Continental to discontinue agricultural tyre production amid strategic shift
Continental was founded in 1871, offering solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation.
Setting tyre pressures correctly, even for a humble farm tractor, is important for reducing compaction, precluding shallow ruts in difficult conditions and cutting fuel consumption.
Tyre manufacturer Michelin has introduced an agricultural tyre pressure calculator app that allows farmers and contractors to get on-the-spot advice for particular jobs or tractor/implement combinations. Appropriate tyre pressures for a desired load or speed can be calculated in three easy steps.
Firstly the user enters the tractor’s front and rear axle loadings, and the approximate weight of implements. Secondly, he enters the sizes of the Michelin tyres fitted to the tractor from a drop-down menu that lists the full range of Michelin products. Finally, he uses his device’s in-built camera to take a photo of the set-up, which cleverly looks at the image to calculate the precise weight distribution and the length of any overhangs from the wheels. The app then calculates the recommended tyre pressures for each axle.
The application is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iTouch, and Android operating systems.
www.itunes.apple.com or www.play.google.com or www.michelin.com
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.