Kuhn Group Sales Dip 9% in 2025 but Orders Signal Recovery
Kuhn Group recorded net sales of NZ$2.27 billion in 2025, finishing around 9% lower than in 2024.
Recently launched by grassland specialist Kuhn, the SW 4014 wraps square or round bales, notably using the unique AutoLoad function.
Awarded a silver medal at the 2015 Agritechnica Show for its ability to allow fully automatic wrapping of squares or rounds without the need for driver input, the system is said to improve output while minimising stress for the operator during long harvest days. In operation, the driver approaches a bale, which the system detects, then it scans the bale for length and sets the loading arms to a pre-set lifting position.
Heavy duty construction incorporates a hydraulic sliding frame, offers a wide track for stability, while the 'drive through' layout allows easy loading and good visibility of the wrapping cycle. In operation in the paddock the width is 4m which closes down to 2.5m for road transport.
The machine can wrap large square, medium-square or round bales up to 1500kg and 200cm long, and rounds up to 140cm diameter without any mechanical adjustment; the system can store multiple format and bale dimensions within the control terminal.
The layout and operation allows loading from the front or rear of the machine, which allows the retrieval of poorly dropped bales from difficult locations, and placement of wrapped bales back to ground level without any damage.
Shorter patented top rollers allow film roll holders to place film on the bale close to the centreline, resulting in less wrinkling and better oxygen exclusion; the IntelliWrap system allows accurate control of the number of wraps for best coverage, while the ISOBUS control system can be used to reposition bales in the preferred manner such as 'knots up' or 'drop on short side'.
Power requirement allows a range of tractors to be used, though a prerequisite is 45L of oil per minute. An optional PTO driven system can be specified which drives a closed circuit system, which reduces fuel requirement and any risk of contaminated oil getting into the wrapper system.
What’s been a "rubbish" summer for campers and beachgoers has duck hunters in the lower North Island rubbing their hands together in anticipation of a bumper waterfowl season, which starts this weekend (May 2/3).
New research suggests sheep and beef farmers could improve both profitability and emissions efficiency by increasing lamb weaning weights, with only marginal changes in total greenhouse gas emissions.
Southland farmers are being encouraged to get ahead of the winter grazing season by attending a practical field day in Pukerau next week.
New Zealand communities are being encouraged to participate in Road Safety Week, running from 4 - 10 May, with a nationwide push to raise awareness and reduce road harm.
Penske Australia & New Zealand has appointed Stephen Kelly as the general manager of its Penske NZ operations, effective immediately In this role he will oversee all NZ branch operations, including energy solutions, mining, commercial vehicles, defence, marine, and rail, while continuing to be based at Penske’s Christchurch branch.
According to the latest Federated Farmers-Rabobank Farm Remuneration Report, released today, farm worker pay growth has levelled off after a post-Covid period of rapid growth.
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