PM opens new Power Farming facility
Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.
Well known for its Centurion and Spartan drill series, Great Plains has recently introduced the all-new Saxon series, with min-till work in mind.
Based on the Centurion series launched in 2012, the Saxon will work where there are high volumes of residue from previous crops or in established cover crops.
The series comes in 3m and 4m working widths and carries over a lot of the seed delivery, placement and consolidation features of the Centurion; but it has a key difference -- Great Plains Turbo coulter discs.
This set-up has a good slicing action with minimal disturbance. Each disc is set to operate in-line with trailing double-disc openers, their unique profile creating a friable seedbed 30-50mm wide into which the seeds are planted.
Both machines use the same 3000L capacity hopper also found on the Centurion series, although an upgrade to 4000L is available for the 4m model. Spacing on the 3m models can be set at 167mm over 18 rows, or narrowed down to 125mm spread over 24 rows; the 4m model can be set to the same spacings over 24 or 32 rows.
Hydraulic down-pressure helps maintain an even depth in all soil types, and accuracy is ensured by a rail that transfers weight to the coulters and press wheels, whilst keeping everything parallel to the ground.
Seed distribution is via injection moulded distribution heads, with optional tramline shut off and blockage monitors, and the system is said to be variable rate application ready. Seed calibration is easy, selected from the cab.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
There have been leadership changes at the Hamilton-based Dairy Goat Co-operative, which has been struggling financially in recent years.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.