Collars a smart move for a happy healthy herd
Tru-Test Active Collars have proven to be a game changer for many Australian and New Zealand farms since launching earlier this year.
As usual the Fieldays Innovations area drew large crowds, showcasing the that special breed of New Zealander who comes across problems, thinks out a solution and builds it, then has the courage to let it be poked and prodded by the public.
The following stood out:
Ag Oxi-Jet from Felton: winner Tru-Test Grassroots innovation Award.
This wash-down nozzle introduces air into the water flow as it passes through a venturi in the body of the nozzle, so increasing the volume of water. This saves up to 40% of the water needed for effective wash-down.
Made of anodised aluminium, the nozzle has a sturdy feel and should endure the rigours of the milking shed and collecting yard.
Fence Step, Bechler Steel: winner Tru-Test Grassroots Merit Award.
This unit uses a galvanised steel step and clamping system that can easily be fixed to round or square posts in areas where people need to get over fences without getting caught up in or damaging the fence.
Simple yet effective, it could replace wooden stiles which are high-maintenance.
Fence Detective, Danz Zappz: winner Vodafone Innovation Technical Award.
Using existing mobile phone technology, designer Danny Hall from Dargaville has developed an app that when held 20cm from an electric fence line shows whether it is live or not.
Simple: green for safe/switched off, red for danger/switched on.
Available for Android and soon to be released for Apple phones from $39.95.
The basis for making great cheese is good milk, says the owner of Banks Peninsula's Barry's Bay Cheese, which was named Champion of Champons Mid-Size, for its traditional Aged Gouda, at this year's NZ Champions of Cheese Awards.
The 2024 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year, Ben Purua has been named farmer-backed charity Meet the Need's first official ambassador.
Global dairy prices have ended a two-month run of losses.
The world's largest dairy company may be in pole position to acquire Fonterra's Australian assets.
In a major win for farmers, the Government has directed regional councils to halt all work on plans and regional policy statement reviews under the Resource Management Act (RMA).
A Chinese business leader says Chinese investors are unfairly viewed as potential security risks in New Zealand.
OPINION: As India negotiates to open its borders to more global products, dairy is proving a sticky issue.
OPINION: Paranoia about foreigners is at an all-time high in the US and attention is now turning to foreign-owned farmland.