Water levels on farms monitored from space
Gallagher Group has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Australian company Gasbot to introduce a satellite- based liquid monitoring system to the New Zealand market.
Heat detection technology has helped two Taranaki farmers to cut their herd’s empty rate from 16% to 11% in its first season, says the supplier, Gallagher Group.
Becky Corlett and David Knowles sharemilk 600 cows on his parents’ 230ha farm (DAK Dairying Ltd) at Stratford.
The farm uses Gallagher’s FlashMate electronic heat detector pads to monitor cows’ behaviour when on heat – and to signal what’s going on by the pads’ flashing lights.
Corlett says the pads cost more than their usual scratch pads or tail paint, but it has paid for itself with better in-calf rates and a shorter calving season.
“It was worth it,” Corlett said. “We had a 5% decrease in our empty rate -- down to just below 11%. That means fewer cull cows, hopefully more replacement calves and a shorter calving period, as we have a lot of cows due within the first six weeks.”
Before using the pads their empty rate had climbed to a record 16%.
“We were all upset with that result,” Corlett said. “It was a tough season bad weather-wise and it seemed our cows weren’t coming onto heat or we were missing them.”
A neighbour had been using the pads so they decided to try them.
“Just the drop in the empty rate is enough to pay for it,” Corlett said.
“At 4am, even when you’re tired, it’s hard to miss a red flashing light. You don’t have to read a scratch pad. You still need a level of skill in reading a cow, but 90% of the job is done for you.”
The staff use a curry comb two days before applying the pads, removing excess hair from the cow’s rump, and so allowing the pads to stick close to the skin.
Following recent storms in the region, the 69th edition of the Tour of Southland cycling event has been postponed.
A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.
The Government's revised 2050 biogenic methane target range of 14-24% by 2050 is being welcomed by dairy farmers.
An increasing number of students are doing agricultural and horticultural degrees at Massey University by distance learning.
ANZ New Zealand is encouraging farmers and businesses impacted by the recent extreme weather that hit Southland and South Otago last week to seek support if they need it.
When Professor Pierre Venter takes up his new role as vice chancellor at Massey University next February it will just be a matter of taking a few steps across the road to get to his new office at the Palmerston North Campus.
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