Kubota to start field testing robotic tractor
Kubota has announced plans to start field testing the autonomous hydrogen powered fuel cell tractor it recently unveiled at Expo 25 in Osaka Japan.
Japanese agricultural equipment maker Kubota will have its stamp on the home jersey for the Hurricanes.
The two-year sponsorship deal, for 2025 and 2026, includes both the men’s and women’s teams.
Kubota NZ marketing and business development manager Ian Massicks sees the deal as an opportunity to continue to build on Kubota’s growing brand awareness, and further immerse itself in the social fabric of New Zealand.
“Partnering with the Hurricanes presents a tremendous opportunity for the Kubota brand, not only in New Zealand but on a global scale,” says Massicks. “As one of the world’s most celebrated sports, rugby offers Kubota a unique chance to connect with audiences worldwide, week after week, while showcasing our commitment to excellence.”
Kubota’s range in New Zealand includes tractors, utility vehicles and mowers.
Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee was delighted with the new partnership and had nothing but praise for his early interactions with the Kubota team.
“We’re proud to have a globally recognised brand like Kubota join our extended Hurricanes whānau,” says Lee.
“Although they’re a truly global brand, we’ve already developed a great connection with the local team in Palmerston North, and we see that as a testament to how much they know and genuinely care about their customers in the community too. <p.“We felt this mirrored our own values around connection and care for our people and fans.”
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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