Semi-robotic milking technology to boost parlour efficiency
Waikato Milking Systems’ latest innovation, ErgoPOD is now commercially available within New Zealand and Australia.
Adding modern technology to a dairy farm is an effective way of increasing efficiency, boosting productivity and better managing your cows.
Waikato Milking Systems has been at the forefront in this arena – delivering fully integrated management tools to provide an increase performance and automation in the dairy.
The company’s NaviGate dairy management system was launched in late 2018, drawing interest from farmers globally.
“The system can be easily retrofitted into most dairies to provide farmers with the tools to identify and respond to the most issues,” says WMS sales manager for Taranaki / Manawatu Brian Luff.
“It allows getting to know cows individually, note their production at each milking and shed light on any health issues early on.”
Luff also points to the new milk cooling regulations that require farmers to meet new standards.
“Selecting the right cooling solution could mean significant savings as milk cooling accounts for up to 30% of the total energy costs of a dairy farm.”
He says Waikato Milking Systems’ range of cooling options ensure farmers economically meet industry standards and save ongoing operational costs.
Farmers interested in upgrading their current dairies will have the opportunity to discuss their options including electronic cup removers, pulsation and cluster options at the Central Districts Field Days.
Luff says when combined these products offer improved efficiency and a further opportunity to reduce costs.
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.

OPINION: If you ask this old mutt, the choice at the next election isn't shaping up as a contest of…
OPINION: A mate of yours says we're long overdue for a reckoning on what value farmers really get for the…