Kubota to start field testing robotic tractor
Kubota has announced plans to start field testing the autonomous hydrogen powered fuel cell tractor it recently unveiled at Expo 25 in Osaka Japan.
Japanese agricultural equipment maker Kubota will have its stamp on the home jersey for the Hurricanes.
The two-year sponsorship deal, for 2025 and 2026, includes both the men’s and women’s teams.
Kubota NZ marketing and business development manager Ian Massicks sees the deal as an opportunity to continue to build on Kubota’s growing brand awareness, and further immerse itself in the social fabric of New Zealand.
“Partnering with the Hurricanes presents a tremendous opportunity for the Kubota brand, not only in New Zealand but on a global scale,” says Massicks. “As one of the world’s most celebrated sports, rugby offers Kubota a unique chance to connect with audiences worldwide, week after week, while showcasing our commitment to excellence.”
Kubota’s range in New Zealand includes tractors, utility vehicles and mowers.
Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee was delighted with the new partnership and had nothing but praise for his early interactions with the Kubota team.
“We’re proud to have a globally recognised brand like Kubota join our extended Hurricanes whānau,” says Lee.
“Although they’re a truly global brand, we’ve already developed a great connection with the local team in Palmerston North, and we see that as a testament to how much they know and genuinely care about their customers in the community too. <p.“We felt this mirrored our own values around connection and care for our people and fans.”
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.
The black and white coat of Holstein- Friesian cows is globally recognised as a symbol of dairy farming and a defining trait of domestic cattle. But until recently, scientists didn’t know which genes were responsible for the Holstein’s spots.
According to the New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2024/25 report, New Zealand dairy farmers are achieving more with fewer cows.

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