NEWS
HORT NEWS
Christmas comes early.
Narrow tractors ideal for orchards. PAGE 15
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OPINION Our heifers don’t deserve the climate blame. PAGE 17
TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS DECEMBER 2, 2025: ISSUE 840
www.ruralnews.co.nz
3G network warning SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
AS THE clock ticks towards 3G mobile network shutdown, farmers are being warned to upgrade or risk losing connection to their supply chain. Mobile operators are retiring their 3G networks over the next few months, making room for more advanced technologies like 4G and 5G service. Last month, tractor and machinery giant CNH Industrial, which owns the
Case IH and New Holland brands, urged customers to act quickly to avoid any disruptions from the move. The company warned farmers that once the 3G network shuts down and 4G connectivity isn’t available within the machine’s modem, all functions, which are reliant on the connectivity, will go dark. A spokesperson for Rural Contractors NZ told Rural News that its members would likely be well across
any issues arising from the closedown of the 3G network. “Machinery suppliers had been engaging with rural contractors over the last year or so, alerting them to the looming shutdown and helping upgrade or replace machinery reliant on the network.” Telecom Users Association of NZ chief executive Craig Young says it is important that everyone can stay connected. “Any devices that rely on 3G
technology will no longer work after the shutdown,” he told Rural News. “Many people may have checked their phones, but it’s important to also check other connected devices including machinery and sensors. “We encourage anyone who is unsure of whether their device is on 3G to check with their dealer or supplier to ensure it will work on 4G/5G or how to upgrade the device. Upgrading now, before the shutdown, will ensure
HIGH FLYER BEEF + LAMB NZ Eastern North Island farmer council member Bradley Wadsworth has been a professional motorcross rider, worked on farms in Western Australia, including a stint managing a million-acre cattle station in the outback, and snow boarded in Europe to name just a few of the things he’s packed into his 37 years. But he’s now back on the family farm in Wairarapa where he’s set up Skyfield Drones – a company dedicated to spraying chemicals and spreading fertiliser on farms with a large drone he’s bought and learned to fly. His mantra – helping smart farmers to farm smarter. Full story on page 10.
continuous service. If you’re not prepared, you risk losing connectivity.” Young says TUANZ has worked with various rural organisations to help share this important messaging, but it is likely there may still be a few people who have not heard the details. “Significant areas of rural NZ are serviced by the RCG towers which never had 3G, so customers in those areas will have already upgraded to 4G devices. There may only be patches or black spots.” So, despite making the switch to 4G or 5G networks, some rural areas may still be missing out on reliable connectivity. Precision Farming chief executive Chloe Walker says, like other technology providers, they have been working with farmers and contractors to upgrade to 4G-capable hardware. But Walker says the bigger issue is that 4G and 5G coverage in rural New Zealand is still patchy. “Even where farmers are ready and have made the switch, the network doesn’t always meet the operational reliability they need,” she told Rural News. Walker believes that the farming sector had reasonable notice, especially with the shutdown dates being pushed back. ❱❱ To page 4
Two days of exhibits, demonstrations & seminars for East Coast sheep & beef farmers
C onne ct ing East C oast Far m ers Farming Expo East Coast
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18-19 February 2025 Wairoa Racecourse
eastcoastexpo.co.nz