Sauvignon NZ27
Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2027 will offer something for everyone, says committee member Murray Cook.
Gallagher Group has always been at the forefront of innovations and effective solutions for livestock farmers.
At the Southern Fieldays the company will exhibit in the Farmlands Village, showcasing its latest ideas for dairy herd mating and electric fencing solutions.
The Flashmate electronic heat detector is aimed at farmers wishing to improve their herd's six week calving rates and AI detection. The standalone, lightweight disposable device is placed on the animals' rump where it constantly monitors cow heat behaviour during the mating season.
Using technology similar to a touch screen on a smartphone, and working with a smart microchip that identifies specific patterns of riding activity – including frequency, number and time – the unit flashes red for 26 hours, indicating the animal is ready for AI.
"Following a limited release in 2015, feedback has been positive, and while farmers can't control the weather or the milk price, upping their six-week in-calf rate from 65% to 75% can result in a payback of $60 per cow per year," explains Gallagher national
sales manager Peter Nation.
Out in the paddock, a number of solutions to everyday fencing problems should prove popular, including the S20 portable solar energiser, which builds on the technology first seen in the smaller S10 unit and can pack a punch for 1.2ha or 2km. The device will suit those who don't want to use a battery powered unit, but who need up to three weeks without sunshine once its integral battery is charged up.
Complementing the energiser, Gallagher has come up with a new dual-purpose insulated handle that uses a ring-shaped design to stop the perennial problem of portable fences 'bouncing' off the permanent wire when they are being deployed.
A high visibility sighter will also be on display – a plastic globe that clips onto temporary or permanent lines to indicate their presence and alleviate accidents
In advance of the Budget, Finance Minister Nicola Willis put a clear damper on expectations and delivered accordingly.
Farmers should be cautiously optimistic as the 2026/27 season kicks off, says DairyNZ.
RaboResearch senior analyst Emma Higgins expects the 2026/27 dairy season to be another profitable one.
The new dairy season is kicking off with plenty of risks to the forecast farmgate price, both upside and downside, says ANZ agricultural economist Matt Dilly.
A potential showdown between the top two Federated Farmers leaders looms at the farmer lobby's annual meeting later this month.
FarmIQ Systems has developed a free land management app to help remove barriers to New Zealand farmers and growers adopting digital tools.

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