Wednesday, 24 June 2015 16:21

Standout innovators carry away prizes

Written by 
Danny Hall receives his award from Te Radar. Danny Hall receives his award from Te Radar.

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.

More like this

Featured

Editorial: No joking matter

OPINION: Sir Lockwood Smith has clearly and succinctly defined what academic freedom is all about, the boundaries around it and the responsibility that goes with this privilege.

DairyNZ plantain trials cut nitrate leaching by 26%

DairyNZ says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.

All eyes on NZ milk supply

All eyes are on milk production in New Zealand and its impact on global dairy prices in the coming months.

National

Machinery & Products

JDLink Boost for NZ farms

Connectivity is widely recognised as one of the biggest challenges facing farmers, but it is now being overcome through the…

New generation Defender HD11

The all-new 2026 Can-Am Defender HD11 looks likely to raise the bar in the highly competitive side-by-side category.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Building trust

OPINION: The war of words between Southland farmers and Environment Southland over winter grazing inspections reflects a deep lack of trust…

No Joy

OPINION: Milking It understands a formal disciplinary process is being conducted by Victoria University of Wellington on what one of…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter