Farming smarter with technology
The National Fieldays is an annual fixture in the farming calendar: it draws in thousands of farmers, contractors, and industry professionals from across the country.
Recently showcased in France and set for a wider release at the upcoming EIMA Show in Bologna, the latest New Holland T5 Dual Command tractor range offers five models from 80-117hp, all powered by FPT F36 3.6-litre four-cylinder engines.
The renewed T5 Dual Command comes with a broader rear tyre offering and a choice of front axles, including a standard unit for lighter work and narrow applications, or a new HD version for tractors expected to perform heavy loader work.
In addition, a SuperSteer option unique features a 76° steering angle to enhance manoeuvrability and productivity on tight headland turns, small fields and in farmyards.
With a 2.35m wheelbase, tractors fitted with the standard front axle see a 20% increase in steering capacity under load for faster turns, while the HD axle offers an increase in permissible gross vehicle weight to 7000kg.
When fitted with 38in rear tyres, T5s offer 480mm ground clearance, with an overall height below 2.67m, minimising crop damage risk and maximising building accessibility.
T5 Dual Command also gains a rear lift capacity boost of 7% to 4700kg, while a new 82 l/ min hydraulic pump provides 30% more hydraulic flow, for fast implement headland engagement and quick loader cycle times.
Transmission in the new T5 is the established Dual Command 24F/24R unit, with four speeds, three ranges and a twospeed powershift, plus electronic shuttle. A new auto differential lock and auto 4wd engagement simplifies headland turns, while a new maintenancefree, quieter, and easy to engage wet disc front PTO delivers more comfort and versatility.
Externally, the new tractors feature fresh styling with new front and side grilles, new decals and a new U-shaped exhaust is said to deliver unimpeded forward vision, while upgraded work lights and headlights, with an optional LED light package, enhance vision and safety in-field.
T5 DC tractors benefit from mechanical Comfort Ride cab suspension, for a smoother ride in field and on road, while also featuring a new digital instrument cluster with a revised design making information easier to read.
Increased demand for the precision farming technology seen in higher power models means the new T5s can be equipped with a full suite, including auto-guidance, the IntelliView 12 touchscreen terminal and ISOBUS Class 2 implement connection. Real-time data machine monitoring, including precise location and duty status, plus remote viewing of in-cab displays and visualization of agronomic data layers can be managed for numerous machine ranges through the New Holland Field Ops system.
Chinese textile company Saibosi has partnered with Wools of New Zealand to put the 'farm to floor' story of New Zealand wool rugs on screen for its customers.
Showcasing the huge range of new technologies and science that is now available was one of the highlights at last week's National Fieldays.
Coby Warmington, 29, a farm manager at Waima Topu Beef near Hokianga was named at the winner of the 2025 Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer Award for sheep and beef.
Northlanders scooped the pool at this year's prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy Awards - winning both the main competition and the young Maori farmer award.
Red meat farmers are urging the Government to act on the growing number of whole sheep and beef farm sales for conversion to forestry, particularly carbon farming.
The days of rising on-farm inflation and subdued farmgate prices are coming to an end for farmers, helping lift confidence.
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