Fieldays goes urban
OPINION: Once upon a time the Fieldays were for real farmers, salt of the earth people who thrived on hard yakka.
A new, easy-to-use cover for utes that doesn't require holes drilled into the bodywork will be taking pride of place on the Toyota, Isuzu and Volkswagen vehicles at this year's National Fieldays.
Best Bars roll-up tonneau cover uses an alloy frame that is fixed to the top of the wellside tray with specially designed brackets to lock it into place, providing a smart and attractive appearance, and also keeping the weather at bay. Removable ribs inside the cover keep it taut over the tray.
As the name suggests, the cover simply rolls up when the ribs are removed and it can be stored right behind the cab when the driver needs to transport tall or bulky items. Elasticated straps are incorporated into the design to keep the rolled-up cover tightly in place while the Ute is underway.
The new cover has further advantages over ordinary fabric tonneau covers, which can stretch and tear more easily without the supporting and protective frame that is an integral part of the product. The material used is a heavy-duty vinyl, which still retains its soft feel even though it is very tough.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
OPINION: In the past weeks, much has been said and written about one of New Zealand's greatest prime ministers, James Brendan Bolger, who died just a few months after his 90th birthday.

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