Krone Group Earnings Drop Despite Stable Farm Machinery Sales
While turnover was back slightly at €2.3 billion in 2024/2025 (previous year €2.4 billion), the German Krone Group saw earnings fall from €107 million to €40.1 million.
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.
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.