GEA unveils DairyRobot milking system at Fieldays
New Zealand farmers get their first opportunity to experience the future of pasture-based dairy automation in action this week at the National Fieldays.
Milking sheds have since April been more colourful, says GEA, with its FIL Active teat conditioner packaged in ‘vibrant pink’ drums.
It’s a sign of the company’s support of the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.
Marketing manager Sarah Buchanan says “breast cancer awareness is a natural fit with our teat and udder health, and allows people to show their support for those affected by cancer in choosing to buy a pink drum”.
“From a practical point of view, farmers choosing Active teat conditioner over other products are buying into a better teat care programme.”
FIL products are formulated inhouse and designed to restore teat health; they contain skincare ingredients more commonly used in high-quality cosmetics to hydrate, soften and soothe delicate human skin.
These include Allantoin, an active moisturiser with skin rejuvenation properties; aloe vera, a moisturising agent rich in antioxidants and minerals essential for restoring the condition of stressed teats; and manuka honey that aids skin regeneration, repairs cellular damage and helps keep skin hydrated.
All products are certified for use in organic dairies.
“Farmer response to GEA’s FIL ‘Think Pink’ campaign has been incredibly positive,” says Buchanan.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.