Farming smarter with technology
The National Fieldays is an annual fixture in the farming calendar: it draws in thousands of farmers, contractors, and industry professionals from across the country.
Can-Am is pushing the boundaries of performance in its Outlander line-up of ATVs with the launch of the new 850 and 1000R models, said to offer industry-leading horsepower, increased suspension travel and refined handling.
The 2025 Can-Am Outlander 850 and 1000R are equipped with a new double-overhead camshaft, 999cc V-twin Rotax engine, making the Outlander 1000R the first ATV with triple-digit horsepower, at 101hp.
The Outlander 850 also offers impressive power at 82hp. Both models include Work, Standard and Sport ride modes, optimising power delivery and performance for the task at hand.
Both models feature an all-new continuously variable transmission (CVT) that delivers smooth power to the ground, improves torque and reduces maintenance requirements.
The latest pDrive primary clutch is paired with a new dual-roller-driven pulley, said to offer instant response and excellent reliability.
The Outlander features a new suspension configuration with wide, arched A-arms front and rear, allowing for enhanced vehicle dynamics, including an improved attack angle for smooth obstacle and ditch crossing.
Front suspension travel has increased by 1.6 inches to 10.8 inches, while rear suspension has increased by 2.1 inches to 12 inches of travel, said to offer superior performance and comfort, along with additional ground clearance.
Complementing the updated suspension, the steering geometry is also revised, increasing high-speed stability, steering precision and turning radius, while a high-strength steel frame enhances durability and rigidity, while decreasing weight, with a full-length skid-plate providing protection to the underside of the machine.
The 1000R also features a new four-disc system for improved braking control, using new metallic brake pads and a new front brake lever with optimised ergonomics.
When it comes to work, the Outlander continues to impress with a class-leading towing capacity of 1830 pounds (830kg) and a heavy-duty two-inch hitch receiver.
Meanwhile, restyled components include front and rear LED lights with a four-point design, a centralised exhaust with an aluminium muffler tip, new wheel designs and integrated front and rear bumpers.
A new 10 litre rear LinQ removable storage box and 30 litres of front dropdown storage offer plenty of room for tools and supplies, while some packages feature a cell phone storage compartment with a USB charging port.
Showcasing the huge range of new technologies and science that is now available was one of the highlights at last week's National Fieldays.
Coby Warmington, 29, a farm manager at Waima Topu Beef near Hokianga was named at the winner of the 2025 Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer Award for sheep and beef.
Northlanders scooped the pool at this year's prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy Awards - winning both the main competition and the young Maori farmer award.
Red meat farmers are urging the Government to act on the growing number of whole sheep and beef farm sales for conversion to forestry, particularly carbon farming.
The days of rising on-farm inflation and subdued farmgate prices are coming to an end for farmers, helping lift confidence.
A blockbuster year and an exciting performance: that's how Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General, Ray Smith is describing the massive upsurge in the fortunes of the primary sector exports for the year ended June 2025.
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