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Southland Farmer Takes Edible Bale Netting Invention To Europe
A Southland farmer who invented edible bale netting has his eyes set on the international markets and the British royal family.
Orepuki deer farmer, Grant Lightfoot is the creator of Kiwi-Econet, a non-polluting baleage netting that animals can eat, rather than traditional plastic.
Baleage is a way of storing forage to preserve it as livestock feed - the big round bales are usually given to the animals over winter.
RNZ spoke to Lightfoot a year ago and since then, he's travelled around Europe, met royalty and is looking to enter the US market.
And his diary for this year is also looking full to the brim, with shows and meetings.
"I've got a stall at Jeremy Clarkson's farm, the Diddly Squat Farm. A couple of weeks ago I had a phone call from the CEO of McHale Balers, the big green one, and he's invited us over to Ireland."
Also on his itinerary is the Royal Norfolk Show in the UK, where he's hoping to speak to the royal family about using his product on their farms.
Lightfoot added that Prince William showed interest in his baleage at a festival last year.
"I think I might be able to catch up with King Charles while I'm there as well."
It's not been completely smooth sailing entering the US market though.
The jute-based product is manufactured in India, which were facing heavy tariffs from the Trump administration last year.
However, due to recent changes to tariffs, Lightfoot is feeling optimistic that they he can enter the US market this year.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
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