Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
Effluent application specialists, Vogelsang has partnered with Danish firm BioCover to launch its new SyreN acid-dosing system.
The system acts to treat slurry and digestate with sulphuric acid during application in the paddock, which Vogelsang claims results in higher yields, greater conversion of ammonia to ammonium, and increased nitrogen availability for crops.
Acid is stored in an 850-litre, double-walled IBC tank mounted to the tractor’s front linkage, with two additional secondary tanks situated alongside, for additive and water storage.
The layout offers a closed system that is operator-safe, using special couplings and a no-spill design to ensure no operator contact is ever made with the acid.
In operation, a pump system feeds the sulphuric acid from the IBC into the mixer, where it is combined with the slurry, while a pH sensor box constantly monitors and adjusts the amount of acid that is added, ensuring that it stays within an optimum range.
The company suggests that the greatest conversion of ammonia to ammonium takes place at a pH level of 6. The full system, including the front tank, pump, mixer and pH sensor can be retrofitted to any tractor, and comes with a price-tag of $165,000.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.