Ravensdown’s HawkEye Pro Wins Technology Award at Southern Field Days
Ravensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days Farm Innovation Awards in February 2026.
Increasing its offering in New Zealand’s utility vehicle market, Kubota has unveiled its new RTV-X CAB and Long Bed models, purposebuilt to tackle tough farms, job sites and large-acreage properties.
The new arrivals build on Kubota’s well regarded RTV-X range, offering greater comfort, increased hauling capacity and enhanced versatility.
Both models are powered by Kubota’s D1105 diesel engine paired with the VHT-X variable hydrostatic transmission, a combination that delivers smooth control, long service life and confident handling across rough or steep terrain.
The company says the RVT-X CAB improves operator comfort with a fully integrated, factory-installed air-conditioned and heated cab that is quieter interior and protects from the elements. Automotive-grade heating, air conditioning and defrost functions ensure operators remain productive through all weather and seasons.
The CAB features LED headlights, dynamic braking for improved control on descents and a durable steel cargo bed, equipped with hydraulic dumping. Offering true 4WD and a towing capacity of up to 1000kg, the RTV-X CAB delivers good pulling power and stability.
The RTV-X Long Bed caters to operators who need extra hauling capacity, offering a 1.8 metre long steel cargo bed, able to carry a 550kg payload and including adjustable side rails and a tailgate that can be lowered or removed to accommodate oversized loads.
Howard McDonald, product manager – lifestyle, says customers spend long days out in the paddock or on the jobsite and need a machine that keeps up.
“The RTV-X CAB brings even greater comfort to long working days. The air-conditioned cab helps reduce fatigue, while the hydraulic dump bed, upgraded lighting and improved braking control make everyday tasks faster, safer and easier.”
Both models will be available from Kubota dealers from March 2026.
The closure of the McCain processing plant and the recent announcement of 300 job losses at Wattie’s underscore the mounting pressure facing New Zealand’s manufacturing sector, Buy NZ Made says.
Specialist agriculture lender Oxbury has entered the New Zealand market, offering livestock finance to farmers.
New research suggests Aotearoa New Zealand farmers are broadly matching phosphorus fertiliser use to the needs of their soils, helping maintain relatively stable nutrient levels across the country’s agricultural land.
Helensville farmers, Donald and Kirsten Watson of Moreland Pastoral, have been named the Auckland Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Marc and Megan Lalich were named 2026 Share Farmers of the Year at last night's Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Industry Awards.
William John Poole, a third year Agribusiness student at Massey University, has been awarded the Dr Warren Parker and Pāmu Scholarship.

OPINION: If you ask this old mutt, the choice at the next election isn't shaping up as a contest of…
OPINION: A mate of yours says we're long overdue for a reckoning on what value farmers really get for the…