John Deere Secures Record 20-Harvester Deal
The old saying is ‘go big or go home’, which appears to be something that German contracting business Kohl Harvest of Saxony-Anhalt in Bavaria has done with a record order for John Deere.
Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting the most from each pass of the paddock.
But there remains significant untapped potential to positively impact farm businesses through greater utilisation of technology.
Until recently, only farmers who purchased new equipment were able to access the latest precision agriculture (PA) innovations to maximise efficiency and productivity. The goal of precision agriculture is to maximise margins via a wide range of actions, from seed placement at the right depth, spacing and volume, through to targeted and efficient fertiliser and pesticides applications.
John Deere says achieving full potential in precision agriculture has now changed with its Precision Essentials packages, which can bring the latest technology to all ages and makes of machinery. Precision Essentials allows farmers to tailor the latest hardware and software to the specific needs of a farm business, by making it affordable, accessible and adaptable to all. Traditionally farmers bought their technology upfront, which of course, is still an option. The company says Precision Essentials options will facilitate a lower upfront cost for a display, receiver and modem, alongside selecting a pre-packaged licence for required elements, such as AutoTrac, Section Control and RTK.
Importantly, Precision Essentials equipment can also be retrofitted to aging equipment, and mixed fleets. As farming operations evolve, users can upgrade licences to suit their needs to ensure they have the greatest impact on farm. By being continually connected, farmers will be able to benefit from software updates.
Horticulture New Zealand’s Board has welcomed the re-election of grower-elected directors Alistair Petrie and Doug Brown.
The bright ideas of New Zealand's primary sector have been celebrated with an announcement of the winners of the 2026 Innovation Awards.
Newly appointed Federated Farmers vice president Sandra Faulkner says she is honoured and excited to hold the role.
New Zealand's top fencers were out in force at National Fieldays this month, demonstrating their skills with the ever-reliable number 8 wire.
New Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst says he will ensure that farmer voices are heard loud and clear wherever decisions are being made.
Paynes Titus Excelsior ET, an LIC bull bred by Brad Payne and Claire Brodie in the Waikato, has won the JT Thwaites Sire of the Season 2026 Award.

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