Halter goes global, but NZ farmers remain core to innovation
Virtual fencing company Halter is going global but for founder Craig Piggott, New Zealand farmers will always remain their main partners.
Frontloader specialist Quicke's Q-companion is designed to allow operators to record weights of materials loaded, so it proves useful for mixing rations or loading trucks with produce for hauling away from a farm.
For the 2019 season, several improvements will see a wider range of languages, better colour rendering in the screen and most importantly, Bluetooth connectivity. This last feature will allow users to automatically upload weighing results to the cloud for accessing later on a PC or tablet.
Other new features allow operators to monitor the loader position and boom angles from the tractor seat, while also getting a visual display of how much loader lift capacity remains available and the cumulative weight of materials already loaded.
A further nod to efficiency and speed of operation is delivered by an audible notification that beeps when a pre-set height of implement angle is achieved. This will allow the user to set items like ‘bucket level’ or perhaps when pallet forks or bale grabs are just slightly higher than the bed of a truck or farm trailer.
The system also includes a reminder of maintenance schedules, such as when the loader/implement needs lubrication.
Rangitikei Rivers Catchment Collective (RRCC) chairperson Roger Dalrymple says farmers in his region are taking a national lead in water quality awareness and monitoring.
One young couple is proving farm ownership is still within reach for young Kiwis.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.