Krone unveils new CombiPack HDP baler and halts US exports
Well-known for an extensive range of round balers, Krone’s new CombiPack HDP looks to have several features that sets it apart from its competitors.
While the Krone Big M has set the standard for many years, sources close to Rural News, with an ear to the ground and a periscope to see over high hedges, tell us that German transport and effluent specialist Fliegl has plans to move into the sector, having recently acquired rights to the Cutaro SR 1100 self-propelled triple mower developed by Swiss company ARB-Tec.
First seen in 2022, the cutting width of up to 11m sees the mowers and conditioning units moving away from the norm by being hydraulically driven. Weighing in at only 8.5 tonnes, power is delivered by a 350hp Mercedes engine.
Rural News understands the Cutaro will be built at the same Kirchdorf plant where Fliegl manufactures the Cargos forage wagons and farm loaders. We also understand there are plans to redesign the drive unit to reduce the overall transport width from 3.5m down to 3.0m and a new source of mower decks, which are currently supplied by Claas.
Fliegl is yet to release a timescale for commercial production, but we understand that there is a plan to build a small number of pre-production machines, for testing in Europe during 2026, alongside prototypes for next month’s Agritechnica Event, where the company has booked a half-acre site.
Virtual fencing and herding systems supplier, Halter is welcoming a decision by the Victorian Government to allow farmers in the state to use the technology.
DairyNZ’s latest Econ Tracker update shows most farms will still finish the season in a positive position, although the gap has narrowed compared with early season expectations.
New Zealand’s national lamb crop for the 2025–26 season is estimated at 19.66 million head, a lift of one percent (or 188,000 more lambs) on last season, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) latest Lamb Crop report.
Farmers appear to be cautiously welcoming the Government’s plan to reform local government, according to Ag First chief executive, James Allen.
The Fonterra divestment capital return should provide “a tailwind to GDP growth” next year, according to a new ANZ NZ report, but it’s not “manna from heaven” for the economy.
Fonterra's Eltham site in Taranaki is stepping up its global impact with an upgrade to its processed cheese production lines, boosting capacity to meet growing international demand.