Southland’s Hughes Contracting expands Case IH fleet

Southland’s Hughes Contracting Expands Case IH Fleet

Hughes Contracting celebrates its 40th anniversary in Southland with the addition of new Case IH Optum 300 tractors, reinforcing a tradition of reliability and high performance. The Optum Series is currently available in New Zealand in horsepower options of 250, 270, 300, and 400, and is set for expansion with three new models: the 360, 390, and 440.

New Features for the Optum Series

Case IH has introduced a new 3-metre centre set-up for the Optum range, designed specifically for growers practicing Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF).

Innovative Grain Harvesting Equipment

Case IH unveiled the G500V VariCut variable knife grain headers for its Axial-Flow combine harvesters, featuring enhancements aimed at improving performance and reducing operator workload.

Expansion of the Puma Range

The company is expanding its popular Puma series in New Zealand, launching a new model during Fieldays.

Community Initiatives and Partnerships

Case IH has formed a new partnership with Meet the Need, a grassroots, farmer-led charity addressing food insecurity across New Zealand. Additionally, Fonterra, in collaboration with Growing Future Farmers, is increasing support for young people entering the dairy industry through a two-year program.

Policy and Economic Developments

In a significant policy shift, wage theft is now classified as a criminal offense, extending beyond civil penalties. A critical opinion emphasizes the urgent need for the government to resolve consenting issues faced by farmers nationwide.

Case IH continues to innovate and expand in New Zealand, supporting farmers with new equipment, strategic partnerships, and responding to policy challenges.

Author's summary: The article highlights Case IH's ongoing growth in New Zealand through new machinery, strategic alliances, and industry support initiatives, amid policy and economic changes impacting the agricultural sector.

Rural News Group — 2025-11-06