Fencing smarts from the Emerald Isle
While a leading New Zealand brand seems to have a stranglehold on the local electric fencing market, a company from the Green Isle seems to be making significant inroads, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere.
A new energiser from Datamars Speedrite range claims to be the first “smart” electric fence unit, alongside an output of 46 joules.
The aptly named Speedrite 46R is said to be powerful enough to energise up to 460kms of electric fencing or “securing” a typical 260ha property. The unit gains its smart credentials by offering Wi-fi or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users out on the farm to switch the unit on or off remotely to deal with faults, or check status and output at any time via an app on a smart device or phone.
In the event of a power outage, the unit has a stored capacity of 68 joules, allowing security until power is restored. If and earthing issue should occur because of objects touching a live wire, output is automatically reduced to lower levels. Expect to pay a 5% premium over typical standard energisers in the range
On the eve of his departure from Federated Farmers board, Richard McIntyre is thanking farmers for their support and words of encouragement during his stint as a farmer advocate.
A project reducing strains and sprains on farm has won the Innovation category in the New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards 2025.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and other sector organisations, has launched a national survey to understand better the impact of facial eczema (FE) on farmers.
One of New Zealand's latest and largest agrivoltaics farm Te Herenga o Te Rā is delivering clean renewable energy while preserving the land's agricultural value for sheep grazing under the modules.
Global food company Nestle’s chair Paul Bulcke will step down at its next annual meeting in April 2026.
Brendan Attrill of Caiseal Trust in Taranaki has been announced as the 2025 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing and recipient of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the National Sustainability Showcase at in Wellington this evening.
OPINION: Last week, Greenpeace lit up Fonterra's Auckland headquarters with 'messages from the common people' - that the sector is…
OPINION: Once upon a time the Fieldays were for real farmers, salt of the earth people who thrived on hard…