Claas Balers Turn 30
Claas built its first variable chamber round baler - the Variant 100 - in 1996, so 2026 marks 30 years and the fifth generation of the Variant name, recently complemented by the new Cerex Series introduced in 2025.
Can-Am will be using the upcoming Northland Field Days (Stand E6) to give farmers the opportunity to see the Defender HD 10 for themselves.
Built tough to tackle all conditions, the HD 10 has 82 hp/69 lb-ft torque, powered by a Rotax engine, mated to the Pro-Torq CVT transmission that also provides improved cooling and electronic belt protection for increased durability.
Selectable Turf Mode/ 2WD/ 4WD with Visco- Lok† auto-locking front differential allows users to customise the machine for different terrains or conditions. Capable of towing tow up to 1,134kg (2,500lbs) and with a payload of 680kg (1,499lbs), the HD10 also offers multiple storage options available from the bed tool-box to an under-seat area, as well as an option to purchase a gas assisted tilt bed for seamless unloading.
The Defender also offers a 200-hour service interval, twice that of other machines in its class, said to give users peace of mind that their units will do what they need them to do day in, day out.
Featuring Versa-Pro bench seats, the passenger seats flip up allowing for cargo to be transported within the protection of the cab, and it has adjustable tilt steering. The Defender offers an intuitive cockpit with optimised visibility and additional lateral support, ensuring effortless hopping in and out.
A range of options includes windscreen defrosting and heating for those cold winter mornings. There are also multiple audio options available including a waterproof audio roof.
For those looking for a quad bike format, the Can-Am Outlander PRO has seen a development journey that began 6 years ago when the Can-Am Global ATV product team visited New Zealand to gather insights and local input from farmers, service centres and dealerships
Outlander PRO features the new Rotax single cylinder engine with horsepower and torque up to 50hp/41lbft, delivering the extra power necessary to navigate the tough New Zealand terrain. The integrated transmission offers less strain on the belt and lower running temperatures, helping to improve durability, alongside precise ease of shifting of multiple front differential modes.
A speed limiter switch helps set a constant pace while spraying, and utility bumpers and 6-ply tyres provide added protection. Designed with the rider in mind, comfortable ergonomics and a smooth ride are complemented by an extremely low centre of gravity, giving increased confidence and safe operation.
Visit Site E6
When dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen learned the farm, she was joining held weekly health and safety meetings, she initially thought that was “a bit over the top”. Experiencing that culture changed her mind.
Nominations are open for the 2027 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award.
Keeping up with pasture moisture demands is likely to be the key challenge for dairy farmers during this season’s El Niño weather pattern, says Blue Skies Weather & Climate Services meteorologist Tony Trewinnard.
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…