Fieldays calls for entries to 2026 Innovation Awards
Entries have opened for the 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards.
LIC’s new satellite technology (called SPACE) that measures pasture cover will be a new feature on the Fieldays site.
It went on limited release last December and is now available in part of Canterbury and a large area in Waikato.
The co-op and its automation business, LIC Automation, will be side by side at E76 and E78.
LIC general manager NZ markets Malcolm Ellis says that as a farmer he always visits Fieldays “looking for ways to improve our business”.
“At both the LIC and LIC Automation sites we’re going to be showcasing ways we can help farmers do this. There’s always room for improvement and will embrace this theme.
“Improvement is at the heart of LIC… doing the best we can for our farmers striving to improve their farm’s efficiency, productivity and prosperity.”
The main LIC stand will cover genetics, GeneMark, Minda and herd testing and LIC Automation will show its integrated and innovative automation systems.
The LIC stand will as usual host a café for its farmers and their families, says Ellis.
“Fieldays is the time to talk with farmers and answer their questions… always a great opportunity and an event we are proud to be part of.”
This year marks two years since LIC launched Minda Live, the online herd management system that is gaining extra functionality.
“Farmers can see the improvements we’ve made and learn how they can use the system to make more informed herd management decisions,” Ellis says.
Also on show will be the new Protrack modular system. Farmers can now build a system to suit their farming operation, and existing customers can upgrade their current systems with more features and improved functionality via mobility from farm to office.
Coming in at a year-end total at 3088 units, a rise of around 10% over the 2806 total for 2024, the signs are that the New Zealand farm machinery industry is turning the corner after a difficult couple of years.
New Zealand's animal health industry has a new tool addressing a long-standing sustainability issue.
The Government has announced that ACC will be a sponsor of this year's FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.
As veterinary student numbers grow to help address New Zealand's national workforce shortge, Massey University's School of Veterinary Science is inviting more veterinary practices to partner in training the next generation of vets.
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.
Norwood has announced the opening of a new Tasman dealership at Richmond near Nelson next month.

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