How AI and Wearable Tech Are Transforming NZ Dairy Farming Decisions
Technology and the use of artificial intelligence are increasingly part of life, both on the farm and off it.
DairyNZ's Tactics campaign continues to support farmers through field days which will be underway in September and October.
These Tactics for Spring events will help farmers extract maximum value from their pasture.
"Pasture First is a message we are promoting with farmers. Our research shows pasture drives in excess of 85% profit for most farms at a $7/kgMS milk price, but 98% at a $4/kgMS milk price. So it makes sense to get our focus clearly set on managing this important feed source well – we've got to make the most of it, particularly this spring," says DairyNZ Chief Executive Tim Mackle.
"While increasing revenue is important, it's even more important to keep hold of as much of it as possible. This means running a tight budget.
"Following on from the huge interest in this area last year, farms with a low cost of production have opened their books once again and revealed their 2016/17 budgets – enabling other farmers to improve their own business, by comparing themselves.
"It's this information sharing which is so important and we will continue to work with our farmers to get through the low milk price cycle."
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.
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