Friday, 21 January 2022 07:55

Solution to rowdy livestock

Written by  Mark Daniel
An integral spring in the float arm of the Springarm ballcock deflects, rather than breaks, when nudged by livestock. An integral spring in the float arm of the Springarm ballcock deflects, rather than breaks, when nudged by livestock.

After walking away with a Fieldays Innovation Award back in June 2021, Springarm Products has now signed a sole marketing agreement with Dannevirke-based Metalform.

Probably best known for its Tow and Fert system, Metalform will sell the clever product to farmers, landowners and lifestylers, many of whom will recount tales of dealing with water trough valves broken by livestock.

In the case of the Springarm, as the name suggests, an integral spring in the float arm deflects rather than breaking - saving water, time, money and frustration.

It was conceived by farm manager Ric Awburn when he was standing at an empty trough one evening watching the cows nudging the ballcock until the arm snapped.

He thought, "if only the arm could give a little".

Fast forward to two years later, a durable and reliable ballcock arm, that is easy to install for all types of valves, is now ready to roll out.

More like this

Clamp to grip the bale firmly

Anyone who has been round baling and released a completed bale on a slope will remember the feeling of dread as the bale gathers speed and rolls off down the hillside, hopefully to be stopped by the hedgerow or the paddock levelling out.

Nedap NZ launch

Livestock management tech company Nedap has launched Nedap New Zealand.

Ecorobotix announces NZ dealership

Swiss-based Ecorobotix has announced its entry into the New Zealand market through a strategic partnership with Canterbury-based New Zealand Tractors.

New home for JCB Agriculture

Power Farming has announced a new chapter in its partnership with JCB, which having represented the UK-based company’s construction equipment for over three years, now sees the relationship expanding to include the renowned JCB Agriculture product range.

Featured

2024 red meat exports end on a high

New Zealand's red meat exports for 2024 finished on a positive note, with total export value increasing 17% over last December to reach $1.04 billion, according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA).

Celebrating lamb's proud heritage

One of the most important events in the history of the primary sector that happened 143 years ago was celebrated in style at Parliament recently.

$2.4m for fruit fly operation

Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner, North, Mike Inglis says the $2.4 million cost of a recent biosecurity operation in South Auckland is small compared to the potential economic impact of an incursion.

National

Top Maori farms named

Maori farms from Northland and Northern Hawkes Bay are the finalists in this year’s prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy competition  for the…

Hewett appointed AgriZeroNZ chair

Rob Hewett has been appointed the new chair of AgriZeroNZ, the public-private partnership designed to accelerate the development of tools…

Machinery & Products

New home for JCB Agriculture

Power Farming has announced a new chapter in its partnership with JCB, which having represented the UK-based company’s construction equipment…

CAT's 100th anniversary

While instantly recognised as the major player in construction equipment, Caterpillar Inc, more commonly known as CAT, has its roots…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Ruth reckons

OPINION: Ruth Richardson, architect of the 1991 ‘Mother of all Budgets’ and the economic reforms dubbed ‘Ruthanasia’, added her two…

Veg, no meat?

OPINION: Why do vegans and others opposed to eating meat try to convince others that a plant based diet is…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter