increase font size
Outer paddocks not connected to the national grid can be supplied water with the help of solar power.
The development of a solar powered pumping system has opened up possibilities for farmers looking for a guaranteed water supply to outlying areas of the farm, which are often not connected to the national grid.
This potential to bring areas into production, and increase stocking rates, has been developed over two years by Hawkes Bay based Isaacs Pumping and Electrical with help from the Callaghan Innovation Group.
The e-pump is fully automated, and takes tried and tested pump technology, and combines it with a circuit board based controller system to optimise the solar power being generated, whilst protecting the industrial spec continuous motor, all housed in a stainless steel protective cover. Power generation is achieved with a six panel set-up situated near the pumping equipment. The pump used has been around for 50 years, so is well proven, but users can specify a pump of choice if required, although the Isaacs preferred unit is able to tackle clean or dirty water.
The e-pump is able to deliver to a head of 120 metres at a rate of around 20 litres per minute during daylight hours, and large distances from point A to B can be achieved within the limitations of frictional losses within the delivery pipe.
As director Gavin Streeter explains, "The aim would be to pump to a header tank at the highest point, and allow gravity to take the water back down to the troughs and livestock".
As well as obvious interest from around NZ and Australia for the agricultural market, the company has also had requests for systems for hunting and tramping huts in remote locations, as well as enquiries from organisations providing development and aid assistance throughout the world.
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.
As electricity prices soar, farmers appear to be looking for alternative energy sources.
Installing 400 solar panels at their Taranaki piggery and cropping operation will have significant environmental, financial and animal welfare benefits for the Stanley family.
A recent study shows that the shift to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, has led to increased food prices and a decrease in agricultural output.
Adding solar power generation to the rural economy is picking up pace, with one of the country's leading solar generation companies announcing plans for another 150 GWh (gigawatt-hours) per year at three Canterbury sites.
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.
