Editorial: Agri's mojo is back
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.
Attention to the details of dairy shed infrastructure can improve a farm's bottom line.
For example, Longveld's Dairy Hot Water – a gas water heating system – can save a farmer almost 50% of shed water heating costs.
The system quickly heats the water just before it is required, removing the need for multiple water cylinders and dealing to the inconvenience of power shortages, but still providing any amount of hot water 24/7.
The firm's second generation gas system, called Longveld Stack, has all the benefits of gas water heating in a package that also addresses food security, safety and space-saving.
The Stack has a water cylinder and dump tank mounted one over the other in a compact footprint; sizes range from about 1m diameter for a 400L supply to 1.25m diameter for a 1000L supply.
Longveld managing director Pam Roa says the removal of pipework between the cylinder and dump tank, and the ability of the components to be independently rotated, mean the Stack suits any configuration of shed and takes up minimal space.
"Chemical dosing is through a lockable access-way which makes the unit tamper resistant, increasing food security, health and safety, and preventing entry of rodents and birds into the dump tank. The cylinder is fabricated from 2205 stainless which will last the lifetime of your shed."
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.