Four-rotor rakes get upgrades
The Kuhn GA 15131 rake, with a working width of 9.50 to 14.7 metres, currently holds the world record, established in Denmark in 2019, for raking output, where it was able to rake 188.9ha in only 8 hours.
An online feed sourcing and delivery platform, Feed Finder, has been launched to help farmers.
Future Farm Systems, which is behind the digital platform, claims it is revolutionising the feed sourcing game for New Zealand farmers.
Feed Finder offers farmers the convenience of a one-stop-shop for feed sourcing, automatic pricing calculations, and reliable delivery management, it says.
By collaborating closely with feed growers and contractors nationwide, Feed Finder ensures that farmers have access to everything they need to make informed decisions. From detailed feed specifications and highquality photos to comprehensive nutritional feed testing, Feed Finder standardises feed listings, eliminating the need for time-consuming calls to multiple suppliers and transport companies, the company says.
Dave Meaney and Greg Johnston, the founders of Future Farm Systems, says they are passionate advocates for the dairy farming industry and the vital role it plays in NZ’s economy.
“Dairy farming is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy, generating a staggering $22 billion in export revenue. Our focus on feed and pasture, two of the largest expenses and critical profit drivers for farmers, led us to the creation of Feed Finder,” says Meaney.
“The feed industry’s fragmentation posed a significant challenge, which Feed Finder is uniquely positioned to address.
“The platform simplifies feed sourcing and delivery, ensuring that supplementary feed not only arrives on time but also contributes positively to animal health, productivity, and overall farm profitability.”
Johnston says they have worked alongside farmers and suppliers to build the platform.
“Our dedication to continuous learning drives us to help farmers make informed feed decisions and streamline the challenges of getting feed on farm.”
He says Feed Finder has partnered with a network of rural contractors to serve farmers.
“Furthermore, a strategic collaboration with Hill Labs enables Feed Finder to streamline feed testing, providing farmers with unparalleled clarity about the feed they acquire.
“In an industry where farmers face daily complexity, and decisions can change in the blink of an eye, Feed Finder by Future Farm Systems stands as a beacon of innovation, simplifying the lives of dairy farmers across the nation.”
Tahuna farmer Tom Bebbington, who milks 300 cows, has used Feed Finder.
“I was in a pinch leading to balance day and I needed a couple of loads of silage fast. I had seen Feed Finder on Facebook so jumped on and found some silage in Cambridge which fitted my requirements.
“I let Feed Finder know how quickly I needed them, and I had the first load on the farm within a couple of days.
“I am excited to see how their journey plays out and what they come up with.”
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
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