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.
Farmers who used new genomic technology from their cooperative, LIC, in 2008 and 2009 will shortly receive a credit for the premium they paid for the product in those two years.
LIC general manager genetics, Peter Gatley, says the credit is a gesture to the farmers "who came with us as early adopters of a technology poised to advance genetic gain more than any other in the history of dairying".
"Data collected from our Sire Proving herds indicates that the Breeding Worth averages of the 'DNA Proven' sire teams used in 2008 and 2009 were lower than originally estimated. This observation is very much in line with international experience, and we now have appropriate adjustments in place, but we can't turn back the clock on the estimates we provided for the 2008 and 2009 teams.
"The average of all DNA Proven inseminations has delivered a modest advantage over the traditional alternative, so the rate of genetic gain has been maintained, but the result is well short of our original prediction. The credit is a gesture of appreciation for the support of our early adopters who paid a premium for the service."
The value of the credit is estimated to total $4.7 million and will be processed in March 2012.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the relationship between New Zealand and the US will remain strong and enduring irrespective of changing administrations.
More than 200 people turned out on Thursday, November 21 to see what progress has been made on one of NZ's biggest and most comprehensive agriculture research programmes on regenerative agriculture.
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) says securing more China label registrations and developing its own nutritional manufacturing capability are high on its agenda.
Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo being once again hosted in Wairoa in February.
As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make an early November dash to Bologna to the 46th EIMA exhibition.
The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.
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.