Robotic milking keeping cows happier, healthier
The De Leeuw family has been running their dairy farm in Kaitake, Taranaki, for over 20 years.
Lely at Agritechnica 2015, in Hanover, introduced a new range of variable chamber round balers which are now available in New Zealand.
The versatile Lely Welger RP 160V E-link Pro, replaces the respected 415 and 445 ranges. It has newly designed chamber geometry and its Constant Pressure System produces high density, well shaped bales which combine to reduce costs and promote rapid fermentation for higher feed quality.
The Lely Welger RP160V E-link Pro uses a 2.25m, 5-tine bar, camless pick up and a 13-knife chopping rotor, with a short distance from the former to the latter ensuring good crop flow, and the heavy-duty split-gearbox driveline offering maximum performance in heavy conditions.
A further option is available indent only: the machine can be supplied with a wider 2.4m pick-up and the Xtracut chopper system that offers two knife banks with 25 knives and the option to select varying knife combinations from the operator's seat.
Maximum output is ensured by the maker's Easy Net Loading system which allows net fitting at ground level, reducing effort and time; and easily opened guards give access to the second, stored roll and allow good inspection and maintenance. Daily servicing is aided by centrally grouped grease banks and chain life is prolonged by an automatic lubrication system.
In the cabin, the E-Link Pro terminal has a bright touch-screen display for a machine overview and job recording, although the system is Isobus compatible, allowing the use of the tractor's own display terminal if preferred
Harry Smith, NZ service manager for Lely, who oversaw two years of testing of the new machine throughout NZ, commented "the high performance of the new RP 160V E-link Pro results from a combination of a larger capacity variable bale chamber, the hydro-flex drop floor system and a range of options for feeding and chopping. The overall design is very user friendly."
Fonterra’s board has been reduced to nine - comprising six farmer-elected and three appointed directors.
Five hunting-related shootings this year is prompting a call to review firearm safety training for licencing.
The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.
Fonterra shareholders are concerned with a further decline in the co-op’s share of milk collected in New Zealand.
A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.
Free workshops focused on managing risk in sharefarming got underway last week.
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