Halter goes global, but NZ farmers remain core to innovation
Virtual fencing company Halter is going global but for founder Craig Piggott, New Zealand farmers will always remain their main partners.
A kiwi company that believes its computer software can help reduce farm accidents and fatalities is joining the New Zealand 2019 Agritech mission to UK and Ireland.
Zero Harm Farm will join 20 other businesses representing the sector, taking in the Irish Ploughing Championships. National Fieldays Society will pay for its flights and accommodation.
The company contested the 2019 Fieldays International Innovation Award with its simple, portable and paperless system for better managing safety, communication and compliance in agribusiness.
As participants they were eligible to apply for a $5000 scholarship to take part in the mission.
Fieldays’ international business manager Jim Grennell says Zero Harm Farm won funding because its software application addresses a big problem associated with workplace safety on farm.
“The location based hazard management system can be simply and rapidly adapted to specific workplaces,” he said. “It can work in all farm systems needing hazard management and so is scaleable from a global perspective.”
Zero Harm Farm co-founder Mark Orr says its system can help reduce serious harm and fatalities on farms globally.
“This trade mission will help us understand the nuances of additional markets, and give us a feel for the UK and Ireland’s agricultural future direction in general.”
The company will exhibit in the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Precinct, where it will have a booth and facilities for the three day of the event, and opportunity to present at functions.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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