Kuhn Group Sales Dip 9% in 2025 but Orders Signal Recovery
Kuhn Group recorded net sales of NZ$2.27 billion in 2025, finishing around 9% lower than in 2024.
To complement recently introduced trailed mower conditioners with centre pivot drawbars, Kuhn has announced the launch of three new models with offset drawbars.
The Kuhn FC 2860, FC 3160 and 3560 TL machines offer mowing widths of 2.67, 3.1 and 3.5m respectively, and the choice of roller or tine-based crop conditioning units.
Why the need for offset or centre-pull drawbars? Without doubt centre-pull machines have the potential for up to 10% more output in large areas because they can operate on either side of the tractor, just like a reversible plough.
By contrast, offset drawbar machines can only work to the right side of the tractor, but cost less.
The new units offer the same key features as the centre-pull units, with Gyrodine swivel headstocks taking care of any PTO problems, even in tight turns, and the Optidisc cutterbar using irregularly spaced discs to achieve crop flow and clean cutting.
A gear-driven conditioner driveline is protected by the Posiguard safety system in the case of foreign objects, and offers the choice of two speeds for best conditioning effect.
The conditioner is also fitted as standard with adjustable swath doors for different following machines, but also has the ability to spread to the machine's full width if required. This is said to promote faster wilting and in most cases can avert at least one following tedder pass.
The machine has extra-large tyres for lower ground pressure and to reduce sward damage, particularly on damp ground.
Dougal Morrison has been elected as the new President of the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (NZFFA).
Perrin Ag has appointed Vicky Ferris as its new Hawke's Bay consultant.
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society is encouraging teachers to register school groups for the 2026 National Fieldays, set to be held at Mystery Creek Events Centre from 10-13 June.
The appointment of Richard Allen as Fonterra's new chief executive signals execution, not strategy, according to agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
Potatoes New Zealand has become much more than a grower body, according to Pukekohe grower Bharat Bhana.
The country's kiwifruit growers seem to have escaped much of the predicted wrath of Cyclone Vaianu which hit the east coast of the North Island this month.
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