The sky is the limit at Felton Road
Felton Road Wines is using an electric drone sprayer to apply organic fungicides and monitor crops, cutting emissions and transforming management.
A clever offering from drone supplier DJI Ferntech will interest livestock farmers.
The Mavic 2 Enterprise, said to be the world’s most capable commercial drone, uses new hardware and software that make it compact, reliable and safe. The unit has a clever 100 decibel two-way speaker system that allows a farmer to direct dogs or to muster animals; alternatively it can make a ‘barking sound’ to work stock alone or with a team of dogs.
Its high-resolution 12 megapixel camera can extend the pilot’s sight with 2x optical and 3x digital zoom capability. This gives the user better visibility in such hard-to-reach locations as deep gullies or steep terrain; no more getting on your quad or UTV.
The Enterprise also has a dual spotlight giving 2400 lumens for better visibility in low light.
DJI Ferntech, a supplier of drones to farmers since 2013, says the Enterprise shows that drones are evolving into serious work tools, not just toys.
DJI spokesman Jonathon Kubiak says “we are seeing increased uptake by construction, agriculture, asset inspection and public services, all of them seeing opportunities to use drones as part of their day to day toolbox”.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
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