Don't throw stones
OPINION: The debate over whether it's okay to drive a petrol guzzling ute polluting our environment with carbon dioxide is getting personal.
With utes commanding an increasing share of the new vehicle market, a couple of accessories from Airplex will help make life easier and much safer.
The ProLift tailgate assist system prevents heavy tailgates from free-falling to the fully open position, averting the risk of injury to the operator -- or to youngsters -- and it helps raise the gate to its closed position with just one finger.
The system works with the help of a hydraulic damper, and combines with torsion bars built into the hinge points to make opening or closing effortless.
Installation is said to be easy without the need for drilling.
Meanwhile, solid closed lids on ute trays have become popular, especially for the security they offer. Unfortunately, their weight can make them difficult to open, a problem the TopUp ute lid can solve.
A system of lifting arms, clever geometry and assistor springs make lifting and lowering easy, and the three-point operating system allows the lid to be used in the closed, part-open and fully open positions, even at maximum road speeds.
The partly open position allows the carriage of slightly oversize or irregular loads – no trailer required; and the fully open position releases the whole load area for the biggest items, increasing the versatility of the system.
The lids are finished in high quality Du Pont paint matching the original vehicle colour; the lid interior is fitted with a hard wearing fabric to protect itself and the load from abrasion.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.