Kilter AX-1: First Autonomous Weeding Robot Lands in NZ
Claimed to be the first autonomous robot for New Zealand vegetables growers, the first Kilter AX-1 unit has arrived in the country.
The first Croplands sprayers made their way into New Zealand’s apple orchards nearly 50 years ago.
Over the years, the company has evolved into a business that offers New Zealand and Australian farmers and growers the tools to cover any crops.
As a subsidiary of crop protection company Nufarm, Croplands has access to crop protection specialists with deep understanding of chemicals and their requirements for application.
This connection allows it to provide growers a unique approach to selecting and achieving the best outcome with their sprayers.
Designed and built to deal with New Zealand’s tough and varying terrain, Croplands says its spray equipment gives its users the confidence to take on pass after pass and row after row saving time, reducing costs and maximising productivity.
With an extensive range from knapsacks to self-propelled sprayers, a recently introduced range of 3-point linkage sprayers add durability and several unique features. This includes keeping the weight as close as possible to the rear wheels to optimise load-carrying potential, improve stability and ensure the safety of the operator.
Standard features across the linkage range include robust hot-dipped galvanised frames, UV-stabilised tanks, 80L/min PTO pump.
This is rear-mounted – meaning a longer PTO drive shaft to allow shallower universal joint angles.
This range of sprayers also includes a flush tank and Airmix, low-drift, air-induction nozzles.
Tank sizes range from 300 to 1600 litres and booms are available from 4 to 24 metres.
South of the central Hawke’s Bay town of Waipukurau is Taniwha Station – a highly successful 550ha bull beef farming operation.
Beef + Lamb NZ funded research has shown that some simple changes to pasture management could help farmers make better use of rainfall and build resilience before dry conditions hit.
OPINION: There could hardly be a more appropriate theme for a conference than the one chosen by the red meat sector - Navigating Volatility.
When Northland leather worker Vernon Suckling started making horse saddles 50 years ago, quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles were unheard of.
Alliance Group has confirmed that eligible farmer-shareholders who supply and continue to back the business will receive up to $20 million later this year, following the strategic investment partnership with Dawn Meats.
With a general election under five weeks away, Rural News is asking major political parties about their policies and positions on key issues facing the primary sector. We will run their responses to each question over the next four weeks. The ACT Party and the Greens didn't respond in time.