Grape Days 2026: AI Adoption and Vineyard Research Insights
Generative AI in the workplace, trials in the field, and industry-relevant research took centre stage at this year’s Grape Days events in Central Otago, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough.
The latest New Holland T8 GENESIS is said to capitalise on the productive combinations of Stage V horsepower and digital technology.
During 2020, New Holland will extend the T8 range with a new 400 hp full-powershift model. This new powershift will feature a 21Fx5R speed transmission and will only be available on the flagship T8.435 Ultra Command in either wheeled or SmartTrax versions.
Operators will be able to personalise the machines with the SideWinder Ultra armrest and IntelliView 12 display.
The new T8 will carry on the tradition of offering an intuitive ‘jump on & drive’ experience, with new SideWinder Ultra armrest featuring keypads ‘zoned’ for media, climate and hitch controls, with and shortcut keys that allow one-touch navigation to adjustment menus.
As an example, hydraulic remote valves can be assigned to the paddles or a joystick of the driver’s choice and individual tractor settings can be stored against an implement name and recalled instantly when switching between tasks.
Beyond the basic functions of the tractor, the integration of New Holland’s advanced Precision Land Management (PLM) platform brings an approach to precision farming solutions. Described in four words: Open, Connected, Smart, Supported.
Utilising MyPLMConnect and Data Sharing partners, allows operators to keep completely connected with their trusted agronomy software packages. Using the simple tablet-based user interface, the user can share and analyse data and received enhanced support through their New Holland dealer.
The IntelliView connect allows either the farm manager or dealer to remotely view the IntelliView 12 display and monitor the tractor’s performance in real-time, ensuring productivity and uptime.
New Holland dealers can proactively manage their customer’s fleet with New Holland remote assistance, identifying maintenance requirements closer to the service interval and reducing travel time.
State farmer Pamu has delivered its strongest operating result on record.
Four years since it was first detected in New Zealand, researchers and growers now know much more about management of maize pest fall armyworm (FAW).
The Government has announced it will pause key parts of Waikato Plan Change 1 (PC1) in a decision that is set to give Waikato farmers a reprieve from new consenting and farm-planning requirements while the wider resource management system is overhauled.
OPINION: The time has come for the Government to back the organic sector.
Plan ahead and be patient. That’s the message to farmers and horticulturalists from the chairman of the NZ Agricultural Aviation Association, Kent Weir.
The industry is crying out for graduates with agricultural related degrees.

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