Helping heifers grow
Dairy farmers can easily track the performance of their replacement heifers and ensure they reach their genetic potential.
LIC subsidiary Dairy Automation Limited (DAL) is a finalist in two categories of the New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards.
The Hamilton firm, soon to be renamed LIC Automation, makes sensor technology systems for dairy sheds, for real-time milk analysis.
Its CellSense system is a finalist for the Endace Innovative Hi-Tech Hardware Product award, and its YieldSense system is up for the NZTE Innovative Agritech Product award.
CellSense meters measure somatic cell counts for early detection of mastitis. It is the only fully automated in-shed in-line somatic cell count sensor in the world, the company says.
YieldSense is a combined full-flow milk meter and milk component measuring device that measures the milk from each cow during milking. The sensor analyses yield, fat, protein, lactose, conductivity and plant wash.
Both systems integrate with LIC’s Protrack automation systems, so the farmer will be alerted to any cows seen by the sensor systems as needing closer inspection or treatment, and such cows will be automatically drafted at the end of milking.
DAL chief executive Gustavo Garza says, “the sensors are highly regarded by farmers in New Zealand, and demand from farmers overseas is increasing. Sensor technology has the potential to revolutionise herd testing and LIC is proud to be at the forefront of this technology.”
The winners will be announced in Wellington on May 15.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird…
OPINION: Synlait's financial woes won’t be going away anytime soon.