John Deere Secures Record 20-Harvester Deal
The old saying is ‘go big or go home’, which appears to be something that German contracting business Kohl Harvest of Saxony-Anhalt in Bavaria has done with a record order for John Deere.
John Deere has introduced a redesigned version of the N500C series air drill.
The new machine draws on the best features of JD’s 1900 CCS air seeder marketed for ten years. It has the latest in seeding technology, including new openers to help small-grains producers raise productivity and accuracy.
According to Ryan Hough, marketing manager for John Deere Seeding, the N500C is improved in having easier meter access, higher accuracy and greater capacity with less compaction.
The N500C has undergone changes to the main frame and commodity tank. The blower is mounted in the forward position, with a raised platform which gives operators easier access to the meter and for clearing blockages or cleaning out seed.
Unlike chain driven air seeders, the N500C has electric drive volumetric meters which better control seed population, and four-section variable rate seeding capability.
JD says several new technologies are added to the updated seeder, including ActiveCal tank scales for on-the-go seeding calibration from the cab for row-to-row seed-flow monitoring, down force control from the cab and the SeederPlus app for convenient calibration of meters and weight monitoring for tank scales.
The N500C air drills also have the maker’s new no-till Pro Series openers aimed at improving seed placement accuracy on a wide variety of soils and ground conditions. These low maintenance openers use a narrow seed boot and a narrow, flexible press wheel that gives 40% more consistent seed depth across the width of the seeder. This is said to result in more even seed emergence, uniform crop maturity and higher yield potential.
The new seeders are available in 30, 36, 40 and 42 foot widths with 3523L or 4228L central hoppers.
The machines have front and rear banks (with 7.5 and 15 inch or 10 and 20 inch row spacing) that can be hydraulically raised and locked. A single bank with 15 inch row spacing is also available.
JD says the new N500C air drills are available to order now. Production will begin in September 2019.
Horticulture New Zealand’s Board has welcomed the re-election of grower-elected directors Alistair Petrie and Doug Brown.
The bright ideas of New Zealand's primary sector have been celebrated with an announcement of the winners of the 2026 Innovation Awards.
Newly appointed Federated Farmers vice president Sandra Faulkner says she is honoured and excited to hold the role.
New Zealand's top fencers were out in force at National Fieldays this month, demonstrating their skills with the ever-reliable number 8 wire.
New Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst says he will ensure that farmer voices are heard loud and clear wherever decisions are being made.
Paynes Titus Excelsior ET, an LIC bull bred by Brad Payne and Claire Brodie in the Waikato, has won the JT Thwaites Sire of the Season 2026 Award.

OPINION: Central Hawke's Bay farmer Mark Warren recently told the Hawke's Bay Times it's time for a conversation about allowing…
OPINION: A nation that relies as heavily as NZ does on functional global shipping lanes will have to do its…