John Deere Names 2026 Technician of the Year Finalists
John Deere has announced the finalists for its 2026 Technician of the Year Awards, with 30 regional finalists being named in five award categories.
The latest John Deere 8R series tractors, yet to be released, have already won the only gold medal at the upcoming Agtritechnica event scheduled for November.
Full details are scarce, but an 8R with an electro-mechanical eAuto-Powr transmission is claimed to be the first IVT (infinitely variable transmission) of its type.
Rural News understands the layout of the new gearbox sees the integral hydraulic motors being replaced by electrical units, while an integrated generator will deliver 100kW (135hp) for secondary/external use.
To demonstrate the concept, John Deere has partnered with Belgian company Joskin, which has created a modified version of one of its tri-axle slurry tankers. The unit has both rear axles driven electrically, effectively creating an 8WD combination.
The companies say this will increase traction and reduce wheel slip, while at the tractor end the electrical portion of the gearbox will improve efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
Oamaru-based livestock handling specialist Te Pari has bought Combi Clamp, the New Zealand manufacturer of Combi Clamp manual sheep handlers.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has admitted that a scheme bringing workers from Pacific nations to work on orchards has become too hard to navigate but says changes are coming.
A new app designed in New Zealand aims to help sheep, beef and deer farmers capture, analyse and use body condition score data more effectively.
Canterbury farmer Andy Macfarlane has been appointed to the board of AgriZeroNZ, the public-private partnership designed to accelerate the development and deployment of emissions reduction tools for New Zealand farmers.
For over 50 years Mel Ewers has been supporting the apple sector navigate through compliance and quality assurance issues.
The apple sector is enjoying a bumper harvest season.