New seed drill tech coming
Incorporating Vaderstad's latest seed drill technology, the Proceed V 24, is said to improve precision and increase planting efficiencies for New Zealand farmers and growers from the 2026 season.
Announced at the end of the year at the EIMA 2024 Event in Bologna, Italy, the Case IH Quadtrac 715 - the new flagship model in the Case IH tractor range - has won the Tractor of the Year 2025 High-Power Category for models of 300-plus horsepower.
The latest Quadtrac development features a heavy-duty mechanical suspension with hydraulic cushioning, bringing additional comfort and productivity benefits to all MY2025 models.
Bigger drive wheels maximise power transmission and provide more lug engagement, while a larger footprint boosts traction and reduces soil compaction. This is complemented by double-axis midrollers that equalise pressure across each track, eliminating point loading.
Greater comfort allows operation at higher field speeds, enhancing work rates, while service time is minimised through automatic track tensioning, the elimination of undercarriage greasing points, clear-view oil caps and maintenance-free bushings and pins.
The pan-European judging panel of 25 farm machinery journalists based their assessments on areas including engine performance, fuel efficiency and emissions standards, transmission smoothness and reliability.
The new Quadtrac 715 features an FPT Cursor 16 TST twin-stage, turbocharged engine, producing 778hp at 1900 rpm and maximum torque of 3356Nm at 1400rpm, with maintenance-free after-treatment to meet Stage V emissions regulations.
A PowerDrive powershift transmission minimises torque loss, while a multi-controller-mounted, right-hand power-shuttle switch controls driving direction in combination with a left-hand steering column-mounted shuttle.
Other innovations on the latest Quadtrac include configurable buttons allowing operators to set up controls to suit preferences, AccuTurn – a fully automatic headland turn system, an automatic trailed implement steering lock to prevent damage when reversing, and up to 428 l/min of oil flow to match demanding implements.
Comfort and convenience features include automatic pivoting steps and 76,620 lumens total output from a new lighting package. The new Quadtrac 715 also features AccuGuide auto-steering and works with the new Case IH FieldOps monitoring and management app.
“We’re pleased to see this recognition of our engineering team’s hard work in devising new capabilities for the Quadtrac that support large farm enterprises,” said Marco Lombardi, head of Case IH and STEYR brands EMEA.
“This is the most productive tractor Case IH has ever built, providing new levels of power, traction and hydraulic output that will help owners do more in less time and so drive down the total cost of ownership.”
With wool prices steadily declining and shearing costs on the rise, a Waikato couple began looking for a solution for wool from their 80ha farm.
The Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) team is looking forward to connecting with growers at the upcoming South Island Agricultural Field Days, says HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott.
Choosing pasture seed at bargain prices may seem an attractive way for farmers to reduce autumn or spring re-sowing costs, but it comes with significant risks, says the NZ Plant Breeders and Research Association (PBRA).
A brand-spanking new administration building will greet visitors to this year's South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) at Kirwee.
2025 marks 120 years of FMG Advice and Insurance in New Zealand's rural communities.
The 2025 South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) chairman, Rangiora farmer Andrew Stewart, is predicting a successful event on the back of good news coming out of the farming sector and with it a greater level of optimism among farmers.