Grape Days 2026: AI Adoption and Vineyard Research Insights
Generative AI in the workplace, trials in the field, and industry-relevant research took centre stage at this year’s Grape Days events in Central Otago, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough.
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
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on household grocery budgets, new figures show pork remains one of the most affordable fresh meat options for New Zealand families.
OPINION: In politics, credibility is and should be big. It must surely rank higher than charisma, which is quite trite and superficial. Yet, voters nowadays are often wooed and influenced by how someone looks or talks at a superficial level. TV plays a huge role in this.
Farmers can spend less time on paperwork, thanks to a new data sharing agreement between DairyNZ’s DairyBase and LIC’s MINDA software.
Kaikōura families affected by July's severe storm have found a practical solution to a problem that's kept some children away from regular schooling for weeks: a washed-out section of Inland Kaikōura Road, which has stopped the local school bus from running its usual route.
Rural New Zealand is welcoming the Government’s recent package of rural healthcare initiatives.
Interest in agritech and production animal systems has prompted Massey University's School of Agriculture and the Environment to new majors to its popular animal science degree.