Special Report
A farmer’s perspective
War in the Middle East has reignited interest in what on farm electrification could really look like. As fuel prices hit record highs, the conversation about energy resilience has gone beyond townies charging vehicles to the real economics of farmers generating a cheaper form of energy that powers profits.
Save Energy On Farm project lead by farmers
Taranaki dairy farmers had been reluctant to install solar panels for electricity generation until a project helped identify significant energy efficiency opportunities.
Power outages no bother with battery back up
Dairy Trust Taranaki (DTT) is poised to make a second, more substantial investment in solar energy capture and storage to strengthen the operational resilience during power outages and reduce electricity costs of its farms.
Attractive paybacks from solar
Taranaki entrepreneur, Matt Luscombe, is building a national business installing cost-effective solar energy systems with a 4-5-year payback for farm and lifestyle block owners.
Lincoln University breaks new ground with solar farm
Ground-breaking research exploring growing high-value food crops and grapes under solar panels starts later this year at Lincoln University’s new 4ha Energy Farm in Canterbury.
Solar grows exponentially
Installation of solar electricity systems globally is doubling every three years. Lincoln University’s Dr Shannon Page says.
Homegrown energy is resilience
War in the Middle East has reignited interest in what on farm electrification could really look like. As fuel prices hit record highs, the conversation about energy resilience has gone beyond townies charging vehicles to the real economics of farmers generating a cheaper form of energy that powers profits. Words Anne Lee and Tony Leggett.
Co-op governance starts within
Co-operative success starts in the boardroom. That’s the advice of experienced co-operative governance educator, Jo Woolley, of Mayfield Group. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp
Farming is generational, co-operatives get that
LIC chair Corrigan Sowman shares his thoughts on the generational importance of co-operatives. Words Corrigan Sowman.
New Zealand dairy’s strong co-operative foundation
The co-operative model has remained at the heart of the dairy sector with Fonterra the envy of the world’s dairy farmers. While it hasn’t always been plain sailing and other operating structures vie for milk supply, the co-operative ethos has prevailed. Words Anne Lee