Nimble New Zealand exporters finding opportunity amid shifting trade terms
Global trade wars and uncertain tariff regimes could play into the hands of many New Zealand exporters, according to Gareth Coleman ANZ’s Head of Trade & Supply Chain.
The rapidly expanding 'virtual farming' arena looks like it's taking a step nearer reality with Hamilton-based Gallagher Group taking ownership of Australian virtual fencing developer Agersens.
Best known for its eShepherd system, Gallagher has been a minor investor in Agersens since 2016. It suggests that the acquisition will allow it to develop the technology further and drive commercial expansion in Australasia and beyond. The technology is a result of the original, licensed intellectual property - developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) - that demonstrated how cattle can be trained to stay within "virtual" boundaries using a combination of audio signals and aversive electrical pulses.
The system is designed to allow farmers to control the location and movement of cattle via a web-based application and a solar powered, counter-weighted neckband, connected to the internet via a base station. Boundaries can easily be drawn around entire properties or selected areas within a property, using a tablet or smart device, while also offering real-time information of individual animal locations.
In practice, when an animal moves towards the 'virtual' fence, they are given an audible warning. If they fail to back away, they are given an electrical pulse that is less than that of an electric fence - causing discomfort rather than harm. Animals are said to quickly learn to respond to the audible cue alone before any electrical pulse is required.
Recent fully-subscribed trials in New Zealand and Australia have shown that the system is particularly effective when used in rotational grazing.
It removes the risks of over/under grazing as well as helping to reduce the environmental footprint by excluding animals from sensitive areas - such as streams, rivers or riparian plantings.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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