assistant is now helping Ballance Agri-Nutrients farmers speed up nutrient information and ordering.
A free cab kit is on offer to buyers of Honda’s Pioneer 700-2P side by side, on show at Fieldays.
For a limited time every order will include a free roof, screen, wiper and tow hitch with a combined value of $2367.
The Pioneer 700-2P is New Zealand’s largest selling such machine, says Honda, and its features are “crucial to the day-to-day running of NZ farms”.
“It gives a smooth ride, has class leading stability and a well proven, fuel efficient engine with power to get the job done.”
It’s powered by a 675cc liquid cooled engine with fuel injection for easy starting in cool weather and better operation at higher altitudes.
The automatic transmission and heavy duty torque converter make the Pioneer 700-2P the only completely mechanical automotive style automatic in its class, Honda says.
The torque converter and three hydraulic clutches provide positive engine braking. And unlike typical belt drive systems the machine’s true gear based mechanical driveline is not subject to the problem of belt stretch or breakage under heavy load.
Automatic mode can be overridden with steering column mounted, paddle style shifters, and the change from fully auto to manual selection is controlled by a dash mounted toggle switch.
It has long travel suspension – 200mm movement up front and 230mm at the rear – and the rear set-up also has pre-load adjustment to cope with impressive load carrying ability.
A large, hydraulically assisted tilt bed is complemented by the ability to tow 680kg.
Braking falls to 200mm hydraulic discs up front and 170mm units at the rear.
For safety, operators are prompted to use seatbelts by a seat belt Interlock feature which limits maximum speed if the belt is not used. A sturdy protective cab, doors and side nets also favour the driver.
Honda will be at site E29 at Fieldays.
Growers and farmers are being encouraged to have an important conversation before the coming season starts: how to prolong the effectiveness of the crop protection tools they rely on.
A new digital assistant is now helping Ballance Agri-Nutrients farmers speed up nutrient information and ordering.
New Zealand apple and pear industry stakeholders are out in force for the annual conference in Queenstown.
Cameron Reed lives between two worlds.
Improving health and safety is about incremental gain rather than a sudden decision, says Leeston farmer and Federated Farmers health and safety spokesman David Birkett.
OPINION: Alistair Carmichael raises some interesting questions about striking a balance between profitability in farming and preserving the character of rural communities.

A fair question has been raised about how member-funded organisations should conduct themselves when taking a public position on any…
OPINION: It really is getting harder to lampoon government bureaucrats when they do such a good job of it themselves.…