Keep Cows Happy and Well-Fed This Winter
Keeping cows happy and well fed at home this winter just got easier with the launch of a prolific new annual ryegrass bred to jump out of the ground even faster than its popular predecessor.
Gallagher and Barenbrug have jointly bought the assets of Farmote Systems, an automated pasture monitoring company based out of Christchurch which went into receivership in January 2024.
The assets have been placed into a new Joint Venture, Farmote Technologies, owned by Gallagher and Barenbrug, holding 70% and 30% of the shares respectively. This strategic partnership underscores both companies' commitment to advancing agricultural technology and providing innovative solutions to farmers worldwide.
Farmote Technologies' cutting-edge pasture monitoring system will be integrated into the extensive product and service offerings of both Gallagher and Barenbrug. While the new company set-up is in its early stages, the joint venture is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for existing Farmote Systems customers.
"We are excited at the prospect of further developing the Farmote technology through this new JV and integrating this solution into our precision farming offering," said Lisbeth Jacobs, chief executive Gallagher Animal Management.
"We first invested in Farmote Systems in 2022 and are proud to be working with Barenbrug to take this exciting technology to market.”
For Gallagher, the acquisition of the Farmote Systems technology demonstrates the company’s commitment to open innovation, working with partners and tech disruptors to develop smart farming products.
This strategic new venture will strengthen its holistic solution offering alongside products such as eShepherd virtual fencing, its new Auto Weigher, and satellite connected liquid monitoring solutions.
“Farmote has been on our radar since it was founded, demonstrating the performance of our grasses in the field as well as supporting farmers to get the most from their pastures. The importance of data in modern agriculture cannot be overstated, as it enables precise decision-making and enhances productivity”, says John Thijssen, chief executive of Barenbrug Group.
“By integrating Farmote's innovative services into our portfolio, we will not only harness valuable data insights but also offer new cutting-edge solutions to our customers.”
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.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has issued a stark warning about the global implications of the ongoing Gulf crisis.
Fonterra has announced interim changes to the leadership of its Global Ingredients business.
New Zealand agritech company Halter has announced unveiled a new direct-to-satellite technology solution for its smart collars for beef cattle, unlocking virtual fencing for some of the country's most remote farming regions.
Dairy Women's Network (DWN) has announced a new limited edition DWN Monopoly NZ Dairy Farming Edition, created to celebrate the people, places and seasons.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) and Federated Farmers say they welcome the announcement last week that the Government will increase the conveyance allowance by 30%.

OPINION: When Donald Trump returned to the White House, many people with half a brain could see the results for…
OPINION: Media trust has tanked because of what media's more woke members do and say.