Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
Austrian grassland, cultivation and seeding manufacturer Pöttinger has added to its product portfolio for arable farming – with the acquisition of Italian manufacturer MaterMacc Spa.
This will expand the company’s existing range of seed drills to now include precision seeding technology.
Based in San Vito al Tagliamento, in northern Italy, MaterMacc Spa is known for precision, mechanical and pneumatic seeding technology, chopping machinery and other OEM components.
Pottinger says the Italian manufacturer’s product range, passion for agriculture, location and – above all – workforce complements and shows many parallels to its family- owned business. It adds that the addition follows Pöttinger’s focus on finding new technologies for its established markets, while at the same time further developing existing technologies.
MaterMacc currently employs around 80 staff who – along with the factory premises – will all be retained for continuity, knowledge and experience. In the shortterm, the sales, service and spare parts networks supply will remain the same. However, it is assumed that Pöttinger will contribute its distribution expertise to make the combined product supply chain more efficient.
In other Pottinger news, the recently released MERGENTO VT 9220 belt merger was voted FARM MACHINE 2023- Forage Harvesting, at the recent SIMA Exhibition in Paris.
Awarded by a panel of experienced, trade journalists working for farm magazines, the jury praised the action of how MERGENTO collects the forage cleanly using the pick-up, while leaving dirt and stones on the ground, then cross-conveyor belts to transport the forage and deliver it into a wellformed swath.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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