Kverneland to debut Alentix fertiliser spreaders at Agritechnica
With Agritechnica just around the corner, it’s no surprise to see manufacturers drip-feed some information of new products worth a closer look.
Taking up a considerable portion of the Power Farming site at the recent South Island Agricultural Field Days near Christchurch, the Kverneland Qualidisc 21000T trailed compact disc harrow, the first sold in the southern hemisphere, has a working width of 12.25m.
Said to be suitable for cultivation from 3 to 15cm, the unit can also be used for seedbed preparation after ploughing.
The machine layout has four independently mounted frame segments, with pressure on each segment adjusted pair-bypair via the Ground Contour System to ensure a constant pressure across the full working width.
Turning at the headland is achieved by the four swivelling front wheels of 400-60R 15.5, working in collaboration with the rear roller assembly, meaning despite its large working width, the machine turns tightly on 560 or 710 section oversized transport wheels.
Designed for use with prime movers from 350 to 650+hp, working at typical speeds of 10-15km/ h, with higher speeds creating a “boiling effect” of the soil around the discs, the unit weighing around 14.8 tonnes, is capable of high daily outputs.
The 600mm diameter conical discs are 6mm thick and heat treated, with an operating weight of up to 150kg/disc, to help ensure a full cut and thorough incorporation of debris or catch crops.
Designed to maintain a constant working angle, the discs are mounted on angled arms, each fitted with a large maintenancefree double ball bearing and 35mm axle. Special protection to the sides of the arm is achieved by a special 5-lip seal and the bearing protection joint, while the opposite side features a dust preventing O-ring assembly.
Working depth is achieved via two scales, mounted on the forward gauge wheels and the rear roller, adjusted separately to maintain the balance between the two rows of discs.
Depth adjustment is controlled hydraulically from the cab, allowing prompt changes as field conditions vary.
Final consolidation is achieved with either the 560mm diameter Actipack roller said to be suited to medium to heavy soils or the Actipress option, which features a twin roller layout, offering greater carrying capacity in lighter conditions.
Tractor connections require two double and one single acting outlet, the latter to raise and lower the transport wheels, one double acting supply for pressure adjustment and the other to fold the machine to its 2.95m transport width.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.
Despite difficult trading conditions for European machinery manufacturers brought about conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, alongside the United States imposing punitive tariffs, Italian manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo, has seen turnover increase 12% in 2025 to €390 million (NZ$775m) with a net profit of €11.2 million (NZ$22.3).
New Zealand innovation company Techion, best known for its animal diagnostics platform, FECPAK has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Farmlands to bring independent animal health disease intelligence to its customers.
Zespri says it welcomes the recently signed Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal, describing it as an important step towards supporting growth in the region and for New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.
Troubled milk processor Synlait has lost its third chief executive in five years.
Westgold butter has been named New Zealand's tastiest in a blind tasting conducted by Consumer New Zealand.

OPINION: When Donald Trump returned to the White House, many people with half a brain could see the results for…
OPINION: Media trust has tanked because of what media's more woke members do and say.