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, grass harvesting specialist Kuhn has launched 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? 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, like a reversible plough. By contrast the offset drawbar machines can only work to the right side of the tractor, but cost less.
The new units have the same key features as the centre-pull units: Gyrodine swivel headstocks take care of any PTO problems, even in tight turns; and the Optidisc cutter-bar uses irregular spaced discs to promote crop flow and clean cutting.
A gear-driven conditioner driveline is protected by the Posiguard safety system if junk is encountered, and there is a choice of two speeds for best conditioning effect.
The conditioner has, as standard, adjustable swath doors for different following machines, and it can spread to the machines' full width if required – said to promote more rapid wilting, and in most cases can avert at least one following tedder pass.
Extra-large tyres reduce ground pressure and sward damage, particularly in damp ground conditions.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
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New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
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