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.
Fonterra’s impending exit from the Australian dairy industry is a major event but the story doesn’t change too much for farmers.
Expect greater collaboration between Massey University’s school of Agriculture and Environment and Ireland’s leading agriculture university, the University College of Dublin (UCD), in the future.
A partnership between Torere Macadamias Ltd and the Riddet Institute aims to unlock value from macadamia nuts while growing the next generation of Māori agribusiness researchers.
A new partnership between Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) and NZAgbiz aims to make evidence-based calf rearing practices accessible to all farm teams.
Despite some trying circumstances recently, the cherry season looks set to emerge on top of things.
Changed logos on shirts otherwise it will be business as usual when Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses are expected to change hands next month.
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