Yamaha acquires NZ’s Robotics Plus, boosting agricultural automation
New Zealand-based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired by Yamaha Motor to form Yamaha Agriculture.
Rarely a week goes by without a report on a quad crash, prompting howls from experts for better rider training.
Meanwhile riders can soften the blows by wearing safety helmets. Though more farmers seem to be wearing them, many don't, citing issues of weight, ventilation and the struggle to communicate effectively with workers and dogs.
Now, Yamaha and helmet maker Shark at Fieldays launched to the world their 'X16', said to be the first fully certified helmet developed specifically for quad, side-by-side and ROV users.
Low weight of 1200g is achieved with a composite fibreglass shell, durable and proof against knocks onfarm.
Meeting ECE 22-05 and DOT safety standards, the helmet has many features to improve its usability onfarm.
An easy set-and-forget buckle outperforms the traditional double 'D' ring design; large cooling vents promote air flow; large earpads make communication easy; and inserts can reduce noise.
Accessories deal with dust, wind and flies, and a peak and neck guard keeps off the sun.
All units are Bluetooth ready: they have recesses for earphones and a Bluetooth communications controller. A removable easy-clean inner liner makes cleaning easy.
At Fieldays, Yamaha ATV and ROV marketing man Lance Turnley showed a pair of prototype examples. The helmets will go on sale towards the end of the year, he says.
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.
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