Partnership to help boost genetics, data crunching
Two agritech companies have joined forces to help eliminate manual entry and save farmer time.
Darrell Jones has been appointed national sales manager of Gallagher Group's New Zealand animal management team. He has worked 14 years with the company.
He started in 2001 as a territory manager for Bay of Plenty and South Waikato, and became regional sales and key account manager in 2013.
The company says Jones sees enduring partnerships as critical to the animal management division's success.
He knows that long term relationships with customers cannot be taken for granted. "Trust is a long time earned but can be lost overnight, so we strive to act integrity and respect every day," Jones says.
Despite the effect of the Global Dairy Trade price index on the rural economy, Jones remains positive.
"It's definitely not all doom and gloom. Three regional field days have clearly shown that other farming sectors are performing well.
"We also showcased our Flashmate heat detection device to the dairy market, highlighting the financial benefits to farmers in tough times."
On the edge of the hot, dry Takapau plains, Norm and Del Atkins have cultivated a small but exceptional herd of 60 Holstein Friesian cows within their mixed breed herd of 360 dairy cows.
The DairyNZ board and management are currently trying to determine whether, and to what degree, their farmer levy payers will support any increase in their levy contributions.
Milk production is up nationally, despite drought conditions beginning to bite in some districts, according to the latest update from Fonterra.
Dry conditions are widespread but worse in some places, with rain and drought affecting farms just a few kilometres away.
The Government's plan to merge the seven crown institutes presents exciting possibilities for plant technology company Grasslanz Technology, says chief executive Megan Skiffington.
Agribusiness leader Rob Hewett is the new chair of listed carpet maker Bremworth.
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