Ravensdown’s HawkEye Pro Wins Technology Award at Southern Field Days
Ravensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days Farm Innovation Awards in February 2026.
Late last year saw a lifeline thrown to plus-sized tractor manufacturer Buhler Industries, via its acquisition by Turkish business ASKO Holding.
Başak Traktör, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of ASKO Holding, completed the previously announced acquisition of Buhler, which in turn is owned by Combine Factory Rostselmash Ltd – best known for building combine harvesters.
In addition, Başak Traktör acquired all the outstanding debt of Buhler Industries that was owed to parent company Rostselmash. The aggregate cash purchase price paid by ASKO Holding was CAD$60.5 million. The transaction, made up of CAD$28.2 million for the company shares, around $4 million in transaction costs and the remainder in settlement of the debt, with delivery of 96.7% of the Buhler company shares.
Best known for its Versatile and Farm King brands, since the company started operating around 50 years ago, Versatile has the claim of being the first North American manufacturer to mass produce and market articulated four-wheel drive tractors.
Its plant on Clarence Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada has built over 100,000 tractors. Today’s line-up includes articulating fourwheel drive tractors from 405 to 620hp, tracked units from 530 to 620hp and fixed-frame front-wheel assist tractor models from 175 to 365hp.
A complete line of tillage equipment is complemented by Farm King, whose products include grain augers, mowers, bale carriers, snowblowers and compact implements.
Horticulture New Zealand’s Board has welcomed the re-election of grower-elected directors Alistair Petrie and Doug Brown.
The bright ideas of New Zealand's primary sector have been celebrated with an announcement of the winners of the 2026 Innovation Awards.
Newly appointed Federated Farmers vice president Sandra Faulkner says she is honoured and excited to hold the role.
New Zealand's top fencers were out in force at National Fieldays this month, demonstrating their skills with the ever-reliable number 8 wire.
New Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst says he will ensure that farmer voices are heard loud and clear wherever decisions are being made.
Paynes Titus Excelsior ET, an LIC bull bred by Brad Payne and Claire Brodie in the Waikato, has won the JT Thwaites Sire of the Season 2026 Award.

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