When Tammy and Ben Brownless bought their family’s business, Marsh Contracting, last year, one of the first steps they took was to consolidate and update their equipment fleet. They considered a number of options, and ultimately decided Power Farming’s package of high-performance machinery, financing, extended warranties and guaranteed buybacks was the best way forward.

Trappers are all too familiar with the time-intensive task of checking traps and replacing bait. But thanks to fully automated traps like the AT220, this is changing.

The team at New Zealand AutoTraps are pioneering what it means to be pest trappers in 2023. Having developed the AT220, a fully self-resetting possum and rat trap, means less trap checking and more pest catching.

The company’s operation manager, Haydn Steel, explains how important it is for pest tech to continue evolving.

“In the present climate of funding restrictions and labour shortages, innovation and automation are key so that existing and new groups can control pests in the most efficient manner possible.”

Reinforcing Deutz-Fahr’s core product offering and diverse range is the all-new Series 6C. In designing and developing this new product offering, Deutz-Fahr wanted to create a product that could be configured in a number of variants, targeting the diverse applications and customer requirements of a tractor of this size. The new 6C range spans 115 – 135 HP and is the latest product to feature in their ever-expanding mid-range line-up. This model sits above New Zealand’s current 5 series product offering, as a heavier duty 4 cylinder tractor with a range of new features and functions.

The summer campaign against fatigue run by Rural Contractors NZ was  being refreshed in time for those working on the autumn maize crop. RCNZ CEO Andrew Olsen says there’s been great feedback on the campaign which was fronted by veteran rural contractor Steve Murray.

Farming today is about more than just tending to crops and livestock; it is about making strategic decisions that drive productivity and profitability. With an ever-growing focus on sustainability, precision farming, and efficiency, the right tools can make all the difference. The Kverneland iXtra LiFe front tank is a solution that enhances efficiency in row crop fertilisation, offering farmers greater precision, reduced waste, and a smarter approach to nutrient management.

Efficient spraying is critical for securing both yield and quality while ensuring environmental protection. Precision application of fertiliser plays a major role in this process, allowing farmers to optimise input usage and ensure crops receive the best possible care. The iXtra LiFe front tank takes this a step further by integrating seamlessly with existing farm equipment, offering a versatile and cost-effective approach to liquid fertilisation.

The Cirrus trailed cultivator drill is a pneumatic seed drill characterised by its superb, precise working performance in conventional and mulch sowing. With various models, in working widths from 3 to 6 metres and hopper sizes from 3,000 to 4,000 litres, the Cirrus offers maximum flexibility and manoeuvrability with any tractor due to the telescopic drawbar. The low pulling power requirement also makes it possible to use smaller tractors, and the convenient hose rail makes it easier to hitch up all the hydraulic and electronic connections.

Amazone Product Business Manager Murray Tuck says Landpower | Claas Harvest Centre sales focus on the 4000 & 6000 models that work for medium to large scale cultivation. The 4003-2 and 2C models are just the right size for many medium-sized farmers and contractors, offering a four-metre working width, larger hopper capacity, and narrow folded transport width. Whilst the Cirrus 6000 range, with a working width of 6 metres, has row spacing options of 125 to 167mm, perfect for large scale cultivation.

Challenge accepted!  Claas has responded to market demands with the new Night Edition for the continuously variable, ARION 660 CMATIC and the AXION 870 CMATIC tractor. 

The tractor has the most substantial emotional connection with the driver of all farm machines. After all, most drivers spend from a few hundred to over a thousand hours a year in the cab, so opportunities for a premium driver package are becoming increasingly important for driver wellbeing, and for identifying 'their' tractor.

The catchphrase for these special limited-edition models is 'Strong on performance, design and price’.

Advances in precision agriculture technology continue to shape the future of the industry, presenting new opportunities for farmers to produce more while using fewer resources. As pressures mount to increase efficiency and optimise operations, solutions that enhance accuracy and streamline processes are becoming essential. Precision agriculture technologies provide critical resources to meet these challenges, offering real-world benefits that improve outcomes in the field.

PTx Trimble’s WM-FieldForm solution is one such tool that enables farmers to manage land more effectively, improving productivity over time.

Slugs continue to plague the industry as a major pest through the early establishment phase of newly sown crops. A slug bait is required to mitigate the risk of slugs attacking the crop; however not all slug baits are built the same.

Axcela, developed by Arxada, stands out from the rest. Manufactured via a unique wet-extrusion and gelatinised process in a dedicated, state of the art plant in Switzerland. Axcela combines the advantages of a specific mode of action with Meta® Metaldehyde as the active ingredient, combined with the latest formulation and production techniques - resulting in a pellet with the highest qualities, optimising slug and snail control under a wide range of growing conditions.

Clearing stones from paddocks is a tough but necessary task, one that needs to fit in between other jobs around the farm. For contractors and farmers alike, efficiency is key, and finding a machine that can reliably handle the job makes all the difference. The ELHO Scorpio 550 stone picker has become a valuable addition to farms and contracting businesses, proving its worth in challenging conditions.

With a fully hydraulic drive system, the Scorpio 550 operates smoothly and efficiently. It requires a hydraulic flow of 85 litres per minute, with an optimal working pressure between 110 and 150 bar. The machine is designed to run on a tractor’s standard dual-function hydraulic coupling, making it a straightforward attachment without requiring additional modifications. Its maximum continuous power use is 24 kW, and the tractor’s own cooling system ensures oil temperatures remain at an optimal level, preventing overheating during extended operation.

Rural Contractors NZ will kick off its 2025 roadshows in four centres in June and like the organisation’s conference, attendance will be largely free.

The RCNZ Board confirmed the dates and venues at its February meeting.

CEO Andrew Olsen says the first roadshow will be held at the Distinction Hotel in Hamilton on Tuesday June 17 with another the following day at Palmerston North’s Distinction Hotel. The following week sees roadshows at the Croydon Lodge in Gore on Tuesday June 24 and the following day at the Commodore Hotel in Christchurch.

He says the roadshows, which were initiated in 2022, provide RCNZ members with an alternative to attending the organisation’s now bi-annual conference.

When it comes to cultivation and seeding, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. The FarmChief Rollmax roller drill with air seeder has established itself as a game-changer for serious operators seeking large-scale output without compromising on precision.

With working widths from 4.3 metres up to 9.3 metres and a transport width of just 2.5 metres, this machine balances productivity with practicality. Designed for farmers who demand reliability and ease of use, the Rollmax delivers a fine tilth finish, thanks to its heavy-duty 620mm rings. These rings not only provide durability but also ensure a smooth, level finish without the risk of bulldozing.