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.
Case IH has added to its telescopic loader range with the introduction of the Farmlift 626, said to offer a more compact design, reduced turning radius for greater manoeuvrability and lower overall height.
The design should offer better access to low doorways, buildings and around yards, meaning the machine should be well suited to livestock operations or around grading lines and packhouses.
The machine is powered by a 74hp (54.6kW) four-cylinder engine, driving through a single-range 30km/h hydrostatic transmission, while a mechanical electroproportional hydraulic system features a gear pump providing 80 l/min of oil flow at 210 bar pressure.
Maximum lift capacity is 2600kg, with a maximum lift height of 5.9m, an increase of 200mm over its predecessor. Headstock rotation is 155 degrees, aimed at greater dump angles and quicker unloading times.
Key dimensions are an overall length of just over 4m, combined with a wheelbase of 2.52m, said to deliver exceptional stability when lifting heavy loads or travelling at speed. Enhanced manoeuvrability is achieved by a 1.89m overall width, 1.93m height and a turn radius of 3.25m. Despite the narrow overall width, the 960mm-wide cab is broader than the model it replaces, providing increased operator comfort.
A range of new options includes a factory- fitted trailer hitch and hydraulic or pneumatic trailer braking. Carbon cabin filters for the ventilation system to protect operator health in particularly dusty conditions.
An optional telematics package provides identification of location, plus automated monitoring and recording of operating and performance data. Via the Case IH FieldOps app, data from the 626 and all connected machines in a fleet can be monitored via any online smart device or PC.
Chinese textile company Saibosi has partnered with Wools of New Zealand to put the 'farm to floor' story of New Zealand wool rugs on screen for its customers.
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.
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