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Gordon McPhail, Leaderbrand general manager farming.
Major New Zealand fresh produce grower is tapping AI to manage weeds on one of its farms.
LeaderBrand, with funding support from Ministry for Primary Industries under the Primary Sector Growth Fund, has welcomed the world's latest technology in weed control to its Gisborne farm.
The new Carbon Robotics G2 Laser Weeder is the latest technology innovation out of America, and it uses high-resolution cameras, artificial intelligence, and laser technology. It detects and removes weeds as tiny as the top of a ballpoint pen, without disturbing the soil or impacting the crops.
This new technology will be pivotal in helping the farm reduce carbon emissions, improve soil health, increase productivity, and produce a more consistent quality of crops, which will ultimately help Kiwis have more access to affordable leafy greens.
LeaderBrand's general manager of farming, Gordon McPhail, says that reducing emissions, better soil management, as well as finding new ways to farm sustainably with cutting-edge technology is an important focus for the team.
"We're always looking for different ways we can be more sustainable, and soil health is a key driver; this new weed management technology is another step in the right direction. This is a huge milestone for us.
"This is a first of its kind to be used on salad leaf production of this scale, here in New Zealand. We are incredibly grateful for the funding support from the Ministry for Primary Industries under the Primary Sector Growth Fund so that we can commit to this project. There is no doubt this technology will revolutionise the way we farm, and it's not often that we get to say that, let alone experience it right here in Gisborne," says McPhail.
A new joint investment of $1.2 million aims to accelerate farmer uptake of low-methane sheep genetics, one of the few emissions reduction tools available to New Zealand farmers.
A Hawke's Bay farmer has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half-months' home detention and disqualified from being in charge of or owning sheep and cattle for 12 months for serious animal welfare offending.
A Rangitikei farmer has been indefinitely banned from owning animals and sentenced to serve 9 months and 3 weeks’ home detention following animal welfare failures that caused the death of more than 140 animals.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith is giving a big shout-out to the horticulture sector, especially kiwifruit.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards at Fieldays.
The Government has announced $60,000 to provide one-off grants of $1,000 to each of the 60 New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) clubs across the country.
New Zealand’s rural sector has once again demonstrated its generosity, with the second Rural Industry Leaders Dinner, Debate and Auction raising an impressive $400,000 for the Rural Support Trust.
There has been another twist to the Federated Farmers annual election fiasco.
Analysis of decades of research has revealed the implementation of good farming practices plays a critical role in reducing nutrient losses to improve freshwater outcomes.
Yesterday the Government used the opening of Fieldays to announce a major investment, as part of its Land Use Flexibility package, to support a more productive and sustainable future across six sectors including dairy.
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