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.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.
OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.