Scanabull technology among Fieldays Innovation Award winners

New Zealand agritech Scanabull's new technology for weighing cattle has claimed its first Fieldays Innovation Award, at the same time as the offers are rolling in from companies offshore.

IT expert Dan Bull grew up on a sheep and beef farm in North Waikato near Te Akau. He claimed the Prototype Award for his Scanabull WeighApp after appearing as a finalist in last year's awards.

The stars are aligning for Bull, the visionary founder of the company, because the app draws on his AI industry experience and a deep understanding of farming.

"It's still sinking in, but we're super excited. We've been at Fieldays for the past two days and when I got home last night I couldn't sleep," Bull said.

"It's validation of many years of hard work, which is really cool."

Bull said early adopters are signing up on his website and others have the app up and and running in time for the calving season.

New Zealand company Scanabull has invented new technology to weigh cattle. Photo: Supplied / Scanabull

He said that's a handy tool for farmers to measure which offspring are thriving and to determine the best time to wean them. The technology can also measure the biggest bulls, reducing the danger in one of farming's most essential tasks.

Bull said commercialisation is progressing, with strong interest from overseas companies already making contact with him.

In other award categories, Wellington teenager Elisa Harley the founder of Enivo Pots, won the young innovator prize.

Her biodegradable plant pots made from paper are an alternative to the millions of plastic posts used each year.

The trophies were awarded at Fieldays at Mystery Creek. Photo: supplied

Harley said every pot returned to the soil is a step towards a healthier planet.

There are also signs the wearables trend is moving to the equine world, with Hamilton's elert EQ taking out the Early Stage award for its monitoring device

Steve Chappell, Programme Manager for the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, said Finalists shortlisted across the Prototype, Early-Stage, and Growth & Scale categories were evaluated by expert judging teams, with each award category overseen by a Head Judge.

"Many of the challenges facing our primary industries are global. It is encouraging to see New Zealand innovators developing solutions that not only address local needs but also have relevance and impact on the world stage," he said.

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