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's new RTV 520 utility vehicle comes with a bold new look, increased suspension and an increase in engine capacity.
Kubota, which is gaining traction in the agricultural sector with an ever-broadening portfolio, has announced some additions for autumn.
The recently introduced M5-1 ROPS Series, available in standard or narrow configurations, should prove useful to those enterprises with height restrictions or a need to operate in enclosed spaces or on uneven surfaces.
It is powered by a 3.8 litre engine, offering 93 or 103hp, at an engine speed of 2,400rpm. The tractor has synchronised, six-speed transmission with three ranges and offering 36 speeds, which is said to offer a speed for any eventuality.
The operator station sees a flat floor layout, making access and dismounting easy. Meanwhile, the shorter stance of the tractor allows its driver to keep in close contact with colleagues who might be working close by, according to GM marketing for Australia and New Zealand, Malcolm Owens.
Another new addition to the Kubota range is the RTV 520 Utility vehicle. This machine draws on the tried and tested RTV 500, with a bold new look, increased suspension travel via a 5-link rear suspension package and an increase in engine capacity.
Featuring a hydrostatic transmission, the vehicle benefits from precise speed control and engine-braking while travelling on downhill inclines. Offering a choice of 2WD, 4WD and difflock, the new model uses a new water-cooled, twin cylinder engine. With output of 17.4hp, the new machine is as quiet as the previous model, with noise levels at the operator station kept to 83dBA.
Elsewhere in the range is the R540 compact wheeled loader, which replaces the Ro65 mode. The new model includes new features such as a redesigned cabin, multifunction joystick and increased load.
Its designers have paid special attention to operator comfort and machine stability and its 51hp engine meets Tier 4 final emission regulations.
"Additional space and a simple design helps to deliver better overall visibility in both the cabin and canopy formats," Owens adds. "While the new pilot-controlled joystick and its integrated auxiliary valve switch helps create a smoother operational experience."
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.
Thirty years ago, as a young sharemilker, former Waikato farmer Snow Chubb realised he was bucking a trend when he started planting trees to provide shade for his cows, but he knew the animals would appreciate what he was doing.
Virtual fencing and herding systems supplier, Halter is welcoming a decision by the Victorian Government to allow farmers in the state to use the technology.
DairyNZ’s latest Econ Tracker update shows most farms will still finish the season in a positive position, although the gap has narrowed compared with early season expectations.
New Zealand’s national lamb crop for the 2025–26 season is estimated at 19.66 million head, a lift of one percent (or 188,000 more lambs) on last season, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) latest Lamb Crop report.

OPINION: Your old mate welcomes the proposed changes to local government but notes it drew responses that ranged from the reasonable…
OPINION: A press release from the oxygen thieves running the hot air symposium on climate change, known as COP30, grabbed your…