Halter goes global, but NZ farmers remain core to innovation
Virtual fencing company Halter is going global but for founder Craig Piggott, New Zealand farmers will always remain their main partners.
An increase in the use of trackers is enabling UK police to recover 100s of 1000s of pounds worth of stolen machinery.
According to FarmingUK, Police Scotland recovered £893,000 (NZ $1.72 million) worth of tractors, quad bikes and other farm machinery in 2019.
Such recoveries are continuing into 2020, with £400,000 (NZ $770,000), or 130 vehicles, recovered in the first four months of the year.
FarmingUK says according to insurance provider NFU Mutual, farmers are increasingly using Construction and Agricultural Equipment Security and Registration (CESAR) markings and fitting tracking systems approved by British Insurance research house, Thatcham.
CESAR was established in 2008 as an official construction and agricultural equipment security and registration scheme to prevent theft.
The scheme, paid for by farmers with a one-off cost, offers Datatag ID technologies, a 24/7 UK Contact Centre, and instant access to its database by police.
Scotland Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) coordinator Alan Dron says farmers’ increased uptake in the scheme has been fundamental in helping police to recover stolen machinery.
Horticulture New Zealand’s Board has welcomed the re-election of grower-elected directors Alistair Petrie and Doug Brown.
The bright ideas of New Zealand's primary sector have been celebrated with an announcement of the winners of the 2026 Innovation Awards.
Newly appointed Federated Farmers vice president Sandra Faulkner says she is honoured and excited to hold the role.
New Zealand's top fencers were out in force at National Fieldays this month, demonstrating their skills with the ever-reliable number 8 wire.
New Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst says he will ensure that farmer voices are heard loud and clear wherever decisions are being made.
Paynes Titus Excelsior ET, an LIC bull bred by Brad Payne and Claire Brodie in the Waikato, has won the JT Thwaites Sire of the Season 2026 Award.

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