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Effluent as a nutrient source brings the additional benefit of increasing soil organic matter.
With last year’s spike in the cost of artificial nitrogenous fertilisers, there has been a renewed interest in using dairy effluent as a nutrient source, with additional benefits gained by increasing soil organic matter, leading to improved water holding, aeration and drainage.
Research suggests that 100 cows, milked over a 270-day season will produce a volume of effluent equivalent to 590kg of nitrogen, 70kg of phosphorous and 540kg of potassium, meaning that well utilised material can help reduce the dependence on bought-in products.
Otorohanga-based Giltrap Engineering offers a range of slurry tankers with capacities from 5000 to 20,000 litres, running on tandem or triple axle layouts depending on size, with corresponding axles sized from 60 to 130mm and, dependent on specification, utilising 10-stud commercial wheel equipment.
Tank diameters vary depending on capacity, but all feature high-grade rolled steel of 6mm wall thickness, or 8mm in the case of the largest unit, with domed end panels to create integrity.
The vessel is carried on an integrated heavyduty chassis and drawbar assembly, with a large range of options to suit individual situations.
These include braking systems, various tyres, sprung/steering axles, suspended drawbars or mudguards. For those looking for proof of placement information, options include flow pumps and GPS coverage maps accessed through an easy to use touch-screen system.
The heart of the machine centres around a high-end Battioni-Pagani rotary vane vacuum pump with capacities of 6500 to 12,000 litres per minute, depending on model.
The vacuum/pressure system is protected by a double moisture trap, with relief valves in each circuit, with a sight glass to monitor filing, while the use of brass and galvanised fittings throughout gives effective corrosion protection.
Separate filling points allow the machines to operate in situations where there might be access issues, with the option of an Auto-Fill set up allows users to fill the tank without leaving the tractor seat, helping to promote cleanliness and more importantly, safety.
Detail design sees inspection hatches on the side and top of the tank for easy access for maintenance or cleaning, while up to three integral tank baffles prevents “surge” as the tank empties or fills. Machines are supplied with 150 or 200mm lightweight, sectional filling hoses, in lengths of up to 8 metres. A high-quality paint finish externally, with an epoxy paint coating inside the tank, should help the machine look good over an extended working life.
Twin rotor swathers have become the ‘go-to’ for forming swaths to feed hungry harvesters and balers, however, the design layout often means that crop located between the two rotors is not picked up, turned over or incorporated into the swath formed for subsequent harvesting.
Operating large tractors became more expensive back in March due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz conflict, meaning contractors had to introduce fuel surcharges and farmers had to adjust their budget forecasts.
Close to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, Motueka is known for apples, pear and kiwifruit orchards, alongside specialised crops such as hops. Indeed, that specialisation, saw the area being the New Zealand centre of the tobacco growing, until the early 1980s.
Can-Am has introduced its 2027 range of side-by-side vehicles (SSV) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), including the industry leading Defender, the Maverick R and the hugely capable Outlander ATV, incorporating a host of advancements designed to deliver an exceptional riding experience.
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) and Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network are calling for investment in a proposed new training pathway for rural GPs, warning that many rural practices are struggling to recruit while a large share of the existing workforce nears retirement.
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