Drones, AI making cattle counting a dream
PGG Wrightson has launched a new stock-counting service using drones and Artificial Intelligence (AI), which it says removes all the hassle for farmers, while achieving 99.9% accuracy.
ISOBUS gives Hardi Navigator trailed sprayers automatic compatibility with the tractor and its on-board systems.
Most farmers will have heard about the commonly referred to “ISO”, the ISOBUS Communication Protocol, which is familiar to the technology that provides a universal connection between tractors and implements from different manufacturers.
ISO is also an option on the Hardi Navigator range of trailed sprayers that offers 3,000 to 6,000 litre tank capacities and 18 metre to 36.5 metre boom widths.
ISOBUS gives the Navigator automatic compatibility with the existing tractor and its on-board systems – meaning there is no need to invest in any special terminal, displays or controls.
More importantly, it means the user doesn’t have to learn the functions of another operating system, just use the Navigator via the tractor platform they are familiar with.
“It also saves a lot of tedious sprayer set-up and calibration work with no risk of running into installation or interface problems,” says HARDI’s NZ territory manager, Ross Dickson. “It’s a ‘plug and spray’ solution.”
For tractors not fitted with a guidance system, the HC8600 and HC9600 systems have been specially developed for agricultural use and provide perfect integration with the machine’s spray functions. Featuring 8.4-inch and 12.1-inch colour screens respectively, both provide access to a full range of ISOBUS and spraying functions from the main screen.
These include including guidance, autosteer and auto section control, plus information on application rate, tank contents, boom height, spraying speed and data capture.
“Designed as a high quality, high capacity sprayer that’s very user friendly, Navigator is, without a doubt, the most popular Hardi sprayer,” Dickson adds. “The ISOBUS connection fits right in with this concept by adding even more value to the machine.”
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that events over the last few weeks have highlighted the importance of a strong biosecurity system.
In its submission on proposed amendments to the Biosecurity Act, DairyNZ says its levy-paying members invested more than $60 million across the biosecurity system last year, through multiple biosecurity levies across several entities and legislative frameworks to collect this funding.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has received 136 submissions on proposed amendments to the Biosecurity Act.
Nick Beeby has been appointed as the new chief executive of the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).
Global beef supply will contract this year for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Rabobank.
Changes to migrant visa settings announced last month should take a lot of pressure off farmers in the new season, says Federated Farmers immigration spokesman Richard McIntyre.