Massey Ferguson 5M Series Gains Ground in NZ’s 95–145hp Utility Tractor Market
Since its official release to the New Zealand market in July 2025, the Massey Ferguson 5M Series has steadily solidified its position.
Massey Ferguson has announced the extension of their longterm brand partnership with rugby union icon Sam Whitelock as their brand ambassador for New Zealand, extending the role he has held since 2019 through to March 2025.
Said to share the same values and passion for agriculture as the iconic farm machinery brand, Whitelock embodies the ‘Born to Farm’ spirit.
“So we’re excited to continue our partnership with Sam, who is a bona fide champion on the field with an impressive track record,” says Haydn Reeves, senior manager – marketing, Massey Ferguson Australia, New Zealand and Far East. “Not only an on-field champion, Sam Whitelock is highly regarded off the playing field as someone who has a strong passion for farming and the rural community in general.”
Regarded as one of the greats of New Zealand Super Rugby, having played in three Rugby World Cups and with over 138 Test caps to his name, Whitelock’s impressive list of global achievements include being the youngest New Zealander in history to reach 100 tests, a key member of the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cupwinning teams, the 2nd most capped player in history and the record as the fastest player ever to reach 100 international appearances.
As a third-generation dairy farmer from the Manawatu region, farming is in the blood, with a strong connection to the land and a leadby- example mentality, Whitelock aligns with the values of Massey Ferguson, embodying the brand’s hard work, reliability and commitment to the task ahead.
Whitelock is an upstanding leader who is honest and dedicated to giving his all.
His commitment to giving back to the farming community is evidenced by his involvement with Farm Strong, a notfor- profit organisation focused on providing farmers with the skills and resources needed to live well and keep well.
In his role as brand ambassador for Massey Ferguson, Whitelock will feature in media campaigns and promotional events throughout the duration of his ambassadorship, allowing the Kiwi farming community to have an opportunity to connect with one of the country’s national icons through a shared love of the land.
Matt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the Beef +Lamb NZ Board as a farmer director.
Ravensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days Farm Innovation Awards in February 2026.
While mariners may recognise a “dog watch” as a two-hour shift on a ship, the Good Dog Work Watch is quite a different concept and the clever creation of Southland siblings Grace (9) and Archer Brown (7), both pupils at Riverton Primary School.
Philip and Lyneyre Hooper of the Hoopman Family Trust have tonight been named the Taranaki Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
We are not a bunch of sky cowboys. That was one of the key messages from the chairperson of the NZ Agricultural Aviation Association (NZAAA) Kent Weir, speaking at an education day at Feilding aerodrome for 25 policymakers and regulators from central and local government and other rural professionals.
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.

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