Lely order book 'slightly better'
Dairy automation company Lely reported a 3.4% decline in total turnover last year but notes that sales are picking up.
In a move that sees further realignment in the New Zealand farm machinery market, Palmerston North headquartered Norwood and German manufacturer Horsch have announced they will end their exclusive distribution and retail agreement.
Having enjoyed a 15-year relationship, both parties say they recognise the need for change, given Horsch’s expanding product range and the conflict created between brands that Norwood represents.
“Globally, Horsch is looking to work with partners who provide exclusive support for our expanding product range.
“We are thankful for the work that Norwood have done to establish the Horsch brand in New Zealand, but we both agree that it is time for change,” says Micha Trotzky, Horsch’s Southern Europe, Oceania and Africa territory manager.
Horsch products will continue to play a part in the success of New Zealand farmers and growers, with the brand announcing a new partnership with the Ashburton-headquartered Carrfields Group.
“We’re excited at what this development means for Carrfields,” says Craig Carr Carrfields group managing director.
“[We] look forward to developing the work that Norwood has done over the years. We are also excited to be partnering with a global leader in the development of agricultural equipment technology and believe Horsch will be a fantastic addition to our current stable of premium machinery brands.”
Expecting the process to be finalised by the middle of the year, all three businesses will work together to ensure the transition to the new distributor is as smooth as possible for existing Horsch customers, which includes Norwood continuing to sell and support the brand and its customers over the coming months, until the transition is completed.
The 2025 South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) chairman, Rangiora farmer Andrew Stewart, is predicting a successful event on the back of good news coming out of the farming sector and with it a greater level of optimism among farmers.
WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds, following a sentencing for a death at one of South Canterbury’s biggest agribusinesses.
Now is not the time to stop incorporating plantain into dairy pasture systems to reduce nitrogen (N) loss, says Agricom Australasia brand manager Mark Brown.
Building on the success of last year's events, the opportunity to attend People Expos is back for 2025, offering farmers the chance to be inspired and gain more tips and insights for their toolkits to support their people on farm.
Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.
Precision application of nitrogen can improve yields, but the costs of testing currently outweigh improved returns, according to new research from Plant and Food Research, MPI and Ravensdown.
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