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.
The latest release to an ever-expanding range at Hustler Equipment, based in Hastings, is the cleverly named Regener8r chain harrow.
As with any chain harrow the aim of the machine is to promote new grass growth by removing old thatch and moss, so increasing air movement and water infiltration, alongside allowing sunlight to provide vitamin D to the young plants.
Post grazing, chain harrowing is also useful to break up and spread any manure “pats” or clumps, while also moving any large piles of manure that might smother grasses, leading to bare areas that then become prone to growing weeds. There is also the benefit of utilising the nutrient values of the organic material, helping to reduce the overall cost of artificial fertilisers.
Offering a working width of 6.3 metres, effectively covering 13 square metres of ground, the LM 630 weighs in at around 360kg, the LM360 harrow features a 3-piece folding frame manufactured from S355 carbon steel-said to be 30% stronger than standard steels-incorporating six strengthening straps across the frame. Folded hydraulically, mechanical transport locks offer safe travel and remove any shock loading to the hydraulic system.
At the front of the harrows, a folded, 8mm thick, levelling bar creates a smoothing effect that is followed by the four row harrows that incorporate cast agitators for a longer service life. At either extremity of the harrow, heavy-duty, interchangeable skids protect the main harrow frames from any rocks, stones or foreign objects.
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.