Claas unveils next-generation large square baler concept ahead of Agritechnica 2025
Innovation awards at international agricultural events are always on the wishlist of manufacturers.
Improvements to Claas Jaguar 900 and 800 forage harvesters include a new hydraulic pre-compression system, a new chopping cylinder, and three new front attachments.
The new hydraulic pre-compression layout is said to offer consistently high chop quality; the rear pre-compression roller springs in the feeder housing have been replaced by hydraulic rams with pressure reservoirs.
Meanwhile, clever software uses different characteristic maps that can automatically adjust the pre-compression force to suit different crops or changes in crop flow.
The new V-Max chopping cylinder allows the knife carriers to be adjusted to achieve a symmetrical crop discharge when operating with a half-set of knives.
Used in combination with the appropriate corn cracker, the new cylinder provides an additional range of chop lengths from very short with a full set of knives to very long with half the number of knives.
Of interest to contractors, a new payload detection system helps ensure loaded trailers do not exceed permissible weights. In use the operator can enter the payload quantities for three different tractor-forage trailer combinations into the CEBIS control system and get an audible and visual warning when maximum loads are reached
Up front, the new Pick Up 300 and 380 fronts have improved adaptation to ground contours, throughput and reliability.
Upgrades see all models offering the ability to be specified with a three-speed transmission to allow ideal adjustment of the crop flow, and improvements to the roller crop press make for an even crop flow.
The Pick Up 300 can also be equipped with a suspended frame for optimal adaptation to ground contours.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.
Going one better than a frustratingly close second place finish at last year's event, the country's top axeman, Jack Jordan of Taumaranui, last weekend won the Stihl Timbersports World Championship individual event in.
Canterbury A&P Association (CAPA) show president Brent Chamberlain says a big development for this year is the Wool Zone, first introduced two years ago as a showplace for everything produced from wool, but now greatly enlarged with its own Wool Marquee and more than 30 trade sites.
Salmonellosis is a serious disease in cattle.
Drench resistance is already hitting farm profits; it's not just a future problem.
Applications are open for Horticulture New Zealand's (HortNZ) 2026 scholarship programme, with 20 funding opportunities available.

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