Kverneland to debut Alentix fertiliser spreaders at Agritechnica
With Agritechnica just around the corner, it’s no surprise to see manufacturers drip-feed some information of new products worth a closer look.
After 25 years in electrical seed metering, Kverneland claims more knowledge in electric drive systems than any other precision seeding company.
Early designs stemmed from the development of the Unicorn Synchro Drive, first seen in 1993 and now evolved into the company’s e-drive II that we see today. Other introductions have been section control and greater computing power, that ultimately led to KV’s Geoseed technology.
Geoseed is a patented control system that allows seeds to be placed either in parallel rows or alternately spaced between the rows. In the latter format, a diamond pattern is created, said to offer better uptake of nutrients, light and water.
When used with the company’s Geocontrol software, such precise planting can also help reduce seed rates and eliminate overlaps that lead to densely cropped areas.
Electric drive remains front of Kverneland’s precision seeder ranges. It is used in the Optima and Monopill ranges aimed at maize and beet growers.
Interestingly, the capability of the precision seed placement offered by these systems is also being exploited by farmers and growers who plant ‘amazing mazes’ to make more money.
To complete the picture, all KV precision seeders can work in combination with the ISOBUS compatible iXtra LiFe front tanks and liquid fertiliser applications.
The company also offers two of its own universal ISOBUS terminals for use with its own or any other ISOBUS compatible machinery.
Owners and lessees of certain Hino Trucks New Zealand diesel vehicles have just 10 days remaining to register or opt out of a proposed $10.9 million class action settlement.
Silver Fern Farms has successfully produced and delivered 90 tonnes of premium chilled New Zealand lamb and beef to the United Arab Emirates via airfreight.
For the first three months of 2026, new tractor deliveries saw an increase over the previous two months, resulting in year-to-date deliveries climbing to 649 units - around 5% ahead of the same period in 2025.
QU Dongyu, director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has issued a warning saying that global fertiliser scarcity caused by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz will lead to lower yields and tightening food supplies into 2027.
Federated Farmers is urging Canterbury's council leaders to move quickly on local government reform.
Having represented New Zealand at the 2024 and 2005 World Ploughing Championships, in Estonia and The Czech Republic respectively, Southland contractor Mark Dillon was at Methven last month for the NZ Ploughing Champs.

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