PM opens new Power Farming facility
Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.
The latest Case IH Optum AFS Connect range features a new cab, interior and connectivity package designed to benefit both the operator and the owner.
Like the lineup it succeeds, the three models offer rated power outputs of 250hp, 270hp and 300hp, all mated to the Case IH CVXDrive continuously-variable transmission.
A new cabin offers 7.5% more interior space, with improved visibility created by 11% more glass, while noise levels drop to 66 decibels, helped in part by the premium materials now lining the cab.
Inside, the all-new Multicontroller armrest incorporates a new control lever with configurable buttons. Using the new, larger AFS Pro 1200 monitor at the armrest’s front, key controls on the Multicontroller and armrest can be customised to suit operator preference and the job in hand – including the function buttons and remote valve paddle switches.
ISOBUS-compatible, the touchscreen monitor with a high-resolution screen allows the operator to monitor all primary tractor functions, but also incorporates front and rear camera feeds, alongside controls to optimise the engine, transmission, hydraulics and PTO.
The new models are now equipped as standard with the Case IH AFS Connect telematics package, already seen on the Magnum, Steiger and Quadtrac models. This gives instant, two-way data transfer between tractor and online management portal with realtime machine monitoring.
Owners can monitor the location of their tractors, fuel levels and other key management and performance data. This helps them with machine logistics or seeing if a job has been completed. As data transfer is possible both ways, job instructions, application maps and other data can also be sent remotely to the tractor from the farm office PC – via the AFS Connect web portal.
Additionally, farmers can allow dealers to view the AFS screen display in real time, letting operating data to be checked and – if required – to suggest alternative settings or warn of early signs of faults.
From the operator’s seat, lowered rear fenders improve visibility, while the four-post cab with full-length doors also aids sight lines. Night visibility can be enhanced by LED road- and work-light packages with up to 14 lights in the roof – four in the front of the cab, two on the rear fenders and six in the bonnet.
A new pressurised climate control package, with more outlets for enhanced air distribution, features auto-zone control. Meanwhile, the high-spec seat incorporates lateral suspension, full cooling and heating capabilities and an upper swivelling backrest to monitor rear implements and when reversing.
Rural trader PGG Wrightson has revised its operating earnings guidance, saying trading conditions have deteriorated since the last market update in February.
It's been a bumper season for maize and other supplements in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Leading farmers from around New Zealand connected to share environmental stories and inspiration and build relationships at the Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) national forum in Wellington last month.
AgriZeroNZ, a joint venture fast-tracking emissions reduction tools for farmers, is pouring $5 million in a biotech company to develop a low emissions farm pasture with increased productivity gains.
Fonterra is teaming up with wealth app provider Sharesies to make it easier for its farmer shareholders to trade co-op shares among themselves.
Te Awamutu dairy farmers Doug, Penny, Josh and Bayley Storey have planted more than 25,000 native trees on the family farm, adding to a generations-old native forest.