Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
Austrian grassland, cultivation and seeding manufacturer Pöttinger has added to its product portfolio for arable farming – with the acquisition of Italian manufacturer MaterMacc Spa.
This will expand the company’s existing range of seed drills to now include precision seeding technology.
Based in San Vito al Tagliamento, in northern Italy, MaterMacc Spa is known for precision, mechanical and pneumatic seeding technology, chopping machinery and other OEM components.
Pottinger says the Italian manufacturer’s product range, passion for agriculture, location and – above all – workforce complements and shows many parallels to its family- owned business. It adds that the addition follows Pöttinger’s focus on finding new technologies for its established markets, while at the same time further developing existing technologies.
MaterMacc currently employs around 80 staff who – along with the factory premises – will all be retained for continuity, knowledge and experience. In the shortterm, the sales, service and spare parts networks supply will remain the same. However, it is assumed that Pöttinger will contribute its distribution expertise to make the combined product supply chain more efficient.
In other Pottinger news, the recently released MERGENTO VT 9220 belt merger was voted FARM MACHINE 2023- Forage Harvesting, at the recent SIMA Exhibition in Paris.
Awarded by a panel of experienced, trade journalists working for farm magazines, the jury praised the action of how MERGENTO collects the forage cleanly using the pick-up, while leaving dirt and stones on the ground, then cross-conveyor belts to transport the forage and deliver it into a wellformed swath.
A year on and the problems created by Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle has largely dropped off the radar of media and politicians.
The European Union Ambassador says the new free trade agreement (FTA) between the bloc and New Zealand will bring significant benefits to both parties.
Less Wellington bureucracy and more local, on-farm common sense was the focus of recent meetings held in South Canterbury as part of the Government's National Woolshed tour program.
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
A Southland farming leader wants the regional council to delay a proposed regional rates hike, much of which is intended to fund flood protection works.
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