Kubota to start field testing robotic tractor
Kubota has announced plans to start field testing the autonomous hydrogen powered fuel cell tractor it recently unveiled at Expo 25 in Osaka Japan.
The Spartan II is available with 6-inch or 7.5-inch row spacing, alternate row seding, individual row shut-off and individual row depth control.
The Great Plains Spartan II triple disc, no-till air drill range has been updated to meet the evolving New Zealand market.
The Spartan II is available with 6-inch or 7.5-inch row spacing, alternate row seeding, individual row shut-off and individual row depth control. All the machines have double-shoot capability, making for versatility in the compact no-till, air drill market.
Enhancements to the MY2020 NTA607-2 Spartan, first released in 2018, sees a revised hydraulic circuit design. This optimises the proven active row-unit down pressure system, as well as folding to ensure every seed is planted at the correct depth to maximise germination.
Other improvements include upgrades to more durable 18-ply rear castor tyres and a redesigned row-unit mounting bracket for increased durability and reduced maintenance. A software update also supports the use of prescription maps for variable rate application to ensure growers maximise efficiency and profitability.
“Given the Spartan’s popularity in fodder production and pasture renovation, the Spartan 2’s blockage monitor system has been optimised to work better with small, low-rate pasture seeds such as ryegrass,” says Great Plains product manager for Australia and New Zealand John Moloney.
“We’re very excited to bring this updated Spartan II to the New Zealand market. The new enhancements will help our customers overcome the challenges of operating in a tough New Zealand landscape,” Moloney adds.
LIC chief executive David Chin says meeting the revised methane reduction targets will rely on practical science, smart technology, and genuine collaboration across the sector.
Lincoln University Dairy Farm will be tweaking some management practices after an animal welfare complaint laid in mid-August, despite the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) investigation into the complaint finding no cause for action.
A large slice of the $3.2 billion proposed capital return for Fonterra farmer shareholders could end up with the banks.
Opening a new $3 million methane research barn in Waikato this month, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay called on the dairy sector to “go as fast as you can and prove the concepts”.
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.

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