Changing of the guard at TAMA
Deere NZ territory manager Jaiden Drought was elected new president of the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) at its August annual meeting.
The New Zealand tractor market remains affected by the depressed dairy economy: overall sales are down about 14% on the same period last year.
Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) president Mark Hamilton-Manns says "certainly dairy payouts have impacted traditional sales. However, many customers are now choosing tractors with less-expensive options to ensure plant replacement continues".
Dairy-dominated markets have seen fewer tractors sold: Waikato was down 19%, Taranaki 36% and Southland 31%.
Says Hamilton-Manns, "Although we expect tractor sales will lag behind last year, we are confident the buoyancy in viticulture, beef and sheep and contractors will ensure we finish the year strongly with around 3200 unit sales.
"Marlborough's booming viticulture sector alone has created industry growth of 7% and we expect this will mean demand for tractors."
He says despite the reduction in overall numbers TAMA member companies keep introducing new products and investing in parts support and technician training.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.