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.
There is an appeal to New Zealanders to buy local citrus fruit.
Avocado growers are reporting a successful season, but some are struggling to keep their operations afloat following years of bad weather.
It's time to start talking up science again, especially as a career for young people. That's one of the key messages from the Prime Minister's new chief science advisor, Dr John Roche.
Horticulture and commercial vegetable growers in particular stand to be major beneficiaries of radical proposals by government to make sweeping changes to RMA regulations.
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.