Canterbury Farmer Builds on 160 Years of Dairy Legacy
Gareth Hale is the current custodian of a 160-year legacy that saw his great grandfather dairying in Taranaki since the mid-1850s and grandfather dairying in the Waikato from the early 1900s.
John Deere's MY22 9 Series line-up includes the wheeled 9R, twin-track 9RT and the four-track 9RX - featuring a larger, more comfortable cab.
Meanwhile, the all-new John Deere PowerTech 13.6 litre engine delivers 390 to 50=90hp, with the larger 9R 640 and 9RX 640 powered by a Cummins 15 litre engine.
To put the added horsepower to the ground, several undercarriage, axle, and frontframe components have been strengthened.
This makes the tractors heavier and increases the maximum available ballast from 27,200 to 30,300kg.
The 9 Series tractors come equipped from the factory with JDLink connectivity, plus an integrated StarFire GPS receiver, Generation 4 Command Center display, AutoTrac guidance and free access to the John Deere Operations Center.
The latest 8 Series, from 230 to 410hp, come with multiple transmission options. This includes the wheeled 8R, twin-track 8RT and four-track 8RX, which have also come with a range of options.
The Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) option changes tyre pressures when "road" or "field" settings are engaged on 8R tractors equipped with Independent-Link Suspension (ILSTM).
On the road, increased pressure offer greater fuel efficiency, reduced tyre wear and improved ride and handling. Meanwhile, in the paddock, lower pressures and a larger footprint provides more lug engagement to reduce slip and ground pressure.
New integrated 3750 L capacity ExactRate Tractor Tanks options on the 8RX provide additional liquid capacity for liquid fertiliser application, while seedling and planting - delivering more time at work and greater productivity.
All 8 Series tractors come standard, with JDLink conncectivity plus an integrated StarFire GPS receiver. As well as Generation 4 Command Center display, AutoTrac guidance and free access to John Deere's Operations Center.JD offers a number of models across the 8R, 8RT and 8RX line-up ranging from 230 to 410 horsepower.
These machines come with multiple transmission options to help meet the unique needs of diverse farming enterprises. Each of these models also comes with comfort, visibility and technology options.
In Dacre, near Invercargill in New Zealand’s South Island, Bruce Dinnington is running a dairy operation unlike any other.
A free online platform aggregating governance vacancies across rural and regional New Zealand has been launched.
Environment Minister Nicola Grigg has announced details of a new rural plastics recycling scheme.
Agricultural drone operators say that a government decision to allow lower-risk drone work without certification won’t lower standards but drive innovation and efficiency.
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Now in its fourth year, the 2026 Fencing Industry Awards, formed part of the proceedings of the FCANZ Conference, held in Nelson during August.

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