Ballance Launches AI Assistant for Fertiliser Ordering
A new digital assistant is now helping Ballance Agri-Nutrients farmers speed up nutrient information and ordering.
LIC’s new satellite technology (called SPACE) that measures pasture cover will be a new feature on the Fieldays site.
It went on limited release last December and is now available in part of Canterbury and a large area in Waikato.
The co-op and its automation business, LIC Automation, will be side by side at E76 and E78.
LIC general manager NZ markets Malcolm Ellis says that as a farmer he always visits Fieldays “looking for ways to improve our business”.
“At both the LIC and LIC Automation sites we’re going to be showcasing ways we can help farmers do this. There’s always room for improvement and will embrace this theme.
“Improvement is at the heart of LIC… doing the best we can for our farmers striving to improve their farm’s efficiency, productivity and prosperity.”
The main LIC stand will cover genetics, GeneMark, Minda and herd testing and LIC Automation will show its integrated and innovative automation systems.
The LIC stand will as usual host a café for its farmers and their families, says Ellis.
“Fieldays is the time to talk with farmers and answer their questions… always a great opportunity and an event we are proud to be part of.”
This year marks two years since LIC launched Minda Live, the online herd management system that is gaining extra functionality.
“Farmers can see the improvements we’ve made and learn how they can use the system to make more informed herd management decisions,” Ellis says.
Also on show will be the new Protrack modular system. Farmers can now build a system to suit their farming operation, and existing customers can upgrade their current systems with more features and improved functionality via mobility from farm to office.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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