Impact of irrigation on the soil
OPINION: Soil organic matter was a hot topic for environmentalists, ecologists and primary producers in 2020.
For farmers or contractors working abrasive soils, the cost of wearing metals on ploughs, cultivators or powered implements can make a serious dent in their bottom line.
A new material called Ferobide has recently hit the market from specialist supplier Tenmat which promises to give better wear properties than tungsten carbide and is claimed to be easier to work with than traditional face hardening materials.
Key difference is a composition that sees the material using a hardened steel matrix that bonds particles together. This features allows it to be used easily onfarm where welding skills may be basic, and also gives the product some resistance to chipping, which can be a problem with traditional tungsten carbide facing materials.
The Ferobide tiles are easily cut to size and shape using a standard cutting wheel, or alternatively the cut line can be scored by a cutting wheel, held in a vice along the score line and sheared with a clean hammer blow.
The manufacturer claims that any welded joints are much stronger than brazed items, and will hugely prolong the life of wearing parts.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.
Rural trader PGG Wrightson has revised its operating earnings guidance, saying trading conditions have deteriorated since the last market update in February.
It's been a bumper season for maize and other supplements in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Leading farmers from around New Zealand connected to share environmental stories and inspiration and build relationships at the Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) national forum in Wellington last month.