New farm transport

Farming just got a little bit easier with the release of a self-steering tractor, and Wairarapa Farm Machinery has sold its very first one, the most hi-tech tractor in the region.

Owner of Wairarapa Farm Machinery Tony Candy says the John Deere tractor has a satellite guidance system and automatic steering, so farmers can programme in a track and drive it hands-free.

"It's probably the most advanced John Deere system in the country. It picks up satellite signals and it also has a telematic system which means you can go on the net and see how the tractor is performing and also how many hours it's done."

The tractor is worth about $215,000, and the system can cost from $4000 to about $20,000 "depending on what you want to achieve", but Tony says the system is cost-saving.

"It's cost-saving because you're not overlapping like you often do when you're driving it by eye.

"You can programme in a line and the tractor will do it without you having to use your hands, so it means you can drive the tractor to its full potential. It basically drives itself and it means you get much better accuracy."

Tony held a demonstration day on Tuesday last week at Tauton Farm, Masterton, where farmers, including the first Wairarapa owner of the machine, Bruce Candy, had a chance to test the system.

"'I don't know much about it yet, but I've been able to test drive it and it's basically driving a tractor without having to drive it. It's pretty unique and will make things a bit easier," Bruce says.