COVID-19: Ag tech lends a helping hand
The saying goes ‘when things get tough, the tough get going’ and this is happening here in New Zealand and further afield.
With new nitrogen fertiliser restrictions due to kick in during July 2021, with a target to apply less than 190 units N/ha, many farmers will be having a re-think on fertiliser application.
Tow and Fert, well known for its system of delivering nutrients in suspension as a foliar application, says its system is already reaping benefits for its customers, by increasing efficiency, reducing inputs, leaching and run-off and most importantly, growing more grass.
The latest introduction to the Tow and Fert family is the Multi 500 that the company says will help farmers reduce their nitrogen inputs significantly, helping them to become compliant with the new regulations.
Designed for smaller farms, those wanting to trial the system or perhaps requiring a smaller second machine, the Multi 500 is said to bring the technology of its larger siblings in an easy to use package.
Suitable for towing behind an ATV or UTV, the Multi 500 features a 500-litre tank, working in conjunction with an engine-driven, 2-inch Metalform stainless steel trash pump.
Typically, the set up can cover 3 –4ha in 20-25 minutes, at spreading widths of up to 10 metres, with the ability to dissolve 200kg of urea/DAP or keep 350kg of lime in suspension. The heavy-duty suspension uses galvanised steel throughout, houses the tank in a position to create a low centre of gravity, while wide, low pressure tyre equipment means the machine treads lightly.
Its compact size and light footprint means that it can be used immediately after the cows have left a paddock, while also offering the versatility of being able to mix and apply mag oxide several days in advance of grazing, or applying thistle control herbicides in combination with urea applications.
www.towandfert.co.nz
Rural trader PGG Wrightson has revised its operating earnings guidance, saying trading conditions have deteriorated since the last market update in February.
It's been a bumper season for maize and other supplements in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Leading farmers from around New Zealand connected to share environmental stories and inspiration and build relationships at the Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) national forum in Wellington last month.
AgriZeroNZ, a joint venture fast-tracking emissions reduction tools for farmers, is pouring $5 million in a biotech company to develop a low emissions farm pasture with increased productivity gains.
Fonterra is teaming up with wealth app provider Sharesies to make it easier for its farmer shareholders to trade co-op shares among themselves.
Te Awamutu dairy farmers Doug, Penny, Josh and Bayley Storey have planted more than 25,000 native trees on the family farm, adding to a generations-old native forest.