Ravensdown’s HawkEye Pro Wins Technology Award at Southern Field Days
Ravensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days Farm Innovation Awards in February 2026.
With the rising interest in alternative fuels, it’s no surprise that manufacturers of ATVs and side-by-side vehicles are introducing alternative power solutions into their ranges.
Over the last two decades CF MOTO has challenged the heritage manufacturers, to the point that they have become market leaders in many markets, including the UK. Their ever-evolving UFORCE UTV has become increasingly popular in New Zealand, so the 2025 arrival of a new ‘green’ option is sure to raise that profile.
CF MOTO’s first pure-electric UTV, the UFORCE U6 EV, was launched in NZ during 2025, delivering on a commitment to practical innovation and environmental responsibility, eliminating exhaust fumes and noise.
CF MOTO NZ country manager Anton Giacon says, “We were excited to release our first 100 per cent electric UTV, giving farmers, growers and vineyard owners even more choice when it comes to selecting the right UTV for their farm. So far, the machine’s versatility and performance have exceeded everyone’s expectations.”
Featuring a 35kW (46.9hp) permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering instant torque and smooth acceleration, the U6 EV accelerates from 0 to 60km/h in under six seconds. Combined with an impressive travel range of 110km – on a single full charge at consistent speeds of 30-40km/h – farmers can tackle the task at hand quickly and effectively. The 15.28kWh lithium-ion batteries are overseen by a management system for monitoring battery health and safety issues, while a vehicle-to-load produces 220 volts power supply to 3.3kWh, for mains powered equipment.
The ability to fully recharge the vehicle in just 6.5 hours, from 0 to 100%, allows farmers to simply charge overnight and get back to work the next day
The U6 EV shows its versatility by offering an 800kg tow capacity and a 250kg rear tray capacity, while the 8-inch TFT multifunction display, NFC digital key, and CF MOTO Ride app integration offers a connected and user-friendly experience.
“Instant torque and the ability to select between two power modes allow for easy towing and slow speed manoeuvring around the farm,” says Giacon.
“Interestingly, with its 800kg tow capacity, the U6 EV also offers 120kg more than the UFORCE 600 petrol-powered equivalent.” Standard features include hill ascent and descent systems for increased control and safety, while the Kinetic Energy Function kicks in during coasting or breaking to effectively recharge and extend the battery range.
Drive choices include 2WD, 4WD, 4WD with diff-lock and Turf-R modes. Weighing-in at 680 kg and offering 270mm ground clearance, braking is taken care of by hydraulic discs on each wheel. A 2-year vehicle and 5-year battery offers peace of mind for owners.
Visit site number 533 or www.cfmoto.co.nz
Matt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the Beef +Lamb NZ Board as a farmer director.
Ravensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days Farm Innovation Awards in February 2026.
While mariners may recognise a “dog watch” as a two-hour shift on a ship, the Good Dog Work Watch is quite a different concept and the clever creation of Southland siblings Grace (9) and Archer Brown (7), both pupils at Riverton Primary School.
Philip and Lyneyre Hooper of the Hoopman Family Trust have tonight been named the Taranaki Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
We are not a bunch of sky cowboys. That was one of the key messages from the chairperson of the NZ Agricultural Aviation Association (NZAAA) Kent Weir, speaking at an education day at Feilding aerodrome for 25 policymakers and regulators from central and local government and other rural professionals.
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.

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