Government invests $8 million in LIC methane research to reduce dairy emissions
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
After forty years working as an AI technician for Livestock Improvement Co, Alex Macmillan (81) now farms beef cattle at Pipiwai, Northland.
He got frustrated with the quality of plastic spring loaded handles used to set electric fence tapes across gateways and farm races, so he decided to come up with something better -- the Lomacs gateway hinge spring launched at National Fieldays.
Alex’s son, Michael Macmillan, says the product is “unlike anything else on the market”.
“We have lots of interest from farmers in coastal areas who are tired of replacing their gate components every couple of years because of rust. We’ve also had interest from Tasmania and Victoria,” he said.
The unit has a 316 marine grade stainless steel body holding the spring mechanism, protecting it from dirt, dung and other contaminants.
The mechanism keeps the tape under constant tension, with the added benefit of allowing it to swivel in response to deflection by animals.
The insulated mounting is fastened securely to the post by four screws or nails. It has a pivot bolt to which the electrical feed can be secured.
The unit’s high-grade components prevent rust to it outlives less expensive plastic items by many years. And whereas the plastic ones deteriorate in UV light, these don’t. Neither do they get smashed by cattle, people and vehicles. Price $32.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) says it is backing aspiring dairy farmers through a new initiative designed to make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking easier.