Landini Rex 4 vineyard tractor series debuts in NZ
The Landini Rex 4 Series, recently released in New Zealand, is designed with vineyards in mind.
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.
On the eve of his departure from Federated Farmers board, Richard McIntyre is thanking farmers for their support and words of encouragement during his stint as a farmer advocate.
A project reducing strains and sprains on farm has won the Innovation category in the New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards 2025.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and other sector organisations, has launched a national survey to understand better the impact of facial eczema (FE) on farmers.
One of New Zealand's latest and largest agrivoltaics farm Te Herenga o Te Rā is delivering clean renewable energy while preserving the land's agricultural value for sheep grazing under the modules.
Global food company Nestle’s chair Paul Bulcke will step down at its next annual meeting in April 2026.
Brendan Attrill of Caiseal Trust in Taranaki has been announced as the 2025 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing and recipient of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the National Sustainability Showcase at in Wellington this evening.