News Ticker

Scientists teach robots to more accurately detect dairy disease

Lincoln University computer scientists have been part of modelling a way to better control and manage a disease which costs New Zealand dairy farmers $280 million a year. Professor Sandhya Samarasinghe, and Professor Don Kulasiri, were among the co-authors of a study* conducted with data from a commercial robotic dairy farm which designed and built a computational model to help efficient and accurate detection of mastitis in dairy cattle herds. The robot milkers use sensors to detect the disease. The study posited their performance could be improved significantly by decreasing the number of false positive cases they picked-up. A deep neural network (DNN) was used to build, train and validate a classification model using variable combinations, including variables that have not been studied before. The model met ISO (International Standards Organisation) minimum limits while outperforming other past neural network models and reduced the problem of false positive alerts to just 3%, (false negative to 1%) while maintaining a very good capability of detecting clinical cases within the herd. Dairy cattle mastitis is considered as one of the most notable and costly diseases in dairy industry worldwide; this disease severely affects dairy cattle and results in a costly cattle treatment, and causes a huge decrease in milk produced from sick cows. Accurate mastitis detection helps cut treatment costs, control the disease, retain milk production levels and maintain milk quality grade. In addition to cutting financial costs, efficient detection helps protect cows and relieve them of the pain of mastitis. The total mastitis cost to dairying includes the drop in milk production, low-grade milk quality, cattle treatment cost and other costs. Research data were collected from a commercial Voluntary Milking System (VMS) dairy farm with 24 DeLaval robots, milking around 1900 cows in a single 13,000m2 barn for one year. During […]

Ingredion establishes starch manufacturing plant in China

With a new plant for specialty starches, Ingredion advances sustainable production and improves surety of supply to the global F&B supply chain while supporting local farmers. Ingredion Incorporated, a leading global provider of value-added ingredient solutions, strengthened the global sustainable ingredients supply chain for food and beverage (F&B) producers with the opening of Shandong South, a new production facility in Shandong, China. This latest launch doubles Ingredion’s starch production capacity and capabilities in the country. Starches are some of the most flexible and essential ingredients in the world, improving and enhancing the texture of everyday meals. As demand for starches grows worldwide with Asia Pacific leading the market*, Ingredion is well-positioned to cater to this growth with its increased starch production capacity and create winning textures for food and beverage manufacturers. Shandong South features advanced digital technologies and automation which helps to produce corn-based native and modified starch products that meet international quality standards. Ingredion’s enhanced sustainable sourcing of high-quality raw materials from local farmers, including non-GMO corn, enables it to deliver consistent products and ensure stability of supply in the region. Jacques Guglielmi, Vice President and General Manager, North Asia, and Asia-Pacific Commercial at Ingredion commented on the opening: “With this investment, we are positioned for customer success in a world where supply chain resilience and sustainability are more crucial than ever. “By integrating production from wet milling to modification through network optimisation and operational excellence, we can reduce supply chain lead times, lower transport costs and emissions, and stabilise inventory supply. We are committed to producing high-quality products to empower our customers to deliver what’s next in the market.” Jacques Guglielmi continued, “Shandong South supports Ingredion’s growth in China and has been designed to export high-quality products worldwide. We have already started to export to key countries such […]

Report finds fast food chains are embracing plant-based food

A report published by the food awareness organisation ProVeg International finds that the five leading fast food chains – McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, Pizza Hut, and KFC – are delivering an increasing number of plant-based food options to their customers. The report ranks the Big Five in terms of how plant-friendly they are and Burger King comes out on top with the highest percentage of main dishes being plant-based. Main meals, sides, desserts and menu presentation were taken into consideration at fast food chains across nine countries – Belgium, Czechia, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, South Africa, Spain, the UK, and the US. Subway came in a very close second in the ranking after Burger King, followed by McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and KFC. “It is incredible to see how fast food – which has always revolved around animal meat consumption – has become more plant-friendly and, in doing so, more climate-friendly,” Josh Bisig, Senior Project Manager at ProVeg, said. “We analysed 43 online menus across all nine countries and twenty-two of them (51%) offered at least one plant-based option. This is encouraging but there is still plenty of room for improvement,” he added. Normalising plant-based options The latest moves by the Big Five to incorporate plant-based into their menus include the launch by McDonald’s Germany of a vegan McFlurry dessert in 2022, while, in the same year, Pizza Hut UK introduced Violife vegan cheese into all of its UK locations, both for dine-in and delivery. “Fast food chains are ubiquitous and play an important role in normalising climate-friendly food for millions of people around the world who might not otherwise consider the negative impacts of food choices. And these chains are increasingly doing this by making plant-based options more available, tasty and affordable,” Bisig said. “While trend-setting with mainstream consumers, […]

