How AI and Wearable Tech Are Transforming NZ Dairy Farming Decisions
Technology and the use of artificial intelligence are increasingly part of life, both on the farm and off it.
DairyNZ's long-serving chairman John Luxton will step down later this year.
Chairman since 2007, Luxton was a founding director of DairyNZ, during the transition from two earlier industry organisations – Dexcel and Dairy Insight.
Luxton began as a director with Dexcel in 2003.
DairyNZ today announced that nominations open this week for farmer-elected directors. Luxton is not seeking re-election.
Nominations open on August 5 and close on August 28, with voting held from September.
Two other directors' positions are up for election, with Michael Spaans and Ben Allomes retiring by rotation, but still eligible to stand for re-election.
Returning officer Anthony Morton says nominations must be received by 12noon on Friday, August 28.
All farmers paying a levy on milksolids to DairyNZ are eligible to stand for election.
An information pack outlining criteria and nomination requirements for the positions can be obtained from the returning officer or via the websites.
"If more than the required nominations are received, elections will be carried out by postal, fax and internet voting using the STV (single transferable vote) voting method. Votes will be weighted by annual milksolids production. Voter packs will be posted on September 14 to all registered DairyNZ levy payers," Morton says.
Results will be announced at the DairyNZ annual general meeting in the Waikato on October 13.
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.

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