Tanker upgrade delivers more traction, driver comfort
Distributed in New Zealand by Norwood, Pichon has expanded its SV effluent tanker range with the addition of the new SV12R single-axle and SV15R tandem-axle models.
With dairy herds growing larger comes a trend towards heavier diet mixers and longer mixing times.
So diet mixers must be stronger and last longer.
Kongskilde uses a new heavy duty transmission driveline in its largest diet mixers. It has a gearbox with oil cooling to ensure a constant, optimal operating temperature when subjected to heavy and prolonged loads.
The range consists of 21 basic families with one, two or three vertical augers, manufactured using modular construction.
The design allows tailored solutions with features such as standard discharge doors and, in the B range, a cross conveyor up front. The X-range has a 4-in-1 cross conveyer belt solution (flat, side, shift and elevator right and left), while the M range is configured for straw bedding and professional feeding.
The smallest models have a hopper volume of 6.5cu.m while the largest are a cavernous 45cu.m, able to supply 35 to 350 dairy cows per load. For example, the VM18-2 Multi suits 105-135 cows per load, while the VM 24-3 can supply 135-185 cows per load.
The company’s mixers can also be equipped with the Mix+ option, a wear part concept 
 that sees replaceable front edges on the mixer augers. This ensures a more uniform mixing quality over the machine’s life and reduce maintenance costs.
Completing the package, the FeedManager and ProFeed+ software packages gice an overview of the ingredients to be loaded according to a predetermined feed plan and then compares what has been fed. This allows better control and ongoing analysis of the feeding regime.
Westpac NZ has announced new initiatives that aim to give customers more options to do their banking in person.
New Zealand red meat exports experienced a 29% increase year-on-year in September, according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
The head of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity operation, Stuart Anderson, has defended the cost and the need for a Plant Healht and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) being built in Auckland.
BNZ says its new initiative, helping make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking a little easier, is being well received by customers and rural professionals.
The head of Fonterra's R&D facility in Palmerston North is set to literally cross the road and become the new vice chancellor at Massey University.
Allan Freeth, chief executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced he is resigning.