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An integral spring in the float arm of the Springarm ballcock deflects, rather than breaks, when nudged by livestock.
After walking away with a Fieldays Innovation Award back in June 2021, Springarm Products has now signed a sole marketing agreement with Dannevirke-based Metalform.
Probably best known for its Tow and Fert system, Metalform will sell the clever product to farmers, landowners and lifestylers, many of whom will recount tales of dealing with water trough valves broken by livestock.
In the case of the Springarm, as the name suggests, an integral spring in the float arm deflects rather than breaking - saving water, time, money and frustration.
It was conceived by farm manager Ric Awburn when he was standing at an empty trough one evening watching the cows nudging the ballcock until the arm snapped.
He thought, "if only the arm could give a little".
Fast forward to two years later, a durable and reliable ballcock arm, that is easy to install for all types of valves, is now ready to roll out.
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Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
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Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
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