New MF tractor series launched
Massey Ferguson has announced the launch of the new MF 9S Series, which includes six models with powers from 285hp to 425hp.
Designed to clear large areas quickly by producing dense well-formed bales, the output of MF 2200 series balers looks likely to move up a notch with the new Pro-Cut option.
The Pro-Cut option will deliver a finer, more uniform chop length resulting in denser bales.
From the pick-up, quad augers constantly feed the 650mm diameter Pro-Cut rotor, which spins at 120rpm and utilises 26mm wide fingers laid out in a spiral 'v' formation to deliver crop to the knife system. Rotor fingers are a three-piece design with each finger clamping around a central tube and secured by bolts, and offering quick replacement of any damaged items in the event of a foreign object being ingested.
The chopping knives are mounted in two banks fitted in a hydraulic 'drop down' magazine which can be easily rolled out to the nearside of the machine for maintenance or repairs. With a knife spacing of 43.5mm, the 80cm chamber carries 17 knives (the 120cm version uses 26) and offers a fine consistent chop. Each 4mm knife has a new serrated edge design said to increase intervals between sharpening and reduce overall power consumption.
Each bank of knives has individual hydraulic control which allows engagement or disengagement of the chopping function and the ability to change chop length. Foreign object protection is achieved by a hydraulic accumulator system that allows knives to fold back if an object is encountered. The system is ISOBUS compatible and utilises the MF C1000 terminal.
With increased densities comes increased loadings, so the driveline is upgraded -- bigger gears, higher load bearings with heat resistant seals, and a slip clutch assembly that transmits 35% more torque.
Making things simpler, not harder, for deer farmers in farm planning and coping with regulations is Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) industry capability manager John Ladley’s current focus.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) is launching an online business directory called The Country Women’s Collective to promote and support entrepreneurial rural women.
New Zealand actor Sam Neill has joined the Campaign for Wool NZ as an ambassador, lending his name and profile to educate and advocate for New Zealand strong wool.
Living labs that bring together expertise at locations around New Zealand are among potential solutions identified by researchers to help the country move towards a more climate resilient future.
The New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) has started issuing annual reports, a new initiative to share information on consumer-level recalls with the public.
The chair of the Dairy Environment Leaders, the president of the North Otago Federated Farmers, and a herd health veterinarian are among those nominated for the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award this year.