Pigtail standards made to last
Feedback from farmers highlighted frustration at the time and cost involved in frequently replacing failed pigtail posts.
Several years ago, Strainrite's Southland rep identified a gap in the market for quality multi-wire break feeding products for sheep and beef farmers.
So, the company set about trying to identify the needs for efficient break-feeding systems.
A major problem centred around the quality of imported poly-wires that were usually manufactured using a twisting process, that when wound up as multiple wires, when released, tended to coil up and tangle.
After several years of research, Strainrite identified a New Zealand-made wire, manufactured by braiding, that consequently made it very smooth. When released for winding, the NZ braid remains straight, with the chances of tangling greatly reduced due to its smoothness, alongside the added benefit of easily fitting 500 metres of wire on a standard reel.
The company says further research looked at the multiwire tread-in, that after extensive trialing led to the new pigtail multiwire tread-in. Able to be used for sheep and cattle of any size, the units are made from 6mm high tensile steel, with the NZ-made, goldfoot offering proven and exceptional groundholding capabilities. The design sees newly developed lugs that are wider and smoother with rounded edges to allow smooth passage of the braid. A unique feature is the downward aspect of the leg which enables the standard to be moved horizontally, without falling off the wires, while the insulated shaft enables easy installation onto a live fence.
Another time-consuming task is connecting all the polywires together at each end of each run, a problem addressed by the new Strainrite hotpost multiwire, used at both ends of a break fence to enable effective conductivity.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.