Feed pad with rubber matting hailed as game changer
For Otago farmers Michelle and Rogan Borrie, a newly constructed feed pad on one of their three farms has been a game changer.
Austrian grassland, cultivation and seeding manufacturer Pöttinger has added to its product portfolio for arable farming – with the acquisition of Italian manufacturer MaterMacc Spa.
This will expand the company’s existing range of seed drills to now include precision seeding technology.
Based in San Vito al Tagliamento, in northern Italy, MaterMacc Spa is known for precision, mechanical and pneumatic seeding technology, chopping machinery and other OEM components.
Pottinger says the Italian manufacturer’s product range, passion for agriculture, location and – above all – workforce complements and shows many parallels to its family- owned business. It adds that the addition follows Pöttinger’s focus on finding new technologies for its established markets, while at the same time further developing existing technologies.
MaterMacc currently employs around 80 staff who – along with the factory premises – will all be retained for continuity, knowledge and experience. In the shortterm, the sales, service and spare parts networks supply will remain the same. However, it is assumed that Pöttinger will contribute its distribution expertise to make the combined product supply chain more efficient.
In other Pottinger news, the recently released MERGENTO VT 9220 belt merger was voted FARM MACHINE 2023- Forage Harvesting, at the recent SIMA Exhibition in Paris.
Awarded by a panel of experienced, trade journalists working for farm magazines, the jury praised the action of how MERGENTO collects the forage cleanly using the pick-up, while leaving dirt and stones on the ground, then cross-conveyor belts to transport the forage and deliver it into a wellformed swath.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.