Farming smarter with technology
The National Fieldays is an annual fixture in the farming calendar: it draws in thousands of farmers, contractors, and industry professionals from across the country.
Massey Ferguson has announced the extension of their longterm brand partnership with rugby union icon Sam Whitelock as their brand ambassador for New Zealand, extending the role he has held since 2019 through to March 2025.
Said to share the same values and passion for agriculture as the iconic farm machinery brand, Whitelock embodies the ‘Born to Farm’ spirit.
“So we’re excited to continue our partnership with Sam, who is a bona fide champion on the field with an impressive track record,” says Haydn Reeves, senior manager – marketing, Massey Ferguson Australia, New Zealand and Far East. “Not only an on-field champion, Sam Whitelock is highly regarded off the playing field as someone who has a strong passion for farming and the rural community in general.”
Regarded as one of the greats of New Zealand Super Rugby, having played in three Rugby World Cups and with over 138 Test caps to his name, Whitelock’s impressive list of global achievements include being the youngest New Zealander in history to reach 100 tests, a key member of the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cupwinning teams, the 2nd most capped player in history and the record as the fastest player ever to reach 100 international appearances.
As a third-generation dairy farmer from the Manawatu region, farming is in the blood, with a strong connection to the land and a leadby- example mentality, Whitelock aligns with the values of Massey Ferguson, embodying the brand’s hard work, reliability and commitment to the task ahead.
Whitelock is an upstanding leader who is honest and dedicated to giving his all.
His commitment to giving back to the farming community is evidenced by his involvement with Farm Strong, a notfor- profit organisation focused on providing farmers with the skills and resources needed to live well and keep well.
In his role as brand ambassador for Massey Ferguson, Whitelock will feature in media campaigns and promotional events throughout the duration of his ambassadorship, allowing the Kiwi farming community to have an opportunity to connect with one of the country’s national icons through a shared love of the land.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says the 2025 Fieldays has been one of more positive he has attended.
A fundraiser dinner held in conjunction with Fieldays raised over $300,000 for the Rural Support Trust.
Recent results from its 2024 financial year has seen global farm machinery player John Deere record a significant slump in the profits of its agricultural division over the last year, with a 64% drop in the last quarter of the year, compared to that of 2023.
An agribusiness, helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sector, has picked up a top innovation award at Fieldays.
The Fieldays Innovation Award winners have been announced with Auckland’s Ruminant Biotech taking out the Prototype Award.
Following twelve years of litigation, a conclusion could be in sight of Waikato’s controversial Plan Change 1 (PC1).
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