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.
While electric vehicles, despite subdued sales at present, seem to be finding converts in the car industry, one wonders if they have a place in agriculture.
Italy-based telehandler manufacturer Merlo seems to think so. It used the recent EIMA event held in Bologna to showcase the latest concept for its Generation Zero range – the TFe43.7.
Like the currently available e-Worker, the key points for consideration are zero carbon fuel consumption, no noise or vibrations and, of course, no polluting emissions.
It received an Honorable Mention Award in the event’s Technical Innovations competition, and like its ICE equivalent, the new machine offers a maximum load capacity of 4300kg, combined with a maximum lift height of seven metres, and a road speed of 33km/h.
Featuring a battery pack that is said to offer up to eight hours duration, complemented by a 3.5 hour recharge time, the manufacturer is says the total cost of ownership (TCO), which encompasses the purchase price and total service costs across its lifetime, is significantly lower than the comparative traditional model.
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.