JDLink Boost for NZ farms
Connectivity is widely recognised as one of the biggest challenges facing farmers, but it is now being overcome through the power of satellite technology.
Two new machines from John Deere increase their offering in the grass harvesting sector.
The new C451R and C461R variable chamber, baler wrapper combinations are said to meet the needs of farmers and contractors.
Mirroring the C441R fixed chamber model, both machines have a full frame chassis for reliability and strength. Additionally, a high capacity feeding system combines with the maker’s Fast Release System for increased outputs.
The manufacturer says the main point of the baler’s design is its performance and ability to work in heavy, wet grass crops, and to deal with dry, often brittle, straw.
Making bales up to 1.85m diameter, the baler has a pick-up with a five-tine bar, cam track design, carrying 6mm tines and stainless steel stripper bands for durability.
There is a choice of feeding systems using a high capacity MaxiCut HC rotor with 13 or 25 knives, with a new reinforced wear resistant Hardox steel rotor also adding to the machine’s overall performance and strength.
The C451R and C461R use a well proven in-line rotor concept, which positively transfers all types of crop through to the bale chamber. This minimises any possibility of crop build-up and uneven feeding. Both versions also have a full width, parallel drop floor system operated from the tractor cab, which enables blockages to be removed easily.
As on the C441R wrapping baler, the C451R and C461R now have a 15% faster wrapper element working at 40 rpm. With a table transfer system 18% faster than on the previous C440R model, the new machine is said to achieve much higher overall productivity.
These new machines also have a tandem axle layout for improved stability and reduced ground compaction.
Alliance has announced a series of capital raise roadshow event, starting on 29 September in Tuatapere, Southland.
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced a new equity partnership in an effort to support pathways to farm ownership for livestock farm operators.
Following a recent overweight incursion that saw a Mid-Canterbury contractor cop a $12,150 fine, the rural contracting industry is calling time on what they consider to be outdated and unworkable regulations regarding weight and dimensions that they say are impeding their businesses.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says his officials plan to meet their US counterparts every month from now on to better understand how the 15% tariff issue there will play out, and try and get some certainty there for our exporters about the future.
Brett Wotton, an Eastern Bay of Plenty kiwifruit grower and harvest contractor, has won the 2025 Kiwifruit Innovation Award for his work to support lifting fruit quality across the industry.