Australian technology transforming viticulture through 5G

Precision farming is about to get a whole lot more precise with a wave of 5G technology showing economic and productivity benefits to the viticulture industry. Edon Abbot Growers are increasingly interested in the advantages that 5G has to offer the industry by saving money, time and maximising yield. Platfarm is a spatially based tasking and GPS tracking app for the viticulture industry developed at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide, South Australia that allows growers and farmers to manage their land via a smart device. CEO and Co-founder of Platfarm Lyndsey Jackson said that with a mobile phone and a good antenna, you can get 1cm of accuracy. “Being able to really accurately know where either the machine is or fences vine rows, things like that are going to be really critical,” Jackson said. This precision is important in the viticultural industry by tracking what vine rows have been worked on to avoid complications. “If you’re spraying for pests and diseases but have to go fill up your tank… when you come back and you’re a row out, then that can dramatically increase the chance of pests and fungi – that’s how outbreaks happen,” Jackson said. “But with 5G, if you get down to 1cm accuracy, then you’re starting to be really precise about where the location is.” Last month, Platfarm went to a demonstration day supported by Wine Australia in the Mornington Peninsula to be a part of a 5G/GPS trial with Frontier SI and Position Partners to evaluate its economic benefit. The trial was funded by the Australian Government as part of the Australian 5G Innovation Initiative to demonstrate the benefit that 5G has on precision farming. Position Partners used drone flyovers for Near Real-Time Image Processing while Platfarm looked at testing the accuracy for the GPS tracking in […]

Meating the needs of the red meat processing sector

Red meat industry overview: Australia and New Zealand Australia’s red meat and livestock turnover accounted for $67.7 billion in the 2020/1 financial year. Currently, more than 800 tonnes of beef is exported each year as the demand for quality meat continues to surge. According to Australia’s Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Australia’s cattle herd is forecast to grow to 28.8 million heads this year (up by 4.5%). Looking to New Zealand, around three quarters of pastoral land and just under a third of New Zealand’s total land area is used for sheep and beef farming. According to the New Zealand Herald, the country exported red meat products worth $885 million for the month of February alone. The meat industry continues to generate high export revenue and remains the country’s foremost manufacturing sector, providing 25000-plus jobs. And while local manufacturers work hard to keep up with the pace of exports, the Department of Agriculture has cited a short-term stumbling block which will see lower prices outweighing increases in export volumes. However, the momentum continues for many invested, long-standing farmers operating in the meat processing sector. A prime example of a proudly Australian agribusiness thriving in the red meat sector is Fletcher International Exports. “In 2021, SMC Corporation ANZ released a case study in proud partnership with Fletcher,” explains Derek Haakman, Area Sales Manager for SMC New Zealand. “The company has two facilities in Australia that processes a total of 90 000 sheep per week.” He adds that the magnitude of this sector should not be underestimated or overlooked. “The red meat supply chain encompasses the likes of animal harvesting, livestock sales, meat processing, packaging, wholesaling, transportation and more.” “Companies in the red meat sector are up against a host of challenges daily, these include high running costs, rigorous health and safety standards, […]

Novel plant proteins for NZ

(L-R): Lisa Asher (Harvest B), Andrew Holloway (Dunninghams), Fabian Quevit (Dunninghams), Scott Reynolds (Dunninghams) and Kristi Riordan (Harvest B) High-quality whole piece, plant-based protein will soon be available to New Zealanders with the new distribution agreement between innovative Australian food manufacturer Harvest B and New Zealand supplier Dunninghams. The agreement marks the first distribution arrangement for Harvest B and the first export market for its novel, high-quality plant-based proteins. Unlike other plant-based meat offerings, Harvest B has developed a range of products that deliver the look and taste of whole meat pieces, while removing the need for binders, additives and a cold supply chain. “Partnering with such a highly respected organisation like Dunninghams to serve New Zealand made absolute sense for Harvest B,” said Kristi Riordan, CEO of Harvest B. “Dunninghams brings a deep understanding of the New Zealand market and consumers, and like us they share a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.” Growing demand for Plant-Based Meats According to Euromonitor 1, 42% of global customers say that they are restricting certain animal-based products, with more people replacing entire meals with plant-based proteins or seeking higher-protein content from plant based sources. Scott Reynolds, CEO of Dunninghams, said demand has been growing in the New Zealand market, “We are thrilled to partner with Harvest B to bring their innovative and sustainable products to New Zealand. Harvest B’s plant-proteins are ideally suited to this market, where consumers have, until now, had limited choice when seeking healthier and more sustainable food options to reduce their animal protein consumption.” Better Experience for Restaurants & Food Manufacturers “The Harvest B solution brings together multiple plant protein types, allowing us to provide better nutrition and a better eating experience. Through a simple on-site brine process, restaurants and food manufacturers can replicate traditional menu items their […]

