The calvary arrives — finally!
The first batch of overseas drivers for local agricultural contracting work is expected in the country next week, says Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ) chief executive Roger Parton.
A 4-METRE disc airseeder launched at Fieldays by Reese Agri is “a hit” with contractors, the company says. The machine is a disc variant of the Aitchison Airpro airseeder.
The new machine gained Reese Agri a finalist placing in the Fieldays innovation awards contest.
Sales manager John Norfolk says it has proved as much a hit with contractors testing it as with the Fieldays competition judges.
The prototype of the air seeder was tested by contractors in Hawkes Bay, Waikato and Taranaki. “The last contractor who did the trial work for us in Taranaki decided he didn’t want it to go back to the factory so he put a sticker with his company logo on it.”
Norfolk says the implement is popular because of its narrow transport width, multi-functionality (up to three boxes) and its ability to hug the ground contours “like no other”.
Though the air seeder has a 4m sowing width it folds up to 2.75m and can be towed at up to 40km/h. “It’s easy enough to transport through gates and over farm bridges but at the same time it’s got all the bits there to cover a lot of acreage fast.”
Norfolk says a frame consisting of three separate parts gives the seeder excellent contour-following ability, also improved by individually sprung discs that add another 120mm of individual travel.
The drill is offered with bins of 1500L or 1000L capacity; an optional 80L bin has individual hydraulically driven fans.
Tel. 06 357 9323
www.reesegroup.co.nz
Federated Farmers says the Government’s latest investment in road resilience is a positive step toward protecting rural communities and freight routes from increasing severe weather events.
The stockfood storage capacity of J Swap Stockfoods continues to grow in the South Island with the opening of a new store that boosts its capacity in Christchurch and work starting on another store in Southland.
Fonterra has lifted and narrowed its full year forecast earnings range to 60-70 cents per share after a strong quarter, supported by robust milk production, strong shipment volumes and continued demand across its Ingredients and Foodservice businesses.
Fonterra has announced it will continue with the planned expansion of its organic business into the South Island.
New Zealand farmers have been told they all have amazing people on their farms and have been urged to be “that one person” that can make a huge difference to those going through tough times.
OPINION: For thousands of Southland farmers, this week would have tipped them into the non-compliant category when it comes to following regional freshwater plan rules. But the Government has stepped in to give them the clarity they deserve.