GEA launches AI-powered walkover teat sprayer
GEA says that its latest walkover teat sprayer is helping farmers save time and boost udder health.
Milking sheds have since April been more colourful, says GEA, with its FIL Active teat conditioner packaged in ‘vibrant pink’ drums.
It’s a sign of the company’s support of the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.
Marketing manager Sarah Buchanan says “breast cancer awareness is a natural fit with our teat and udder health, and allows people to show their support for those affected by cancer in choosing to buy a pink drum”.
“From a practical point of view, farmers choosing Active teat conditioner over other products are buying into a better teat care programme.”
FIL products are formulated inhouse and designed to restore teat health; they contain skincare ingredients more commonly used in high-quality cosmetics to hydrate, soften and soothe delicate human skin.
These include Allantoin, an active moisturiser with skin rejuvenation properties; aloe vera, a moisturising agent rich in antioxidants and minerals essential for restoring the condition of stressed teats; and manuka honey that aids skin regeneration, repairs cellular damage and helps keep skin hydrated.
All products are certified for use in organic dairies.
“Farmer response to GEA’s FIL ‘Think Pink’ campaign has been incredibly positive,” says Buchanan.
Thirty years ago, as a young sharemilker, former Waikato farmer Snow Chubb realised he was bucking a trend when he started planting trees to provide shade for his cows, but he knew the animals would appreciate what he was doing.
Virtual fencing and herding systems supplier, Halter is welcoming a decision by the Victorian Government to allow farmers in the state to use the technology.
DairyNZ’s latest Econ Tracker update shows most farms will still finish the season in a positive position, although the gap has narrowed compared with early season expectations.
New Zealand’s national lamb crop for the 2025–26 season is estimated at 19.66 million head, a lift of one percent (or 188,000 more lambs) on last season, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) latest Lamb Crop report.
Farmers appear to be cautiously welcoming the Government’s plan to reform local government, according to Ag First chief executive, James Allen.
The Fonterra divestment capital return should provide “a tailwind to GDP growth” next year, according to a new ANZ NZ report, but it’s not “manna from heaven” for the economy.