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Valtra S394 is pick for porkers

Valtra tractors are manufactured in Finland and are popular in North Canterbury.

Award-winning pig farmer Patoa Farms likely have the only Valtra S394 tractor in New Zealand — but that may soon change given its many benefits.

Smart hedges; minimal debris

Hamilton-based Ag and Civil Machinery Direct’s product manager David Williams with the Shelbourne HD 876 VFRT hedge cutter.

The Shelbourne HD 876 VFRT hedge cutter chops debris into smaller sizes, removing issues of large debris such as hoof ailments.

High risk for parasites and fly strike

Extreme weather conditions are increasing the twin risks of internal parasites and fly strike on sheep.

Managing winter feeding a priority

Farmers need to be thinking now about winter grazing regimes.

Going into autumn, Beef + Lamb New Zealand is encouraging farmers to think about how they will manage their winter fodder crops – particularly in a year when feed resources are likely to be tight.

Aquaculture – an opportunity to diversify

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing animal production sector, experiencing global annual growth rates of 6% over the past 15 years.

Fertiliser reduced, production holds

Researchers Tommy Ley, far left, and Steve Breneger explain their project during the “speed dating” segment of an innovative event at Lincoln in which scientists presented updates into several research projects then had a series of face-to-face chats with journalists and others attending the event. Photo: Rural News Group.

State-owned farmer Pāmu has been able to reduce nitrogen input on its Waimakariri dairy farm while maintaining milk and grass production, by using fertigation – the application of fertiliser through irrigation.

Drought biting Northland

Consultants claim E350 will not fully show their benefits this year because of the drought.

The drought is biting pretty hard in Northland now, says project manager Extension 350 (E350) Luke Beehre.

Sheep and beef GHGs overstated

New research indicates NZ’s sheep and beef greenhouse gas emissions have been overstated.

Pig-headed butcher ruling causing issues

Relaxation of the COVID-19 lockdown rules might still not be enough to prevent an animal welfare crisis, says Kiwi pork producers.

The country’s pork producers say relaxation of the COVID-19 lockdown rules might still not be enough to prevent an animal welfare crisis on the country’s pig farms.

COVID-19: More meat processing delays

The COVID-19 meat processing protocol has reduced the industry’s processing capacity by approximately 50% for sheep and 30% for cattle.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (BLNZ) and the Meat Industry Association (MIA) have released their latest assessment of processing capacity across the country.

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Messaging confusing – butchers

All butchers who want to implement contactless home deliveries can do so says Retail Meats New Zealand general manager, Pippa Hawkins.

All of the country’s small butchers can operate contactless home delivery services under the current COVID-19 lockdown rules.

COVID-19: Shout out to meat workers

While farmers and growers up and down the country are busy working during the COVID-19 lockdown, they are not the only essential service in the primary sector doing their bit for NZ.