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 EasyCut B 950 Collect is a non-conditioning mower with 450mm merger augers, said to be ideal for tall crops such as ryegrass, or more delicate crops such as lucerne, that may usually cause blockages or damage when put through a conditioner mower.
First introduced to the market five years ago, this lightweight and compact mower has been recently revamped by the German manufacturer to enhance versatility.
Offering 9.45 metres mowing width, the main improvements include an ISOBUS compatible terminal allowing the operator to control and adjust the shape of the swath being delivered behind the machine, alongside the option to independently lift or lower the mower units.
At the rear of the mower units, the hoods behind the augers open and close hydraulically allowing a choice of three delivery modes, including swathing, independent swathing or no swathing.
The heavy-duty auger units are powered by a right-angle gearbox to revolve at a consistent speed of 750rpm, giving optimal conditions for maximum efficiency and productivity. Mounted closely behind the cutter bars, they can feed large volumes of crop in a consistent flow to the centre of the combination, forming a well-shaped and uniform swath for following harvester or baler.
The EasyCut B 950 Collect is fitted with hardened wear-skids as standard, that also serve to help to reduce ground pressure, while protecting the cutter bar and the sward.
Other useful upgrades include a lever on the nearside guard that allows the mower hood to be lifted for improved maintenance access, but also increases the space between the mower and the tractor, making for easier access to the tractor linkage during hitching or removal.
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.
A blockbuster year and an exciting performance: that's how Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General, Ray Smith is describing the massive upsurge in the fortunes of the primary sector exports for the year ended June 2025.
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