Diet mixer for big herds
Kongskilde has launched heavy duty transmission for its large complete diet mixers, citing larger dairy herds, longer mixing times and its success with its Mix+ concept.
A new sward scanner soon to be launched by Agrointelli (a spin-off from Kongskilde) produces data usable in variable-rate fertiliser plans.
The Clover Cam camera fits any tractor, attaching about 1m above the crop. There it differentiates between clover, grass and weeds during paddock surveys – the key to variable-rate fertiliser plans whereby products are applied selectively rather than ‘blanketed’ over the ground.
The main benefit is increased grass yields.
Control is via a cab-mounted box; the mapping software is supplied by the developer. Ten units are now in final testing, pending commercial launch, the company says.
Meanwhile, Kongskilde’s Robotti multipurpose autonomous tool carrier is available in 1.5m and 3m working widths, fitting most 3m implements on the market without modification.
Capable of drilling, weeding and spraying, the Robotti operates using a RTK signal from any GPS software; this is defined as ‘supervised autonomy’, whereby once a paddock is mapped the navigation planner will work out the most efficient route to do the job.
The user can still control the unit via a tablet and drive it manually for loading on trailers for transport.
Power comes from two 24hp Kubota 3-cylinder engines mounted on either wing, with the option of electric power in the wings for the future.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.