Breakthrough in Facial Eczema research offers hope for New Zealand farmers
A breakthrough in the understanding of Facial Eczema (FE) in livestock could bring New Zealand closer to reducing the disease’s impact.
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.
Australian dairy farmers supplying Fonterra are getting an opening weighted average milk price of A$8.60/kgMS for the new season or around NZ$9.26/kgMS - NZ74c less than New Zealand suppliers, based on the current exchange rate.
Taranaki veterinarian Dr Rob Mills is the new president of New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA).
Input costs can make or break a season for farmers and electricity is one of the largest expenses.
Zespri says global sales for the 2024-25 season topped $5 billion on the back of strong demand and market returns.
Massey University is returning to the Fieldays with a future-focused, solution-driven theme, showcasing research that delivers practical advancements in agricultural efficiency, sustainability and longevity.
Newly appointed National Fieldays chief executive Richard Lindroos says his team is ready, excited and looking forward to delivering the four-day event next month.