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The Monosem Precision planter in action.
Monosem has offered electrically-powered (FEP) planters since late 2017.
However, a sneak peep of what’s in the pipeline is pointing towards increased accuracy, faster set up times and improved ease of use.
The new ValoTerra precision planter is equipped with its own 56-volt, on-board power system, with electricity to the planter’s motors supplied via a PTO-driven, 5.6kW generator – thus removing the need for any battery packs.
The result of several years of R&D, the main development goal was not only to make the planter easier to adjust, but also ensure precise seed spacing, planting depth and singulation to always get a more uniform emergence, says the French manufacturer.
A newly developed and patented metering system on the ValoTerra is described as an improved version of the Monoshox system. This results in consistent accuracy while operating at speeds of up to 2km/h faster.
An example of improvements to ease of use is switching between crops when only the seed disc needs changing. The company suggests that this task takes less than a minute per row to complete the changeover.
Equipped with variable rate and section control, further new developments include the FertiSmart fertiliser dosage system. This is configured to use a single motor for each individual dosing unit. The system is claimed to distribute a wide range of fertilisers, including bio pellets, even when working on slopes.
The MicroSmart micro-granule applicator works using one metering unit and two fall/drop pipes per row, while the new Monosem Plus app allows users to control individual metering units via a mobile device or tablet.
Available in models from 6-12 rows, offering working widths from 4.2m to 6.0m, individual row hoppers hold 70 litres-equivalent to 160,000 maize seeds, while the pressure of the 450mm diameter double-disc openers can be increased in three steps of 30kg. Look out for the commercial release at the SIMA Event to be held in Paris during November.
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.
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
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.
Synlait has swung to second-half profit as operations stabilise, but the dairy processor still posted a $75.4m annual loss.
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