Massey Ferguson Unveils New Tractors at Fieldays
Long-term exhibitor at Fieldays, AGCO and its Massey Ferguson brand, have several new products on display.
The latest high-power tractor to top the six model Massey Ferguson 8700 series is the new 8740, which hits the magic 400hp mark at rated output and peaks at 407hp.
The largest conventional tractor MF has ever built, the 8740 combines performance with a minimum weight of 10.8 tonnes.
Four tonnes lighter than some competitors, the 8740 has a class-leading power to weight ratio of 26.7kg/hp.
This makes it suitable for top work such as spraying or drilling, and it can be ballasted-up for cultivation work with a maximum operating weight of 18 tonnes.
As with the rest of the range, the Dyna-VT continuously variable transmission is standard and combines with the Dynamic Tractor Management system to automatically adjust engine speed and transmission for optimum performance and reduced fuel use.
The 8700 series is one of the first tractors to be offered with the new Michelin AxioBib2 VF 650/85 R42 as a factory-fit option. Allowing the tractor to plough in-furrow, a feature of the new tyre is the flexible sidewall design. This places more lugs in contact with the soil to improve traction and reduce compaction.
In the cab, a new ISOBUS-compliant Datatronic 5-terminal has a 9-inch touch screen that uses tablet and smartphone technology to provide easy and intuitive changes to settings.
As well as providing complete tractor and implement control, the system can also oversee automatic steering with the AutoGuide system. More advanced programs can look after mapping, auto-section control and variable-rate applications, and comprehensive record keeping and fleet management, and data can be transferred back to the home base.
Ballance Agrinutrients chief executive Kelvin Wickham says despite a tough year, he is pleased the business has returned to profit.
When Northland farmer Mark Cameron entered parliament six years ago, the Beehive was a lonely place.
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
I think it's going to greatly weaken National at the election. That's the view of a former senior National MP on the recent attempted coup against Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Despite political shenanigans in Wellington, farmers are confident that Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms will get over the line in this term of Parliament.
New Zealand's pest problem has reached crisis point, according to Federated Farmers' second National Pests Survey, which shows farmers are spending more money and effort on control — yet pest numbers keep climbing faster than they were two years ago.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…