The potential for positive environmental impacts, improved animal health awareness, and on farm financial gains was what drew the judges of the South Island Agricultural Field Days Agri Magic Smart Farming Award to Halter Cow Collars.
The judging panel of three industry experts were impressed with collars, which they say demonstrated an ability to integrate quickly into a dairy farming system and offer benefits to multiple layers of farming practices.
“The ability to tell a cow that bad weather was coming, sending it to the feed pad and ensure it has both shelter and wasn’t having a negative impact on the grass cover or the ability to keep it out of waterways was something that really impressed us,” said judge Neil Baxter.
“There’s a handful of other collars on the market that can indicate that a cow has poor health or other issues, but to have a range of benefits is quite unique.”
Baxter also mentioned that the collars’ ability to offer significant value to the purchaser from day one was the reason it rose above the competition.
“There were some great entries this year. But some of them are still finding their place in the market. Whereas the Halter Cow Collars are a real success story, they finished runners up in this competition two years ago, so it’s great to see they’re continuing to develop and add value to the dairy industry,” said Baxter.
“To win this Agri Magic Smart Farming award is great recognition for the hard work that goes in each day from our team and it’s pleasing to understand how the judges valued what Halter offers.” Said Halter CEO Craig Piggott.
“Our business is looking at the next area to expand into which is a major reason we will be at the South Island Agricultural Field Days. We're really looking forward to meeting with farmers down South this week and chatting about how Halter could help to drive their on-farm performance.”
Halter picked up $1,500 thanks to Agri Magic, while Canterbury company Grounded collected $500 for claiming second place.
The winners of the Agri-Innovation awards will be announced next Wednesday on the first day of the 2021 South Island Agricultural Field Days in Kirwee.