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NZ tractor sales saw a record-breaking September 2021.
NZ tractor sales saw a record-breaking September 2021, mirroring a rising market that has been experienced throughout the year.
However, supply chain disruptions are causing havoc with delivery lead times, with distributors looking at three-month averages to smooth out peaks and troughs.
This was key findings of the recent Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) online 2021 AGM, after its in-person annual meeting was cancelled because of Covid restrictions.
The industry body also reported it is monitoring the 'Right to Repair' momentum that is playing out in Australia, regarding the direction of legislation permitting customers the right to repair. This is likely to affect the New Zealand market in the coming years. TAMA is encouraging distributors and dealers to ensure their customers continue to receive the exceptionally high level of service they have become familiar with.
Looking to the future, the organisation is working on a Code of Practice for autonomous vehicles, to ensure the sector is ready for the next generation of semi and fully autonomous vehicles that will start to be available in NZ in the coming months.
Responding to a survey of its members, TAMA is undertaking a recruitment campaign to attract heavy machinery/diesel technician from overseas to address a desperate labour shortage in the industry. This is on top of a local campaign that sets out to attract more NZ youngsters and apprentices into the sector.
TAMA says it is also committed to presenting its Emerging Talent 2021 Awards to the three recipients in sales, parts and service - who missed out in August because of the AGM cancellation - by the end of the year.
It also announced the Ron Gall Scholarship for Industry Leadership, in memory of the industry stalwart and his considerable contribution to TAMA and the industry. The one-off scholarship of $2,000 sponsored by Tulloch Farm Machines will be awarded to an inspiring industry leader so they can contribute to a course, conference or workshop to enhance his or her leadership capability.
While Nokia is more likely recognised for mobile devices, a major investment of €70m (NZ$126m) by global farm machinery brand AGCO at its facility in Linnavuori, in Nokia, will see the plant establish a new laboratory for testing combustion engines running on alternative fuels, alongside a range of electric solutions, including hybrids, fuel cells and high-voltage battery technology.
Evan Paxton and his family at Riverview Farms, Dargaville, are one of New Zealand’s leading suppliers of kumara.
There can't be many heavy metal fans who haven’t heard of Basildon, situated about 40km east of London and originally created in 1948 to deal with the population boom after the Second World War.
Think of a RAM 1500 or a Chevrolet Silverado and compare them to a Ranger or a Hilux: One is obviously a truck, and the other is a ute.
With effluent management never far from the thoughts of legislators and farmers becoming increasingly aware of the nutrient values of dairy effluent, innovate ideas for the convenient storage and subsequent discharge are always of interest.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
