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John Deere's eAutoPowr
At a recently held sustainability day in Germany, John Deere unveiled the latest updates for its eAutoPowr, electric infinitely variable transmission, the first of its kind in the world and now available for the 8R tractor range.
The electric drive is designed to supply drive to the tractor, while also providing up to 100kW of electrical power to external implements, using two brushless, electric motors, that according to the manufacturer, are “virtually wear-free” and will last the lifetime of the machine.
Working in partnership with Belgium transport and effluent specialists Joskin, Deere has developed a system that allows up to 20% of the electric power to be redistributed to two axles on a Joskin slurry tanker. This is said to increase traction in poor ground conditions or when climbing inclines, helping to protect the land from sub-surface caused by wheel slip.
In other sustainability news, Deere is also aiming to have electric drive alternatives in every John Deere product family by 2026, with a further plan to launch a fully autonomous battery-powered electric tractor in the under- 100hp class with the same timing.
Deere has also been developing a MultiFuel concept to allow its engines to run on biofuels, traditional diesel or fuel blends. The ‘one-tank solution’, is suitable for any fuel in both pure and blended form, including farm-produced plant oils.
In operation, different fuels are recognised by sensors of the standard combustion engine and the exhaust gas after-treatment system. These deliver the data for a mathematical-physical model and for an artificial intelligence – based approach recognising the different fuel mixtures.
Based on this, the electronic engine control unit (ECU) selects the appropriate software setting for optimal engine operation, while also allowing the engine to comply with Tier 4 emission standards.
A long way from when AI meant plunging a plastic-covered arm armpit deep up a cow’s rear, John Deere has shown off its new artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, aptly called JD, which aims to simplify data processing on farms.
Twin rotor swathers have become the ‘go-to’ for forming swaths to feed hungry harvesters and balers, however, the design layout often means that crop located between the two rotors is not picked up, turned over or incorporated into the swath formed for subsequent harvesting.
Operating large tractors became more expensive back in March due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz conflict, meaning contractors had to introduce fuel surcharges and farmers had to adjust their budget forecasts.
Close to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, Motueka is known for apples, pear and kiwifruit orchards, alongside specialised crops such as hops. Indeed, that specialisation, saw the area being the New Zealand centre of the tobacco growing, until the early 1980s.
Can-Am has introduced its 2027 range of side-by-side vehicles (SSV) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), including the industry leading Defender, the Maverick R and the hugely capable Outlander ATV, incorporating a host of advancements designed to deliver an exceptional riding experience.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) and Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network are calling for investment in a proposed new training pathway for rural GPs, warning that many rural practices are struggling to recruit while a large share of the existing workforce nears retirement.
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