EECA funding helps winegrowers adopt solar and battery systems
Winegrowers interested in exploring solar and battery systems on their vineyards could tap into funding and advice through a new funding programme.
Innovations by Corkill Systems, Opunake, have saved millions of dollars in electricity costs for dairy farmers who use their products, the company says.
Also, the firm’s lobe pumps reduce cooling costs and give “spectacular” increases in yields by reducing damage to milk solids, says principal Steve Corkill.
He says EECA trials have shown that his company’s Vari-Vac has yielded average electricity savings of 52% by 20 farmers in different locations. One is said to have achieved 73% savings.
Corkill System’s electronic variable speed milk pump controller has separate milking and washing programs, and fits all milk pumps, receiving cans and plant types. It reduces damage to milk while only pumping when milk flow is at a certain level.
The firm’s range of vacuum pumps (pump, electric motor, interceptor and oiling mechanism) comes in capacities to suit any herd size.
Its CSL positive displacement (lobe) pumps are installed by dairy farmers and dairy companies, Steve Corkill says. Lobe pumps cause only “minimal” damage to milk compared with other types of milk pumps and contribute to greater milk yield.
“We make four sizes – 120, 240, 400 and 600L/min. The 600L/min unit can handle up to 80 sets of cups.” The pump’s built-in pressure control program protects plate coolers.
“Because of the minimal damage to the milk we are about to install a larger lobe pump at an organic milk transfer station where the milk, because of its nature, has to be handled delicately.”
Corkill says they have installed larger lobe pumps/controllers in several dairy plants where very large volumes have to be shifted. Factory staff report “spectacular” reduction in milk solid damage.
Tel. 0800 10 7006
OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.
Ravensdown South Island shareholders have voted Jane Smith to the co-operative board for a three-year term.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says the 2025 financial year has proven to be one of the co-op’s strongest years…
Nestled in Waikite Valley in Rotorua, Stokman Angus is one of the first beef farms in New Zealand to try…