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Climatic changes, global conflict, political uncertainty, and high financial costs have put pressure on farm businesses worldwide, with demand for new machinery taking an impact.

When farm economics come into tractor choice, we take a look at one mixed farming enterprise finding the McCormick brand a viable alternative. James Huyton reports.

John Deere’s 5M could be the compact tractor of choice for livestock farms, with its design capabilities to work in yards and with integrated technologies for fieldwork. Toby Whatley put a range-topping 135hp 5130M on test.

How does a contractor thrive in a competitive area? Jane Carley reports on a Cornish business that offers a forage wagon service as an alternative to a forager.

A Hampshire grower has added a third John Deere 9900i to its fleet to make the most of a short harvesting window for whole-crop forage. Geoff Ashcroft caught up with the team mid-way through its 1,820 hectare harvest.

Does simultaneous maize and inter-row grass planting provide for a better establishment of both crops with significant cost savings? Toby Whatley reports

While square bales are beginning to dominate the landscape in many areas, round balers still have their place, and the application of tech makes them more versatile. Jane Carley reports.

When the job calls for two people and the terrain is not suitable for a 4x4, utility vehicles have come into their own. But the latest updates to ‘two-up’ quad bikes from Polaris widen the choices available.

Looking for operational flexibility with wholecrop forage, Somerset contractors Butt Brothers have opted for a folding Marangon direct cut header with their 911hp New Holland FR920 forager. Geoff Ashcroft reports.