COVID-19: Ag tech lends a helping hand
The saying goes ‘when things get tough, the tough get going’ and this is happening here in New Zealand and further afield.
With new nitrogen fertiliser restrictions due to kick in during July 2021, with a target to apply less than 190 units N/ha, many farmers will be having a re-think on fertiliser application.
Tow and Fert, well known for its system of delivering nutrients in suspension as a foliar application, says its system is already reaping benefits for its customers, by increasing efficiency, reducing inputs, leaching and run-off and most importantly, growing more grass.
The latest introduction to the Tow and Fert family is the Multi 500 that the company says will help farmers reduce their nitrogen inputs significantly, helping them to become compliant with the new regulations.
Designed for smaller farms, those wanting to trial the system or perhaps requiring a smaller second machine, the Multi 500 is said to bring the technology of its larger siblings in an easy to use package.
Suitable for towing behind an ATV or UTV, the Multi 500 features a 500-litre tank, working in conjunction with an engine-driven, 2-inch Metalform stainless steel trash pump.
Typically, the set up can cover 3 –4ha in 20-25 minutes, at spreading widths of up to 10 metres, with the ability to dissolve 200kg of urea/DAP or keep 350kg of lime in suspension. The heavy-duty suspension uses galvanised steel throughout, houses the tank in a position to create a low centre of gravity, while wide, low pressure tyre equipment means the machine treads lightly.
Its compact size and light footprint means that it can be used immediately after the cows have left a paddock, while also offering the versatility of being able to mix and apply mag oxide several days in advance of grazing, or applying thistle control herbicides in combination with urea applications.
www.towandfert.co.nz
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Federated Farmers has called on Central Otago District Council (CODC) to drop or vote down a plan to truck sludge from Alexandra and Cromwell to farmland near Lauder, warning it would compound an "outrageous" situation created by a separate council's decision weeks earlier.
Synlait has swung to second-half profit as operations stabilise, but the dairy processor still posted a $75.4m annual loss.
LIC shareholders have elected a new North Island representative to the co-operative's Board, along with five representatives to its Shareholder Reference Group (SRG), following the company's Annual Meeting held in Invercargill.
Farmers across parts of Southland and South Otago are continuing to deal with difficult conditions after a prolonged run of wet weather, with pressure building around feed supply, stock management, pasture damage, farm infrastructure and everyday workloads.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.
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