Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
In May, Case IH released details of upgrades to the RB344, variable chamber baler and has now indicated multiple redesigns to the high-end RB456 and 466 HD-Pro models.
Designed to make high density bales in crops, including dry straw or wet silage, the company reports an extensive development and pre-production phase that saw machines producing more than 150,000 bales.
Aimed at farmers or contractors who make 10,000 bales a year or more, much of the development has centred around ensuring reliability and consistent bale shape. In the case of the former, machines have been fitted with heavy-duty components and fewer moving parts. Engineers have also enlarged and strengthened rolls, shafts and the rear door assembly, while also introducing a heavier duty gearbox and driveline.
Up front, an extra-wide diameter rotor is said to help prevent blockages, while a newly introduced, active drop floor means blockages can be cleared quickly. The bale chamber has also been redesigned to incorporate a revised belt path, said to deliver well-formed, dense bales that will stack efficiently.
The RB456 HD Pro makes 120cm-wide bales from 90cm to 165cm in diameter, while the RB466 HD Pro is also 120cm wide, but offers increased diameters from 90cm up to 190cm.
Each model offers a choice of three rotor options, including a basic feeding rotor, 13 or 25 knife chopping rotors. Bale size, number of net wraps and density can be easily set on the in-cab control panel.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
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.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.