Carrfields expands South Island footprint with Agricentre South Kubota dealership acquisition
Two of the South Island’s agricultural machinery dealers are undertaking strategic changes designed to deliver even greater specialist support to farmers.
Kubota is busy shedding its image of being only a maker of compact or municipal tractors.
Its new M8 series will take it beyond the 200hp mark towards its goal of higher power tractors and ultimately a long line of products.
The M8 results from a recent OEM deal with the large-tractor maker Buhler Industries, whose Versatile Nemesis tractor was the starting point for the agreement.
The deal will allow blending the engineering quality and product development of both companies.
The new range will be built in Winnipeg, Manitoba and will increase Kubota’s offering beyond its flagship M7-172 made at its factory in northern France.
Power will come from a Cummins-B 6.7L engine with a choice of 190 or 210hp outputs, both conforming to Tier 4 Final emission regulations, Kubota says.
“The arrival of the M8 will allow us to aggressively target a large sector of the market where customers require a large utility or mid-size row crop tractor for materials handling, hay tool applications and a variety of fieldwork.
“All models will have easy to control comfort and intuitive precision farming options.”
That operator comfort will be seen in the sector’s largest cab -- 4.2 cu.m. Kubota asked for an operator environment for long days and nights, using premium seating, extensive sound deadening, climate control and an ergonomic multi-function command centre.
Details are yet to be released, as is the likely availability or timing of the range’s arrival in New Zealand.
One of New Zealand’s longest-running pasture growth monitoring projects will continue, even as its long-time champion steps away after more than five decades of involvement.
The Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsmen Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is advising consumers to prepare for delays as insurers respond to a high volume of claims following this week's severe weather.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.

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