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.
Ag-tech company Consumer Physics is introducing SCiO Cup – said to be the world’s fastest, portable, lab-grade forage dry matter analyser.
It uses near infra-red spectroscopy to allow dairy and beef producers to analyse forage dry matters within a few seconds.
The ease of use offered by the smartphone-operated device allows dry matter analysis to be carried out frequently in-field, for planning harvesting at optimal moisture levels, while also keeping an eye on dry matter intake for animals during feed-out. The process is said to be instant and simple, requiring the user to fill the SCiO Cup with the crop or silage, click the button once to receive results on a smart device or phone within 10 seconds.
SCiO Cup supports dry matter analysis of grass and maize silage (green or ensiled), legumes silage, small grains silage and mixed silage. Silage calibrations are seamlessly and continuously updated in the cloud to ensure seasonal and regional accuracy. SCiO Cup also enables users to track past dry matter results and trends across time, per field or feed bunker/ silage pit.
SCiO Cup is powered by a rechargeable battery and can scan more than 1000 samples on a single charge. Rugged and shock-resistant, designed for in-field applications, the unit comes with a protective carrying case.
One of New Zealand’s longest-running pasture growth monitoring projects will continue, even as its long-time champion steps away after more than five decades of involvement.
The Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsmen Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is advising consumers to prepare for delays as insurers respond to a high volume of claims following this week's severe weather.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: There will be no cows at Europe's largest agricultural show in Paris this year for the first time ever…
OPINION: Canterbury grows most of the country's wheat, barley and oat crops. But persistently low wheat prices, coupled with a…