Stihl Launches BT140, Its First Battery-Powered Auger
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
The need for a portable shearing/ clipping machine that could be used in stockyards prompted David Short to invent the Handypiece back in 2008.
Offering the main benefit of working anywhere without mains power, Handypiece allows users of all abilities to keep on top of those dirty jobs, resulting in better animal health and efficiency. Cleverly designed, the brushless motor means the battery lasts longer, making it possible to crutch from 300-400 sheep with a single charge.
The Handypiece Pro has the added feature of variable speed from 2600 – 3500rpm, allowing dagging, crutching and trimming cows’ tails at a midspeed of 2800rpm, while those wanting a superior cut while shearing can run at the maximum speed. In the case of alpaca shearers, they can use a traditional, slim handpiece, while reducing the speed to that of a clipper.
Being a traditional handpiece, the device takes all standard combs & cutters of any brand the user prefers, yet is still available at a reasonable price. The Handypiece also can be customised for left-handed users, or alternatively assembled with the cord exiting from the middle of the motor, meaning the unit can be used by both left, and right-handed operators.
During the National Fieldays the kit will feature two 6 amp/hr lithium-ion batteries, a battery charger, heavy-duty leather belt, holster and pouch, alongside a 5m extension cord and carry bag.
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…