LeaderBrand Leads with AI Innovation
Major New Zealand fresh produce grower is tapping AI to manage weeds on one of its farms.
The Ministry for Primary Industries have published a brochure to help farmers prepare for what could be a drier summer.
MPI minister Nathan Guy says farmers are being urged to prepare for the possible impact of El Nino conditions.
"While every El Nino is different and the impacts on New Zealand can be hard to predict, it often means drier conditions in the north and east, with cooler temperatures and more rain in the west.
"This would not be good for those on the east coast of the South Island who have had a very dry 12 months already and are still officially in drought. That's why it is important to plan and start preparing now."
The brochure's advice includes planning, implementing a feed budget, irrigation, talking to experts, animal care and work/life balance.
"Farmers are resourceful and used to dealing with the challenges thrown up by Mother Nature. The key is to be ready and start preparing now."
The brochure has been prepared with the support of Beef + Lamb NZ, Dairy NZ, Rural Support Trusts, Federated Farmers, Rural Women New Zealand, the New Zealand Bankers Association and the New Zealand Veterinary Association. It is available at www.mpi.govt.nz
A Local State of Emergency has been declared for the Waikato for a period of seven days as the region prepares for Cyclone Vaianu to hit the area.
Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.
Specialist horticulture and viticulture weather forecasters Metris says the incoming Cyclone Vaianu is likely to impact growers across the country.
A group of old Otago uni mates with a love of South Island back-country have gone the lengths of Waiau Toa Clarence from source to sea. Tim Fulton, who joined the group in the final fun to the river mouth, tells their story.
Operating with a completely different format from conventional tractors and combine harvesters, the NEXAT prime mover combines all steps of crop production in one modular carrier vehicle, from tillage, through seeding to harvesting.
Reports of severe weather forecast to move over the vast majority of New Zealand’s kiwifruit orchards this weekend will be very concerning for a significant number of growers.

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