CO₂ hot water system slashes dairy shed energy costs
A Taupo company says it's the first to bring CO₂-powered water heating technology to New Zealand dairy sheds, helping farmers cut energy costs by up to 85%.
Dairy Woman of the Year for 2019, Trish Rankin, says sustainable practices and picking the best team have helped her become a better farmer.
"Every year I've got more and more involved not just in our own farming business but all these other passions too - the environment, DairyNZ and helping develop waste reduction projects, working with AgRecovery," says Ranking.
"As I've found more gaps where I can help solve a problem, I've been happily developing them all."
Rankin believes that part of looking after the land means striving towards a circular economy.
As part of this, she's developed a framework she calls the Porahita 20 (porahita meaning circular in te reo Māori) - involving 10 things farmers need to enact if a circular economy is to be viable. One of those Rankin refers to is 'regenerate', which includes questioning what businesses farmers can support that act as environmental stewards for New Zealand.
"For example, with 100% renewable energy generation, that's a reason why we use Meridian," she says.
"What does it look like to be a better farmer? It looks like making a decision to support a company generating 100% renewable energy, with the flow-on effect that it's good for other people and the planet as well."
And being a better farmer also includes having the best possible team around you.
"It's pretty simple really, if you don't give me good service then we don't use you," she says. "I want you to buy in to helping me be a good farmer."
"I think that's genuinely what Meridian does, rather than just sending me a bill," says Trish.
"They've got a really good relationship with farmers through the Dairy Awards, and they're always at the end of the phone when we need them.
"It's the familiarity with someone who knows your business, your goals, and sits down and talks through what you want. It makes a difference."
Meridian is already powering over 11,000 farms, and farmers like Rankin. But they are always keen to be on more farmers' teams and help them work toward more sustainable practices.
The company is offering a $400 'moving credit' for anyone switching to them around moving day.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.
A tiny organism from the arid mountains of mainland Greece is facilitating a new way of growing healthier animals on farms across New Zealand.
Alliance has announced a series of capital raise roadshow event, starting on 29 September in Tuatapere, Southland.
OPINION: Everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced a new equity partnership in an effort to support pathways to farm ownership for livestock farm operators.
OPINION: Westland Milk may have won the contract to supply butter to Costco NZ but Open Country Dairy is having…
OPINION: The Gene Technology Bill has divided the farming community with strong arguments on both the pros and cons of…