A solution to forestry's woes
Forestry is never far from the news, not least because of the damage attributed to slash washing downstream during storms.
Fodder beet has seen a surge of interest, particularly in the South Island and, with this growth, importers have introduced machines for planting, harvesting and feeding.
One such machine for the latter group is the VDW beet cutter introduced by Agriline of Gore.
Offered in a range of four machines
with 850, 1200, 1700 and 3000kg capacities, these units are suitable for tractor/loader, tele-handler and payloader applications.
The 1200kg unit displayed at Fieldays would suit a 120hp, 6-cylinder tractor loader and would discharge its contents in around 80-90 seconds.
Its heavy duty hopper has a hydraulically driven chopping rotor in the base, chopping beet through a frame that releases hydraulically should any foreign objects such as stones or rocks be inadvertently loaded.
Mike Hamlin from Agriline says
stock fed unchopped beet took around three hours to consume 5kgDM, while those taking chopped beet consumed the same amount in 30-40 minutes, so the system gets much better crop utilisation rates.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
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