Mystery Creek Upgrade: 15-Year Infrastructure Plan Unveiled for National Fieldays Venue
The venue for National Fieldays, the Southern Hemisphere's largest agribusiness show, is getting a major infrastructure upgrade.
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.
Technology and the use of artificial intelligence are increasingly part of life, both on the farm and off it.
Ashleigh Gordon and Leilani Lobb have been named as the two finalists for Dairy Women's Network's (DWN) 2026 Regional Leader of the Year Award.
Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) says the approval of a new fungicide seed treatment is a positive, however growers will be hoping the final approval is completed ahead of the spring season.
North Canterbury farmer Adam Williamson has been appointed DairyNZ's associate director for 2026-27.
Fonterra farmers are set for a multi-billion-dollar payout this week.
The 2026 Holstein Friesian NZ Young Breeders Development Programme is off to a strong start, with this year's intake coming together for their first event on March 18 and 19.

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