Krone unveils new CombiPack HDP baler and halts US exports
Well-known for an extensive range of round balers, Krone’s new CombiPack HDP looks to have several features that sets it apart from its competitors.
While the Krone Big M has set the standard for many years, sources close to Rural News, with an ear to the ground and a periscope to see over high hedges, tell us that German transport and effluent specialist Fliegl has plans to move into the sector, having recently acquired rights to the Cutaro SR 1100 self-propelled triple mower developed by Swiss company ARB-Tec.
First seen in 2022, the cutting width of up to 11m sees the mowers and conditioning units moving away from the norm by being hydraulically driven. Weighing in at only 8.5 tonnes, power is delivered by a 350hp Mercedes engine.
Rural News understands the Cutaro will be built at the same Kirchdorf plant where Fliegl manufactures the Cargos forage wagons and farm loaders. We also understand there are plans to redesign the drive unit to reduce the overall transport width from 3.5m down to 3.0m and a new source of mower decks, which are currently supplied by Claas.
Fliegl is yet to release a timescale for commercial production, but we understand that there is a plan to build a small number of pre-production machines, for testing in Europe during 2026, alongside prototypes for next month’s Agritechnica Event, where the company has booked a half-acre site.
NZ First leader Winston Peters has continued his criticism of Fonterra to sell its brand business to the French company Lactalis, saying the move is "utter madness".
When it comes to international trade, politicians from all sides of the aisle are united, says Labour's trade spokesman Damien O'Connor.
New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) has launched a new initiative designed to make it easier for employers to support their young team members by covering their NZYF membership.
Sheep infant nutrition maker Blue River Dairy is hoping to use its success in China as a springboard into other markets in future.
Plentiful milk supplies from key producer countries are weighing down global dairy prices.
The recent windstorm that cut power to dairy farms across Southland for days has taught farmers one lesson – keep a generator handy on each farm.

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