John Deere Unveils New Engines at ConExpo Las Vegas
The recent ConExpo construction show held in Las Vegas, said to be the largest exhibition of its type in the world, saw John Deere Power Systems (JDPS) preview two new mid-range industrial engines.
Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting the most from each pass of the paddock.
But there remains significant untapped potential to positively impact farm businesses through greater utilisation of technology.
Until recently, only farmers who purchased new equipment were able to access the latest precision agriculture (PA) innovations to maximise efficiency and productivity. The goal of precision agriculture is to maximise margins via a wide range of actions, from seed placement at the right depth, spacing and volume, through to targeted and efficient fertiliser and pesticides applications.
John Deere says achieving full potential in precision agriculture has now changed with its Precision Essentials packages, which can bring the latest technology to all ages and makes of machinery. Precision Essentials allows farmers to tailor the latest hardware and software to the specific needs of a farm business, by making it affordable, accessible and adaptable to all. Traditionally farmers bought their technology upfront, which of course, is still an option. The company says Precision Essentials options will facilitate a lower upfront cost for a display, receiver and modem, alongside selecting a pre-packaged licence for required elements, such as AutoTrac, Section Control and RTK.
Importantly, Precision Essentials equipment can also be retrofitted to aging equipment, and mixed fleets. As farming operations evolve, users can upgrade licences to suit their needs to ensure they have the greatest impact on farm. By being continually connected, farmers will be able to benefit from software updates.
While the District Field Days brought with it a welcome dose of sunshine, it also attracted a significant cohort of sitting members from the Beehive – as one might expect in an election year.
Irish Minister of State of Agriculture, Noel Grealish was in New Zealand recently for an official visit.
While not all sibling rivalries come to blows, one headline event at the recent New Zealand Rural Games held in Palmerston North certainly did, when reigning World Champion Jack Jordan was denied the opportunity of defending his world title in Europe later this year, after being beaten by his big brother’s superior axle blows, at the Stihl Timbersports Nationals.
AgriZeroNZ has invested $5.1 million in Australian company Rumin8 to accelerate development of its methane-reducing products for cattle and bring them to New Zealand.
Farmers want more direct, accurate information about both fuel and fertiliser supply.
A bull on a freight plane sounds like the start of a joke, but for Ian Bryant, it is a fond memory of days gone by.

OPINION: If you ask this old mutt, the choice at the next election isn't shaping up as a contest of…
OPINION: A mate of yours says we're long overdue for a reckoning on what value farmers really get for the…