A MILD and relatively dry winter, above-average pasture growth rates and little pugging has resulted in high average pasture cover levels on many farms. The challenge over the next few months is keeping control of pasture quality.

IN THE first makeover of its 7R series tractors since their launch in 2011, John Deere is rolling out five new 7R models from 154-213kW power for 2014. 

TRACTOR COMPANY New Holland has added its Electro Command semi-powershift transmission to the T5 tractor range, saying it expects this feature to increase the machines’ appeal to livestock and mixed farmers, and contractors. 

A 4-METRE disc airseeder launched at Fieldays by Reese Agri is “a hit” with contractors, the company says. The machine is a disc variant of the Aitchison Airpro airseeder.

NICK DROMGOOL, acting chief executive of New Zealand's National Fieldays – the Southern Hemisphere's largest agricultural show - visited Ireland's Ploughing Championships this week.

THE MEAT INDUSTRY Excellence (MIE) group has welcomed the appointment of James Parsons as the chair-elect of Beef & Lamb NZ (B&L) but says he will have "his work cut out".

THE HUNT IS ON for New Zealand's top Farmax rural consultants in the company's inaugural Consultant of the Year Awards.

THERE ARE NEARLY 30 million less hungry people in the world in 2013, compared to last year, says FAO director-general Jose Graziano da Silva.

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY research has found a wide variation in the number of viable and living micro-organisms in probiotic products used on dairy farms.

A GOOD WINTER and a favourable weather outlook for spring have boosted confidence across the New Zealand beef industry, particularly after the drought, says Rabobank.