Agricultural drone use soars among NZ contractors
Use of agricultural drones by contractors in New Zealand is soaring.
The latest New Holland T8 GENESIS is said to capitalise on the productive combinations of Stage V horsepower and digital technology.
During 2020, New Holland will extend the T8 range with a new 400 hp full-powershift model. This new powershift will feature a 21Fx5R speed transmission and will only be available on the flagship T8.435 Ultra Command in either wheeled or SmartTrax versions.
Operators will be able to personalise the machines with the SideWinder Ultra armrest and IntelliView 12 display.
The new T8 will carry on the tradition of offering an intuitive ‘jump on & drive’ experience, with new SideWinder Ultra armrest featuring keypads ‘zoned’ for media, climate and hitch controls, with and shortcut keys that allow one-touch navigation to adjustment menus.
As an example, hydraulic remote valves can be assigned to the paddles or a joystick of the driver’s choice and individual tractor settings can be stored against an implement name and recalled instantly when switching between tasks.
Beyond the basic functions of the tractor, the integration of New Holland’s advanced Precision Land Management (PLM) platform brings an approach to precision farming solutions. Described in four words: Open, Connected, Smart, Supported.
Utilising MyPLMConnect and Data Sharing partners, allows operators to keep completely connected with their trusted agronomy software packages. Using the simple tablet-based user interface, the user can share and analyse data and received enhanced support through their New Holland dealer.
The IntelliView connect allows either the farm manager or dealer to remotely view the IntelliView 12 display and monitor the tractor’s performance in real-time, ensuring productivity and uptime.
New Holland dealers can proactively manage their customer’s fleet with New Holland remote assistance, identifying maintenance requirements closer to the service interval and reducing travel time.
On the eve of his departure from Federated Farmers board, Richard McIntyre is thanking farmers for their support and words of encouragement during his stint as a farmer advocate.
A project reducing strains and sprains on farm has won the Innovation category in the New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards 2025.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and other sector organisations, has launched a national survey to understand better the impact of facial eczema (FE) on farmers.
One of New Zealand's latest and largest agrivoltaics farm Te Herenga o Te Rā is delivering clean renewable energy while preserving the land's agricultural value for sheep grazing under the modules.
Global food company Nestle’s chair Paul Bulcke will step down at its next annual meeting in April 2026.
Brendan Attrill of Caiseal Trust in Taranaki has been announced as the 2025 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing and recipient of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the National Sustainability Showcase at in Wellington this evening.