Radio NZ interview with senior executive of Tru-Test

Radio NZ interview with senior executive of Tru-Test discussing issues related to the recent victory claimed by New Zealand electric fence manufacturers over European initiatives to limit the effectiveness of electric fencing. The interview will take place at 12:35pm today ( after the long-range weather forecast ) there will be a recorded radio interview outlining initiatives that the New Zealand Electric Fence industry is undertaking to improve the medical knowledge, user education and safety enhancements going forward, of electric fencing.

MAJOR INTERNATIONAL VICTORY FOR NEW ZEALAND ELECTRIC FENCING INDUSTRY

New Zealand electric fence manufacturers have won a major international victory over European efforts to severely limit the effectiveness of electric fencing.

At a recent meeting of the International Electrotechnical Commission in Sydney , agritech manufacturer s Tru-Test and Gallagher successfully put forward a proposal to make fencing safer without reducing its power.

Tru-Test Managing Director Des Scott said the result was a significant win for New Zealand 's world-beating electric fencing industry.

“The French delegation was effectively trying to impose a non-tariff trade barrier by proposing a new standard drastically reducing permitted power levels. They said this was for safety reasons but our view – which was backed by the majority of countries present - is that it was a commercial issue.

“They were trying to bar New Zealand 's very successful electric fencing products from being marketed worldwide other than with a very low power output.”

He said most European electric fence energisers had a maximum output of 10 to 12 joules whereas New Zealand 's more advanced systems allowed for much more powerful energisers.

Mr Scott said that, while there were accidents when people come into extended contact with electric fences, the number was minimal compared to other farm-related problems such as tractor and farm bike accidents or car crashes caused by roaming stock.

“The few electric fence-related deaths that do occur are aggravated by factors such as entrapment, water contact, alcohol or drug misuse, or pre-existing conditions such as a weak heart.

“However, we accept that improvements can always be made which is why we put forward a three-part package that was endorsed by the meeting.”

It included the commissioning of a study into the effect of electric fence shock which will be carried out by Auckland University and has already been endorsed by the Animal Ethics Committee. The research will cost the industry around $200,000.

Mr Scott said: “We also agreed that the New Zealand manufacturers, supported by Federated Farmers, will implement an education campaign in rural areas, including schools, about fence safety. It's likely this campaign will be mirrored overseas.

“The third prong of our proposal was to strongly recommend the fitting of current limiting devices on any part of a fence where a farmer believes children or people unaware of the dangers of electric fences could come into contact.”

He said Tru-Test was developing a resistor which could limit the current running through a fence. Costing around $30, it would be available at farm supply stores shortly.

“We were going to do this anyway because it is such a good idea but now we will be seeking IEC ratification to make it a worldwide recommendation.”

Mr Scott said Tru-Test welcomed the whole-hearted support it had received from Federated Farmers and fellow manufacturer Gallagher's for its stance at the IEC.

Tru-Test is a world leader in electric fencing and has a 58% share of the New Zealand electric fencing market.

COMMISSION DECISION ENSURES CHOICE AND INNOVATION FOR FARMERS

Agricultural manufacturer Tru-Test today welcomed the Commerce Commission’s decision to block a bid from its main competitor Gallagher to acquire 100% of the company.

Gallagher has had a 14.7% shareholding in Tru-Test since earlier this year. In May they made an application to the Commerce Commission for clearance to purchase up to 100% of the company.

Tru-Test Managing Director Des Scott said Tru-Test had been concerned at the impact such a merger would have had on choice and prices for New Zealand farmers.

“Tru-Test has a 58% share of the New Zealand electric fencing market, while Gallagher has 38%. If the companies merged they would control 96% - which would clearly have a major effect on competition,” he said.

Des Scott said that without Tru-Test’s strong competition in the market, farmers would have faced a monopoly situation leading to higher prices, a lack of product choice and a dramatic cut in research, development and innovation.

Tru-Test owns three of New Zealand’s five main electric fence brands, and is Australasia’s largest supplier of electric fences.

“New Zealand is the acknowledged leader in animal management products, and a merger of this country’s two main suppliers would destroy the competitive process by which innovative products evolve,” said Mr. Scott.

Tru-Test’s competitiveness and innovation are seen in such developments as the multi-million dollar export contract won in Denmark in July this year for the company’s world leading electronic milk meters.

The Danish Herd Recording Authority has agreed to purchase more than 2,000 Tru-Test Electronic Milk Meters - a contract worth close to NZ$5 million. The meters are also being sold in Germany, and trialled in the USA, France, Belgium, and Ireland.

Looking ahead, he said, the company is positioned for growth through its continuing focus on export markets, particularly Europe and the US, and gearing up for the busy domestic season ahead.

Tru-Test is one of the top 10% of New Zealand exporters and is the world’s leading manufacturer of milk meters and electronic weigh scales for animals.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About Tru-Test

Tru-Test is New Zealand’s largest agri-tech Company and the recognised global leader in agri-tech products such as livestock weighing systems and milk meters.

The company has a range of world-leading agri-tech brands including Speedrite, Stafix and PEL (electric fencing), Cyclone, Hayes and PEL (conventional fencing), Tru-Test electronic weigh scales and milk meters, and Supershear wool harvesting and shearing equipment.

Tru-Test is based in Auckland and exports its products to more than 70 countries. It designs, manufactures and markets leading-edge products that monitor and improve livestock productivity. Tru-Test is New Zealand’s largest contract electronics manufacturer.

Tru-Test is recognised internationally for its leading innovation in agricultural products. It has wholly owned subsidiaries in Australia, Mexico and the USA and a joint venture company in Brazil. Tru-Test is an ISO9001 quality registered company.