Modelling Highlights Profit Lift
Fully renewing a Canterbury dairy farm in a mix of Array and 4front ryegrasses could lift profitability by more than $1,500/ha while cutting reliance on imported feed.
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.”
In farming there are external factors that can influence behaviour of a whole herd, such as a bad weather event, triggering false positive heat detections or health attentions.
For Canterbury dairy farmer Cameron Henderson, supporting Meet the Need comes down to a simple question: how can the success of New Zealand farming benefit more than just those within the industry?
Fonterra board members are in line for a pay rise of around 3%.
Dairy processors are ready to further boost New Zealand’s export earnings but want the incoming government to match their ambition with good policy.
Massey University is best placed to solve the “problems” facing the dairy industry, says vice chancellor, Pierre Venter.
Synlait's longest serving employee – a man who joined the Canterbury-based milk processor even before it began processing milk – is now its newest executive.

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