Greendrill, a red-hot performer
Dubbed as a universal seeder, Amazone’s new GreenDrill 501 is said to be ideal for one-pass sowing of ‘catch crops’, fine seeds and undersown crops in combination with the company’s trailed cultivators.
The Gaspardo Contessa, a versatile cultivator/planter combination, has three key elements equipping it for multiple tasks in one pass, or individually.
First is a robust frame with large carrying wheels at the rear. Underslung is a choice of Maschio power harrow or Torro or Aquilla ranges with maximum power inputs of 380 and 300hp, respectively.
Second is a 2500L hopper assembly carried on a three point hitch directly above the rear wheels of the frame to spread the load; it can be used to carry fertiliser or seed for planting. The Gaspardo Flexseed roller system uses a volumetric design for fertiliser or seed output. The assembly has a wide opening with access stairs.
Third is the planting element that can be set up as a vacuum operated precision unit with either 6 or 8 rows at 75cm spacing, or a new 16 row unit at 37.5cm spacing that allows high plant densities per hectare and subsequent higher yields.
Alternatively, seeding can be by a more conventional double-disc opener drill system which is normally more suited to cereal production, offering 370mm staggered discs and 320mm press/gauge wheels that control planting depth from 0 to 8cm.
With operating widths of 4.6, 5.0 and 6.0m, control by Isobus and optional features such as E-drive and auto row shut-off via GPS signal, the unit should be useful to larger scale farmers or contractors.
Farmer-owned fertiliser company, Ballance Agri Nutrients is welcoming National’s plan to negotiate security agreements with key supplier countries to protect New Zealand-bound products from export restrictions and greater supply chain certainty.
Carrfields has announced the appointment of Stu Hall to the newly created role of chief operating officer, Carrfields Ltd, reflecting the continued growth of their agribusinesses and the need to ensure the company has the leadership capacity and support in place as it pursues the emerging opportunities ahead.
New Zealand's role is not to compete with Indian growers, according to NZ Apples and Pears.
The potato industry is celebrating the success of two rising stars - James Blair, the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and runner-up and innovation award winner, Amber Davy.
Twenty-eight emerging leaders from across the horticulture sector spent two days last month learning valuable skills and connecting with industry experts.
There are five entrants in this year’s Young Horticulturist of the Year, competing in a series of technical, practical, business and leadership challenges.