Stihl Launches BT140, Its First Battery-Powered Auger
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
Horsch machines like the Avatar SD drill play a part in the success of New Zealand farmers and growers.
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.
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.

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