increase font size
Optum’s new 3-metre centre set-up.
Case IH has unveiled a new 3-metre centre set-up for the the Optum tractor range, designed to meet the needs of growers operating under Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF) practices.
The factory-supported set-up allows the Optum tractor range, available up to 340hp, to seamlessly integrate into fixed tramline systems, helping reduce soil compaction, improve water infiltration, and enhance long-term productivity with full factory warranty support.
Reflecting Case IH’s ongoing commitment to delivering practical, high-performance solutions for broadacre and horticulture operations, Seamus McCarthy, Case IH medium tractor product manager for ANZ, said the set-up was introduced in response to strong demand from growers looking to align their machinery with CTF practices.
“We’ve seen a real shift in the market toward precision farming systems, particularly in cereals and horticulture.
“The set-up will be fully covered by warranty, and allows customers to operate the Optum range with peace of mind and without compromising on power or technology. The Optum range, now with the 3-metre centre option, offers a smart solution for growers who need to travel between bed spacings with accuracy and consistency,” Seamus said.
With life often a matter of timing, complemented by a portion of luck, it looks like Waikato farmer Matthew Darke’s timing of an order for a new tractor in July delivered an awful lot of the latter.
Having worked as a diesel mechanic, often on Case IH machinery, Brian Hughes was familiar with the agricultural industry and looking around the Invercargill region where he was based, saw an opportunity for contracting in the sector.
Currently available in New Zealand in 250, 270, 300 and 400 horsepower options, Case IH’s Optum Series is being readied for expansion with the announcement of three new additional models, the 360, 390 and 440.
Case IH has announced new G500V VariCut variable knife grain headers for its Axial-Flow combine harvesters with features aimed at enhancing performance and easing operator workloads.
Case IH is expanding its popular Puma range in New Zealand, with a new model that was released at Fieldays.
Federated Farmers says it is cautiously welcoming signals from the Government that a major shake-up of local government is on its way.
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
The global agricultural landscape has entered a new phase where geopolitics – not only traditional market forces – will dictate agricultural trade flows, prices, and production decisions.
National Lamb Day is set to return in 2026 with organisers saying the celebrations will be bigger than ever.
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
The chance of a $10-plus milk price for this season appears to be depleting.
