Technology
The true cost of cheap
After four decades working in irrigation, Stephen McNally is urging whole-of-life thinking for irrigation design. The one lesson that keeps repeating is that systems chosen on capital price alone rarely deliver the best long-term value. Words Stephen Mcnally & Kath Healy.
Farming in the age of technology: Insights from farmers
A recent farmer panel highlighted the importance of balancing the adoption of new technologies while still retaining core farming skills. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Zapping weeds in Southland
In late winter, emerging from a carrot paddock near Woodlands, the sight of bright lights, faint zapping sounds and puffs of smoke might turn a few heads; but it is just Matthew Malcolm's "killer robot" at work. Words Karen Trebilcock.
Beyond the boom
As arable and pastoral farming face a chemical-light future, a Swiss precision technology has AI sprayers already in use in Canterbury and Pukekohe, slashing chemical use by 80-90% and improving yields. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Turning Sheep Skin into Collagen Gold
One biotech company in Christchurch is making waves with the humble sheep – not for its wool, meat, or milk, but for its skin targeting the global demand for women’s health products. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Drone Technology is Flying
Drone technology has advanced to bring greater precision and cost-efficiency for farmers and growers to manage fertiliser and chemical sprays. Words Sheryl Haitana.
Rotary Refit
Many ageing rotaries can benefit from a facelift at a fraction of the cost of installing a new farm dairy. Words Sheryl Haitana.
Virtual fencing life changing for hill-country bulls
The winter of 2023 saw Hawke’s Bay farmers Matt and Gemma Barham’s energy and enthusiasm levels for farming waning as they shifted bulls on crop behind a white electric wire through a wet winter. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Manual yard design preferred for remote Raetihi
The ease of use of Stronghold’s stock yards has been a game changer for John Taylor and son Isaac who built them on their hard hill-country property in November 2021. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
The digital age is here
New Zealand agriculture’s past is marked by several major breakthroughs that delivered substantial gains in productivity behind the farm gate. Tony Leggett explores where the sector’s next productivity boost will come from and finds success will require a leap of faith for many.