Breeding the Ultimate Robot-Ready Jersey Herd
In the beautiful, scenic expanse of Invercargill, Joanne (Jo) Crack of Southern Star Farms is redefining what it means to run a modern, self-sufficient dairy operation.
Lely at Agritechnica 2015, in Hanover, introduced a new range of variable chamber round balers which are now available in New Zealand.
The versatile Lely Welger RP 160V E-link Pro, replaces the respected 415 and 445 ranges. It has newly designed chamber geometry and its Constant Pressure System produces high density, well shaped bales which combine to reduce costs and promote rapid fermentation for higher feed quality.
The Lely Welger RP160V E-link Pro uses a 2.25m, 5-tine bar, camless pick up and a 13-knife chopping rotor, with a short distance from the former to the latter ensuring good crop flow, and the heavy-duty split-gearbox driveline offering maximum performance in heavy conditions.
A further option is available indent only: the machine can be supplied with a wider 2.4m pick-up and the Xtracut chopper system that offers two knife banks with 25 knives and the option to select varying knife combinations from the operator's seat.
Maximum output is ensured by the maker's Easy Net Loading system which allows net fitting at ground level, reducing effort and time; and easily opened guards give access to the second, stored roll and allow good inspection and maintenance. Daily servicing is aided by centrally grouped grease banks and chain life is prolonged by an automatic lubrication system.
In the cabin, the E-Link Pro terminal has a bright touch-screen display for a machine overview and job recording, although the system is Isobus compatible, allowing the use of the tractor's own display terminal if preferred
Harry Smith, NZ service manager for Lely, who oversaw two years of testing of the new machine throughout NZ, commented "the high performance of the new RP 160V E-link Pro results from a combination of a larger capacity variable bale chamber, the hydro-flex drop floor system and a range of options for feeding and chopping. The overall design is very user friendly."
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.
Federated Farmers has called on Central Otago District Council (CODC) to drop or vote down a plan to truck sludge from Alexandra and Cromwell to farmland near Lauder, warning it would compound an "outrageous" situation created by a separate council's decision weeks earlier.
Synlait has swung to second-half profit as operations stabilise, but the dairy processor still posted a $75.4m annual loss.

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