GEA unveils DairyRobot milking system at Fieldays
New Zealand farmers get their first opportunity to experience the future of pasture-based dairy automation in action this week at the National Fieldays.
After many hours of brainstorming, trouble shooting and trialling, David Short “married” a traditional Lister handpiece with a direct drive brushless motor attached to the rear to create the Handypiece.
This is a portable shearing and tail trimming tool, available at a reasonable price, with no mains power required.
Slim to hold and familiar for anyone who has ever used a hand piece before, the unit allows users to keep on top of problems like fly strike, keeping animal health to the optimum. Offering variable speed from 2,600 – 3,500rpm, Handypiece can crutch between 300-400 sheep from one battery charge.
For dagging, crutching and trimming cows’ tails, the unit is typically at a mid-speed of 2,800 rpm. Those requiring a finer cut while shearing can wind the speed up to the 3,500rpm maximum.
The machine also allows alpaca shearers to use a traditional handpiece that is slim to hold but has the ability to reduce the speed to that of a clipper.
Handypiece also can be customised for left handed users or configured with the power cord out of the middle of the motor, by right and left-handed users.
Being a traditional handpiece, it takes all standard combs and cutters of any brand the user prefers.
Six livestock industry groups have signed a new agreement with the Government on how to prepare for, and respond to, a possible outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease.
Farmers are welcoming a $17 million, seven-year collaborative science and research programme to lift pasture persistence and productivity.
Maize and sweetcorn pest fall armyworm has defied initial assessments regarding its ability to survive over winter in some parts of New Zealand.
A report released this morning at the National Fieldays, Mystery Creek shows dairy farmer confidence growing, but challenges remain.
Supporting farmers to build great workplaces is a focus for DairyNZ, which is why they say they have relaunched the self-assessment tool, Workplace 360.
Around 97% of New Zealand pet owners value the care provided by their vet teams, but the broader contribution of animal health professionals to society often goes unseen, a new study has revealed.
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