Feed pad with rubber matting hailed as game changer
For Otago farmers Michelle and Rogan Borrie, a newly constructed feed pad on one of their three farms has been a game changer.
Having walked away with a Fieldays Innovation Award and a useful cheque back in June, Springarm Products has recently signed a sole marketing agreement with Dannevirkebased Metalform.
Probably best known for its Tow and Fert system, the company will sell the clever product to farmers, landowners and lifestylers, who will recount many tales of dealing with broken water trough valves, caused by all types of livestock.
In the case of the Springarm, as the name suggests, an integral spring in the float arm deflects rather than breaking, saving water, time, money and frustration. It was conceived by farm manager Ric Awburn while he was standing at an empty trough one evening watching the cows nudging the ballcock and ultimately snapping the arm. He thought, “if only the arm could give a little”.
Fast forward to two years later to a durable and reliable ballcock arm that is easy to install on all types of valves and a savior to all livestock owners.
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.