Stihl Launches BT140, Its First Battery-Powered Auger
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
Dutch manufacturer Hanskamp, perhaps best known for its Cow Toilet that collects urine, has developed a mobile unit to automatically feed concentrates to individual dairy and beef cattle while they are out in the field.
The FeedStation Mobile is claimed to reduce feed costs, optimise milk and meat production, while also improving cow health.
Equipped with 4G internet connectivity and integrated solar panels, the system is controlled by the Dutch company’s Spider feeding computer, which can be linked to a management system for full integration, with the system recognising individual animals by RFID ear or neck transponders.
Easily moved to the paddock by a tractor or 4WD vehicle, the bulk storage hopper has a 2230 litre capacity and can be refilled by a front-end loader equipped tractor.
Brought to the field using a tractor or other 4wd vehicle, the Dutch manufacturer says the integrated 2230-litre hopper can be easily refilled using a tractor or loader.
Configured to allow two or four animals to feed at once, the system also offers the ability to feed two different rations, and can be connected to the power supply, allowing the station to be used all year round, indoors and outdoors.
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.