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.
Camera imagery technology to get data on cows may soon be available on farm.
LIC Automation says it is trialling and early results are encouraging.
The co-op's automation chief executive Paul Whiston says data obtained from cows via camera imagery can be added to the herd recording service Minda.
"We hope to release the new technology at the National Fieldays; the LIC stand will be busy this year," he told Dairy News.
LIC Automation was formed in June 2015 following the co-op's takeover of milk sensor technology firm Dairy Automation Ltd in February 2014 and a decision to merge it with the co-op's automation business Protrack.
LIC Automation makes integrated and innovative systems, aimed at improving productivity onfarm, says Whiston. It recently bought 75% of Beacon Heat Detectors Pty Ltd, Australia, a maker of heat patches to help farmers identify cows on heat.
Fonterra’s board has been reduced to nine - comprising six farmer-elected and three appointed directors.
Five hunting-related shootings this year is prompting a call to review firearm safety training for licencing.
The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.
Fonterra shareholders are concerned with a further decline in the co-op’s share of milk collected in New Zealand.
A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.
Free workshops focused on managing risk in sharefarming got underway last week.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.