Telehandler’s value on the rise
The practicalities of dairy farming centre around looking after animals well, and a whole bunch of logistics – largely lifting and loading.
Kramer has announced that John Deere dealers in Australia and New Zealand will now distribute its machines.
Following a move that has evolved in Europe over the last two years, German handling specialist Kramer has announced that John Deere dealers in Australia and New Zealand will distribute its machines.
Cervus Equipment, with nine branches in NZ and seven branches in southern Australia, will concentrate on the telehandler product range, initially with the KT276 and KT447 models. "We are looking forward to the partnership with Kramer," reports Tim Ormrod, managing director of Cervus Equipment. "The Kramer product portfolio is best suited for our market and year-round application in various agricultural disciplines."
The alliance formed by Kramer and John Deere covers the sales of compact machines from the Kramer brand (so-called "green line") for agriculture, developed and manufactured at Pfullendorf in Germany. The complete model range (KT276, KT356, KT307, KT357, KT407, KT457, KT507, KT557, KT429, KT559) offers a compact model with a payload of 2.7 tonnes and maximum lift height of 6 metres to the largest machines, with a capacity of 5.5 tonnes and 9 metres height.
"With the first telehandlers in the country, Cervus Equipment on board and a Kramer employee on-site, we are looking forward to our new beginning in Australia and New Zealand," explains Thomas Brogt, head of sales international, Kramer.
"In future, the Kramer presence in both countries will continue to be expanded so that we can provide an extensive agricultural dealer network."
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.

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