Breakthrough in Facial Eczema research offers hope for New Zealand farmers
A breakthrough in the understanding of Facial Eczema (FE) in livestock could bring New Zealand closer to reducing the disease’s impact.
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.
Australian dairy farmers supplying Fonterra are getting an opening weighted average milk price of A$8.60/kgMS for the new season or around NZ$9.26/kgMS - NZ74c less than New Zealand suppliers, based on the current exchange rate.
Taranaki veterinarian Dr Rob Mills is the new president of New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA).
Input costs can make or break a season for farmers and electricity is one of the largest expenses.
Zespri says global sales for the 2024-25 season topped $5 billion on the back of strong demand and market returns.
Massey University is returning to the Fieldays with a future-focused, solution-driven theme, showcasing research that delivers practical advancements in agricultural efficiency, sustainability and longevity.
Newly appointed National Fieldays chief executive Richard Lindroos says his team is ready, excited and looking forward to delivering the four-day event next month.
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