Fieldays hold out the begging bowl
OPINION: When someone says “we don’t want a handout, we need a hand up” it usually means they have both palms out and they want your money.
New on the Gallagher site at the National Fieldays will be its TW series of weigh scales and its insulated line posts.
The TW-1 and TW-3 weigh scales replace the W810 and W610 models and embody a complete re-design; they are engineered to match the way farmers interact with tablets and smartphones.
The TW series has a touch-screen user interface, ensuring ‘in the field’ weighing can be simply accessed without the use of confusing navigation or menu pathways.
The scales have software systems easily connected and compatible with loadbars and readers irrespective of brand, and they connect to Gallagher’s own Animal Performance Software (APS) system to provide easy access to reports on individual animals.
All data recorded in the field can be uploaded into the APS software. Links via wi-fi or Bluetooth can connect the user’s cellphone and bring up the Gallagher Dashboard software, giving a quick view of crucial top line data and removing the need to enter data twice.
The company’s new insulated line posts have a polyethylene sheath with a strong flexible inner fibreglass core, enabling them to bend without breaking and so minimising injury to livestock.
Available in four different heights, the posts offer a full system for fencing sheep, cattle, horses and deer.
Advanced plastics technology and the nifty design of the posts’ ground anchoring foot, plus the flexible solid fibreglass core component, make the system easy to set up and very robust.
Meanwhile, battery or solar powered MB Energisers, based on the proven i series Energisers – the new ones are called MB1800i and MB2800i – provide the option of mains or solar battery charging in remote non-powered locations.
The MB1800i delivers 18 joules of stored energy, sufficient power for almost 80ha; the MB2800i will be effective over 120ha.
For small farms, the new S40 and S100 Energisers offer a low cost solar means of powering fence systems.
Gallagher says the insulated end strainer is a likely item for anyone considering a new energiser. These improve on the traditional end strainer; they have an insulated body, a 12 tooth spool for fine adjustment and an integrated joint clamp.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on imports into the US is doing good things for global trade, according…
Seen a giant cheese roll rolling along Southland’s roads?