Amazing Amazone drill - 75 years and counting
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the first Amazone seed drill – the 2m wide horse-drawn D1 launched in 1949.
Amazone has extended its range of Cayros reversible ploughs with new models and equipment options across its range.
Having added the well-known Vogel & Noot range of reversible ploughs to its line-up in 2016, the company now manufactures five series in the familiar green-and-orange livery.
The M series comprises three- or four-furrow ploughs for tractors up to 120hp, while the larger XM, XMS and XS series, suitable for 140hp, 200hp and 260hp tractors, respectively, offers even stronger components and construction. The top-of-the-range Cayros XS Pro series comprises three models with four or six furrows.
For 2018, a two-furrow M model should provide an option for smaller operations or those with low power tractors, while newly released three-furrow XM and XMS models are available with a choice of either a mechanical, stepped furrow width adjustment or a hydraulic, stepless working configuration.
The XS and XS Pro series also sees equipment upgrades, with a non-stop hydraulic stone release system for models equipped with the mechanically adjustable furrow width, which automatically adjusts the release force via a tractor spool valve, allowing the plough to comfortably and easily adapt to changing soil conditions.
Also new for 2018 is the WX 400 PE plough body, which has a plastic mouldboard that prevents sticking when working heavy soils.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.