Farming smarter with technology
The National Fieldays is an annual fixture in the farming calendar: it draws in thousands of farmers, contractors, and industry professionals from across the country.
Based on industry data collected by the Motor Industry Association, Can-Am is the number one side-by-side manufacturer in New Zealand.
Following on from the regional field days, rural communities had the chance to experience the Can-Am products in a series of demo experience days, trialling the Can-Am Defender side-by-side.
From the HD7 through to the HD10 engine options, the Can-Am Defender has up to 82hp / 69 lb-ft, powered by ROTAX engineering. They also feature a Selectable Turf Mode / 2WD / 4WD with Visco-Lok† auto-locking front differential which is customisable for different terrains.
The PRO-TORQ CVT on HD9 and HD10 models provide improved cooling and electronic belt protection for increased durability. The Defender can tow up to 1134kg, while the Defender 6x6 boasts an industry-leading 1360kg towing capacity with 6 all-terrain tires that can handle mud, sand and rocks.
Defender offers a 200-hour service interval while comfort is taken care of by the VERSA-PRO bench seats, with passenger seats that flip up allowing for more cargo space within the protection of the cabin. A range of accessories make hard work easier including a roof or windshield, both a great idea for protection against inclement weather.
The new Can-Am Outlander PRO ATV is the result of a development journey that began 5 years ago, when the Can-Am Global ATV product team visited New Zealand to gather insight and local input from farmers, service centres and dealerships.
The 2024 Outlander PRO line-up comes with new ROTAX single cylinder engines with up to 50hp / 41 lb-ft that provide the extra power to navigate the tough New Zealand terrain, while the all-new integrated transmission offers improved belt durability and cooling temperature, as well as precise & ease of shifting multiple front differential options. The new pDrive clutch offers improved performance and lower maintenance than any competitor, with two times longer between maintenance intervals.
A speed limiter switch is ideal for maintaining a constant pace while spraying, while bumpers and 6-ply tires provide added protection. The Outlander PRO’s high strength steel frame is also 35% lighter than its predecessor. A waterproof front storage bin keeps the important things dry, and the new glove box adds even more storage, along with a phone mount and charger.
Those who were unable to attend the Can-Am Demo experience days can register for their own on-farm Can-Am demo experience via www.can-am.brp.com/off-road/nz/en/shopping-tools/free-on-farm-demo.
Showcasing the huge range of new technologies and science that is now available was one of the highlights at last week's National Fieldays.
Coby Warmington, 29, a farm manager at Waima Topu Beef near Hokianga was named at the winner of the 2025 Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer Award for sheep and beef.
Northlanders scooped the pool at this year's prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy Awards - winning both the main competition and the young Maori farmer award.
Red meat farmers are urging the Government to act on the growing number of whole sheep and beef farm sales for conversion to forestry, particularly carbon farming.
The days of rising on-farm inflation and subdued farmgate prices are coming to an end for farmers, helping lift confidence.
A blockbuster year and an exciting performance: that's how Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General, Ray Smith is describing the massive upsurge in the fortunes of the primary sector exports for the year ended June 2025.
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