With Christmas just around the corner, farmers thoughts will be on finding a gift for the domestic manager, the ankle-biters – and maybe a little prezzie for themselves.

John Deere is updating its lineup of 110 to 250hp 6R series cabbed tractors for 2019.

John Deere has introduced the new diesel Z994R Commercial ZTrak zero-turn mower, said to offer more performance and efficiency, and available in New Zealand from early 2019.

The latest 5G series from John Deere takes the tried-and-tested route: a wide range of formats for all horticultural and viticulture scenarios.

Snippets during the last few months about the new John Deere 9000 series SP harvesters no doubt originate in the ‘mothership’ and are disseminated by social media. 

John Deere is rolling out precision ag solutions and updated software for use on more brands and for expanding applications: they are the 4240 Universal Display, AutoTrac Universal 300 guidance solution and updated 18-2 Gen 4 software.

John Deere has announced several updates to its S-series headers for 2019, to improve performance, ride quality and small grain harvesting efficiency. 

In the northern hemisphere, John Deere has released details of its new R4050i self-propelled sprayer, with a new PowrSpray control system, a larger 5000L tank and an “ultra-lightweight but extremely strong” carbon-fibre boom.

Forage maize remains the crop most favoured for feeding cattle in Europe, but over the last 15 years, particularly in Germany, the maize worm or corn borer has become a major pest.

John Deere has allied with Kramer-Werke, a German materials handling gear maker, to distribute the latter’s products via the JD dealer network.