Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
Checking tyre pressure on quad bikes should be a fundamental health and safety process, says WorkSafe New Zealand.
There have been 75 fatalities across the country since 2006. A further 614 people have been seriously injured.
The reminder comes after a fatality on Tui Glen Farms in Wharepuhunga in the Waikato in January 2020.
An experienced employee was fatally injured when the quad bike they were riding with their dog rolled on a steeply sloping area of the farm. The victim was found pinned underneath the bike.
A WorkSafe investigation round that the quad bike provided to the staff member had incorrectly inflated tyres with significant variations of over-inflation of tyre pressures. It also found that the staff member had not been trained and instructed on how to check and maintain tyre pressure.
“Planning on the farm needed to include a more comprehensive system for checking the quad bikes tyre pressure,” says WorkSafe area investigation manager Paul West.
WorkSafe recommends that farmers consider what vehicles are best suited for the different roles and terrain of their farms. A side by side vehicle or farm ute may be a safer option than a quadbike for some jobs.
WorkSafe also recommends that businesses consider installing crush protection devices (CPDs) on the back of quad bikes. Currently, WorkSafe are working with ACC on a cash back offer on CPDs.
Tui Glen Farms have since installed CPDs on its quad bike and purchased a side by side vehicle and two-wheeled motorbikes.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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