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.
A new energiser from Datamars Speedrite range claims to be the first “smart” electric fence unit, alongside an output of 46 joules.
The aptly named Speedrite 46R is said to be powerful enough to energise up to 460kms of electric fencing or “securing” a typical 260ha property. The unit gains its smart credentials by offering Wi-fi or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users out on the farm to switch the unit on or off remotely to deal with faults, or check status and output at any time via an app on a smart device or phone.
In the event of a power outage, the unit has a stored capacity of 68 joules, allowing security until power is restored. If and earthing issue should occur because of objects touching a live wire, output is automatically reduced to lower levels. Expect to pay a 5% premium over typical standard energisers in the range
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has unveiled a new tool to help sheep farmers better understand the genetics in their flock and make more informed decisions.
Classified as an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act, the invasive weed velvetleaf can be resistant to many herbicides, making it difficult to control, while statistics note it has the potential to reduce yields by up to 70%.
Zespri's sales of kiwifruit for the 2025 season have broken all past records.
Trainee orchard manager Luke St John has won the Central Otago 2026 Young Grower regional title.
James Blair, an agronomist for AS Wilcox, has won the 2026 Pukekohe Young Grower regional title.
Fifty-eight selected individuals, companies, and start-ups will exhibit their ideas and cutting-edge solutions at the 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards, with Amazon Web Services (AWS), who joins the programme in 2026 as overall sponsor.
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