Editorial: Agri's mojo is back
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.
Attention to the details of dairy shed infrastructure can improve a farm's bottom line.
For example, Longveld's Dairy Hot Water – a gas water heating system – can save a farmer almost 50% of shed water heating costs.
The system quickly heats the water just before it is required, removing the need for multiple water cylinders and dealing to the inconvenience of power shortages, but still providing any amount of hot water 24/7.
The firm's second generation gas system, called Longveld Stack, has all the benefits of gas water heating in a package that also addresses food security, safety and space-saving.
The Stack has a water cylinder and dump tank mounted one over the other in a compact footprint; sizes range from about 1m diameter for a 400L supply to 1.25m diameter for a 1000L supply.
Longveld managing director Pam Roa says the removal of pipework between the cylinder and dump tank, and the ability of the components to be independently rotated, mean the Stack suits any configuration of shed and takes up minimal space.
"Chemical dosing is through a lockable access-way which makes the unit tamper resistant, increasing food security, health and safety, and preventing entry of rodents and birds into the dump tank. The cylinder is fabricated from 2205 stainless which will last the lifetime of your shed."
A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.
Funding is proving crucial for predator control despite a broken model reliant on the goodwill of volunteers.
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
We're working through it, and we'll get to it.
The debate around New Zealand's future in the Paris Agreement is heating up.
A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.