Carrfields expands South Island footprint with Agricentre South Kubota dealership acquisition
Two of the South Island’s agricultural machinery dealers are undertaking strategic changes designed to deliver even greater specialist support to farmers.
Ken Wilson started out on the family farm, but a love of machinery drew him to contracting, initially with a bulldozer on the slopes above Colyton, Manawatu.
In the late 1970's he bought his first wheeled tractor, a Kubota 7500, which over the years led to a number of the Japanese brand entering the business.
Wilson's latest acquisition from the marque is a M135GX which has earned its keep with implements such as a semi-mounted five-furrow plough and a 3m power harrow; it has racked up around 700 hours in five months.
Asked what he thought of his latest charge, Wilson said "the four cylinder engine just keeps hanging on and shows plenty of punch; the cab is roomy and quiet, has great visibility and the layout of the controls is well thought out."
He was also complimentary about the unique front suspension that irons out the bumps, and the Bi-Speed steering system that allows tight turns on headlands during row crop work.
The Push-Up Challenge, an event which combines mental health and fitness, is set to launch in New Zealand in 2026.
Last month's Agritechnica event led to a wide group of manufacturers celebrating successes when the 2026 Tractor of the Year Competition winners, selected by a panel of European journalists, were announced in Hanover Germany.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.