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.
Joshua Irving has been named the 2026 Ormond Nurseries North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year.
Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work with farmers, manufacturers and government to help shape standards for future use backed by ongoing research to strengthen animal welfare outcomes.
National and world records tumbled as top Kiwi axeman claimed two Stihl Timbersports world titles at the same event in Budapest, Hungary over the first weekend in June.
A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and side-by-sides.
New Zealand farmers have earned a global edge by consistently yet cautiously taking advantage of emerging agri-technology.
New season data from LIC shows a strong reproductive performance for the 2025-26 season, with a lift in key metrics compared to last season.

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