SOLUTIONS What’s NEW? TECHNOLOGY
App helps farmers improve in-calf rates
M
ating is a busy time so the opportunities to improve sixweek in-calf rates may be lost if a robust plan is not in place to ensure every cow receives the attention it needs to get back in calf as early as possible. Within a herd there will be cows that have metabolic issues, cows with uterus infections, and cows that calve later than others, so it is important to keep track of them. What we have been missing is a simple reminder system to make sure all the important tasks relating to mating happen at the right time. The new Ready to Mate app from AgriHealth is now available to help farmers plan and manage reproduction (repro) programmes to lift their six-week in-calf rates. It is easy to use – simply enter the planned calving date and your repro plan is ready. All of the important programmes are covered – metrichecking, tail painting,
treatment of non-cycling cows, and Why Wait programmes are included with day and date reminders for the chosen events as well as a tail paint marking system that everyone on the farm can follow. The Ready To Mate app is customisable – you choose the repro programme you want and set the calving date and the app will send automatic reminders of upcoming actions for your farm via text or email. The repro plan can be downloaded as a calendar to view at the office, or multiple accounts can be set up for multiple farms or farm staff, so everyone involved knows what needs to be done and when. It takes only two minutes to set up the programme and you will never miss an event again. The Ready To Mate app is free and available now for Android and iPhones. Search for “Ready To Mate” in the app store or scan the QR code.
Spreading with SAM
C
oombridge and Alexander have introduced their new SAM computer-controlled spreader. It features Topcon technology which is ISOBUS-compatible, intuitive to use and customisable. The monitoring system in SAM spreaders is fast, accurate and user-friendly. It gives precise control when spreading fertiliser or manure, and it applies the correct rate regardless of changes in forward speed or product density. As an ISOBUS system, it can coordinate with any compliant tractor. Or it can be used with its own large colour touchscreen display. The computer operates a hydraulically driven floor-belt. Any SAM spreader can be specified with a computer control system to replace the standard ground drive at the time of build. The screen requires a few quick inputs from you - fertiliser density, 88
spread width and spread rate. Advantages include: • Application rates are set using the touchscreen inside the cab. • Spreaders can travel very slowly while spreading at a very high rate (eg: when spreading shavings in sheds). • Load cell integration gives pinpoint precision. Measuring the weight of product in the spreader on the go, then automatically adjusting the floor speed to achieve correct application rates. The accuracy of the spreading rate is as high as 99% of the target rate. • Border control (reduces the spinner speed on one side of the spreader, which decreases the spread width when spreading along boundaries and waterways. No double applications). • It is easy to extract information and provide maps for reporting and proof of placement.
• The system is customisable. You can choose if you want to add items such as load cells, an X25 Screen & GPS aerial (for proof of placement and field mapping of your jobs). Contact SAM Machinery if you want to chat about the options or visit your local dealer www.sammachinery.co.nz Dairy Exporter | www.nzfarmlife.co.nz | July 2020
