FedsNews

FedsNews

Agri Tech

Styx battens blending in wool for even greater strength

by

Single use plastic bags are a curse for the environment but there are a whole lot of benefits plastics bring to our lives when they’re used wisely and sustainably. As someone who has been in the plastics moulding industry for 25-plus years, it’s hardly surprising Darryn Ross would say this.  But he’s also proving the […]

Crunch is coming for agricultural contractors

by

Federated Farmers’ concerns about the serious shortage of experienced agricultural machinery operators is proving justified as summer approaches. A shortage of experienced operators is being felt across rural New Zealand, and the pressure is building on both farmers and rural contractors, Feds immigration and employment spokesperson Chris Lewis says. “Unfortunately, we all saw this coming […]

NZ primary sector best performer in global emissions survey

by

The New Zealand agriculture, land use and forestry sector has been ranked No 1 of 32 nations for the way it is getting to grips with climate change issues. “With environmental NGOs and commentators regularly pointing the finger of blame at our farmers it’s pleasing to see an independent and in-depth assessment tell a very […]

HR5 Tag Reader makes compliance easier

by

Animal identification and compliance with NAIT is at the forefront of most farmers’ minds. That’s why tools that can make the whole process faster and easier are a real advantage, says Balfour farmer Katherine McCallum. The ease of meeting compliance requirements is just one of the reasons Katherine gives for using Gallagher’s HR5 Hand Held EID […]

DSM’s methane-reducing feed additive approved in Brazil and Chile

by

Royal DSM, a global science-based company active in nutrition, health and sustainable living, has received full regulatory approval from the Brazilian and Chilean authorities to commercialize Bovaer®, its novel methane-reducing feed additive for ruminants. These first market authorizations, covering beef, dairy, sheep and goats, mark a significant milestone for DSM. Intense collaboration among scientists and […]

Inconvenient complexities around the review of Overseer

by

E McGruddy, Senior Policy Adviser, FFNZ The Government’s aspiration to deliver demonstrable environmental improvements in short order just hit a road block. Or did it? The Overseer model has been found wanting by an independent panel – unfit for purpose in regulation. It may or may not be resurrected in a more limited domain, more […]

Ground-breaking report: Farming, animals and food security supported by small but vital industry

by

The animal health industry should be applauded for its contribution to New Zealand farms, vets, animals, and people. An inaugural report on its value by KPMG and Agcarm underscores an underappreciated industry that’s punching above its weight. The ‘Assessing the value of the Animal Health Industry to New Zealand’ report showcases a small industry, employing […]

Machine learning aids insights into cows’ sleep

by

Just like humans, our dairy cows need their sleep; but AgResearch scientists have had to get innovative with new technologies to better understand the quality of shut-eye the animals are getting. Research into the sleep of cows is seen by researchers as one way of assessing their welfare, which is important to farmers and to […]

AWDT, Know your Mindset. Grow your Influence

by

When the pressure is on, sometimes it’s best to just pause and re-focus on what’s really important to your family, farm and community. New from @AWDT, Know your Mindset. Grow your Influence is a short, personal development programme for both women and men – designed to help you respond to change with positive, meaningful action. […]