FutureAg Melbourne Postponed Amid Global Farm Pressures
With mounting pressure on Australian farmers, driven by the increasingly fluid global uncertainty, the organisers of 'FutureAg powered by Agritechnica' have postponed the Melbourne event.
This Fieldays will see the arrival of a much awaited tractor from Case IH -- the new Puma 4B series.
Existing Puma models already having a good reputation with larger farmers and contractors for delivering efficient power, reliability and operator comfort.
The new 4B series will offer significant improvements and refinements, and "will set the benchmark for other manufacturers to follow," says NZ operations manager Case IH, Tim Fanning.
The most noticeable visual difference is the new roof cap which sports 360 degree LED surround lights and the overall family look of the Magnum and Optum ranges. At the front of the cab a single-piece front screen gives unhindered forward visibility which should prove a favourite with operators.
Inside the cabin greater comfort is offered with a new Grammar Maximo Evolution semi-active leather clad seat, with a novel sideways-sliding backrest for added support, which cleverly moves out of the users' way when he looks over the shoulder to inspect work or hook up implements.
For easier control of repetitive field tasks, the headland management control (HMC II) can be used to record or edit sequences during work or while stationary, and offers 12 'triggers' to start the next step in a sequence such as time, distance, hitch position, PTO or shuttle movement. Control is via the PRO700 touch screen which is ISOBUS 3 compatible and allows control of all the tractor's key functions.
As the name suggests, a key change to the machine centres on the 6.75L FPT engine, upgraded to meet Tier 4B /Final emission regulations. This is achieved by using the Hi-SCR system (DEF only) which removes the need for any energy sapping exhaust gas recirculation or diesel particulate filters (DPF). The company claims the set-up results in a cleaner burning and more powerful engine, with lower fuel consumption and an industry leading 600 hour service interval.
NZ customers will be able to choose a Classic or Ultimate level of specification, and full powershift or CVT transmissions according to operating requirements or personal preference.
A new joint investment of $1.2 million aims to accelerate farmer uptake of low-methane sheep genetics, one of the few emissions reduction tools available to New Zealand farmers.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has issued a stark warning about the global implications of the ongoing Gulf crisis.
Fonterra has announced interim changes to the leadership of its Global Ingredients business.
New Zealand agritech company Halter has announced unveiled a new direct-to-satellite technology solution for its smart collars for beef cattle, unlocking virtual fencing for some of the country's most remote farming regions.
Dairy Women's Network (DWN) has announced a new limited edition DWN Monopoly NZ Dairy Farming Edition, created to celebrate the people, places and seasons.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) and Federated Farmers say they welcome the announcement last week that the Government will increase the conveyance allowance by 30%.

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