Fortude helps Beak and Johnston nail recipe for success with Infor M3

Beak and Johnston, an Australian family-owned fresh food manufacturer that produces innovative, value-added meal solutions, has partnered with Fortude, a global digital technology solutions company, to transform the manufacturing operations at its Greenacre plant. While Beak and Johnston is no stranger to Infor M3 having previously adopted it at their Arndell Park Facility, the manufacturer chose to partner with Fortude for the Greenacre plant roll-out because of the firm’s deep domain expertise and strong implementation track record in the food and beverage industry. “Our investment in Infor M3 is a strategic move towards becoming the top convenient meals provider of choice for all Australians. Fortude’s food and beverage industry implementation experience coupled with its extensive suite of extensions and integrations has enabled us to boost the performance of Infor’s core solution. With Fortude’s support, we have been able to streamline our operations and minimise food waste through effective master demand forecasting and inventory management. We also have been able to establish complete traceability which enables us to ensure compliance and food safety in our operations. We are delighted to have a partner like Fortude that understands our industry and growth ambitions very well,” said Ben Taboada, Group IT Manager, Beak and Johnston. Fortude’s implementation has helped the Australian food manufacturer boost its inventory visibility, overcome integration issues, simplify the stock valuation process, and eliminate supply chain inefficiencies. Fortude also introduced the Infor Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to support Beak and Johnston’s core manufacturing activities through complete traceability and accurate shelf-life management capabilities for its fresh food products. “The growing consumer demands for convenient and healthy meal solutions points to a booming frozen food industry. However, limited product shelf-life and dynamics of the fresh food industry, pose serious challenges for fresh food manufacturers,” explains Cameron Greening, Senior Vice President (Sales) ANZ, […]

Podcast: At Source

https://atsource.podbean.com/ This podcast is a place for busy people who want to get to the core of health and wellness with information about the latest health advances and trends. It helps you gain useful insights direct from the source – from doctors, industry experts, wellness advocates and everything in between. Past guests on the show have included Gilbert Enoka (All Blacks mental skills coach), Lance Burdett (NZ Police and FBI negotiator), Karin Kos (Apiculture NZ CEO), Dr Rosie Bosworth (future foods advisor) and other leaders.

Dairy farming offers opportunities for Kiwis

Kiwis are being encouraged to consider joining the dairy sector, with lots of on-farm jobs available now. Through the 2023 GoDairy campaign, DairyNZ is looking to connect Kiwis with the latest farm assistant vacancies across New Zealand. Waikato farmer John Gibson started his dairy career in 2021, leaving his sales job in Wellington to become a farm assistant near Hamilton, and was recently promoted to second in charge on his current farm. “I love the outdoor aspect of farming, along with being able to work with animals. My favourite thing is learning new things, and setting myself goals, targets and challenges to overcome,” says John. “Before starting my first role, I had no farming experience and had never even stepped foot on a farm. Everything I have learnt has been on the job, with the support of my manager while I adjusted to the new lifestyle. “Dairy farming gives you the opportunity to get involved in everything from dealing with animal health, operating heavy machinery, pastoral care and aiding in the calving process. If you’re looking for a career which will help you grow as a person, challenge you, and increase your experience, then dairy farming is the job for you.” DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says now is a great time to get a foot in the door and start a career in dairy, with plenty of farm assistant roles available across the country. “A dairy career is unique, providing the ability to work outside and with animals, while allowing you to join a world-leading sector that contributes to the health and economic wellbeing of Kiwis and people around the world,” says Dr Mackle. “Our farmers care about their people, their animals, and the environment and many are looking to support new people who join the sector […]

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Pioneering interactive plant protection tool a first

The latest update to the online NZPPI Weather and Plant Disease Management Platform for myrtle rust is ground breaking and will enable more precise spraying. HortPlus and Plant & Food Research have upgraded the Myrtle Rust Climate Model with new modelling that gives plant producers real-time spray management advice based on the actual sprays they use in their nursery. HortPlus Director Mike Barley said the upgrade was pioneering as it was the first time specific advice on fungicide use had been included in the MetWatch platform for plant disease management. “It will allow plant producers to be more accurate and efficient with the use of chemical sprays to combat myrtle rust this season. This is especially important as myrtle rust spreads down the country.” Rather than spraying seedlings on a typical 14 day cycle, the Myrtle Rust Climate Model enables producers to time spray applications based on real time disease risk. This can significantly reduce the number of applications while improving disease control. “The earlier version didn’t allow for specific spray information so modelling was based on average spray responses combined with MetWatch weather data. The new update is based on the actual active ingredients being used at each nursery so the spray management advice is much more precise,” Mike said. Plant & Food Research scientist Rob Beresford has been conducting trials on myrtle rust management based on the online tool. He said his trials have been invaluable in providing information on spray efficacy and the Myrtaceae species that are most or least susceptible to myrtle rust. “For example, we’ve discovered that mānuka is more resistant to myrtle rust so doesn’t need as much spraying as we previously thought.” The customised tool is the result of a collaboration between New Zealand Plant Producers (NZPPI), HortPlus and Plant & Food Research to improve disease management outcomes for growers and for New Zealand as a whole. To […]

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