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.
Krone has developed a prototype reverse-drive forage harvester that has been undergoing testing in maize.
Anyone familiar with precision grass harvesting will remember the domination of the drum-type trailed harvesters of the 1980s and ‘90s.
This was overtaken by the popularity of flywheel type machines, which delivered more output, less fuel consumption and a better chance of surviving foreign object ingestion.
Those flywheel-based machines evolved from rear-linkage mounted, reverse drive machines that were the norm when forage maize became popular in northern Europe. This was at a time when self-propelled units were only just starting to appear.
German harvesting specialist Krone is now looking to turn the clock back and creating a sense of déjà vu with its latest development project – a prototype reverse-drive forage harvester that has been undergoing testing in maize.
Designed to be mounted on prime mowers like the Claas Xerion 5000 or the Fendt 1050, the prototype weighs over six tonnes and can be equipped with Krone’s six to 10 row maize, conventional grass pick-up or direct-cut, whole-crop headers.
It features a chopping cylinder from the Big-X harvester range, and hydraulically-driven header and feed rollers.
The prototype is said to be a match for Krone’s Big-X 480 cousin in terms of output and chop quality, with reduced fuel consumption and a significantly lower capital cost.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.

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