Samasz XDF Front Mowers launched for NZ's tough terrain
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to improve cutting precision and wear resistance.
Global giant Deere and Co has acquired Silicon Valley start-up company Bear Flag Robotics, which specialises in autonomous driving technologies for existing plant and machinery.
The US$250m purchase is said to support John Deere’s long-term strategy to create smaller machines incorporating advanced technology. The company has worked with Bear Flag since 2019, successfully deploying autonomous solutions on a limited number of North American farms.
“Deere and Co views autonomy as an important step towards enabling farmers and growers to leverage their resources to feed the world, while at the same time creating more sustainable and profitable operations,” JD chief technology officer Jahmy Hindman says.
Meanwhile, closer to home, technicians who help to keep Australian and New Zealand farmers running and support the productivity of the nation’s agriculture sector will be honoured at the inaugural John Deere Technician Awards. Often seen as the quiet achievers, relied upon to deliver services integral to farmers’ and construction machinery contractors’ businesses, the awards will “celebrate their contribution to their industries and local communities”.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand managing director Luke Chandler says the awards are an opportunity to recognise the hard work and skill offered by these individuals.
“Who are not celebrated enough for the fundamental role they play in assisting both their customers, communities, and their industry reach full potential.”
Dealerships have been asked to put forward their top technicians, with more than 110 nominations received from across both Australia and NZ, in four different categories. These cover Ag & Turf Service Technician of the Year, Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year, Parts Technician of the Year and Apprentice of the Year. “These awards will not only recognise individuals, but also celebrate the important contribution technicians make to the farm and construction sectors and demonstrate to those considering moving into this field just how rewarding and varied a career with John Deere as a technician can be,” says Chandler.
New Zealand milk production is off to a strong start, with the first month of the 2025/26 dairy season recording a whopping 17.8% jump in milk production, compared to the previous season.
With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.
Keep up with innovation and e-commerce in China or risk losing market share. That was the message delivered at the China Business Summit in Auckland this month.
Meat Industry Association (MIA) independent chair Nathan Guy says getting meat processors involved has been a shot in the arm for the sector's key marketing initiative into China, Taste Pure Nature.
Listed carpet manufacturer, Bremworth is undertaking a $6 million expansion at its Napier plant more than two years after the site was heavily damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Federated Farmers is vowing to keep the big banks accountable for their actions and to continue pushing for meaningful change in the rural lending sector.
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