For smarter farming
Summer 2020
Big picture
Insight
Finding forage facts
Weather modelling
Agronomy De-risking crop production
@PreciseAg1
Technical
Insight
Growth cycle management
Latest sprayer developments
Irrigation planning 1 precisemag.net
ec i
Agronomy
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Data for better decisions
F s in or t em du h st e la ag ry te ne st .n et w s
Case study
Summer 2020
Contents Precise Matters
4-7
Big picture
The latest news, opinion and views
In-field forage quality measurement
Insight
Agronomy
22-23
New weather and crop growth modelling
8-17
18-21
A cow’s perspective on forage
24-27
Efficient water use and irrigation planning
Summer 2020 2
Insight
Agronomy
28-31
AI to de-risk food production expert views
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Agronomy
32-33
Agronomy
34-39
Case study
40-43
Soil monitoring - ways to identify soils in need of attention
Monitoring and modelling crop growth
Variable drilling and inputs in real time
Case study
Insight
Technical
44-47
48-53
54-57
Data to drive decisions - a Beds business strives to succeed
3 size On-harvester potato analysis
Sprayer technology in action at this years national Demo.
Technical
Preview
Tech Update
58-61
Agchem closed transfer system,for safe use
62-63
Preview – the virtual Cereals event
64-67
The latest developments in controls, monitoring, data sharing and technology
Cover and contents pictures kindly supplied by www.farmingphotography.co.uk
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Summer 2020
Precise Matters
LEADER
SCIENTISTS MAKE GENE BREAKTHROUGH IN FIGHT AGAINST WEEDS
Oh the irony, after a truly awful winter, I’m writing at the end of a dry spring.
A team of scientists from Rothamsted Research has successfully adapted genetic techniques developed for crop improvement to be used in weeds – allowing them, for the first time, to directly study the genetics responsible for herbicide resistance.
Despite 'lockdown', forage and arable crops are growing well, and regardless of the weather they need the best inputs in a timely manner to reach full potential. Many in the dairy and livestock world will be thinking about the significance of this summer’s silage crops. From the Big Picture (page 8) to Insight (page 18) we provide the latest on how technology can determine silage quality and aid nutrition planning. Every sector of farming is, and always has been, obsessed with the weather. In this issue we look at how you can measure, if not manage, this variable. From Insight (page 22) to Agronomy (pages 24, 28 & 34) we give an in-depth analysis of not only how to assess weather parameters, but also how to make better decisions using the data. If there is a theme emerging from this edition it is making the right decisions based on the right information. Both the case studies illustrate this very well with a Glos contractor moving on in the world of real time variable rate drilling and inputs (page 40) , to a large well-structured eastern estate getting the most out of data (page 44) .
Since the invention of weed killers, farmers have been caught in a never-ending arms race with weeds. As soon as a spray is applied weeds begin to develop resistance to the chemicals – and year on year, the armoury is shrinking. Writing in the journal Plant Physiology, group reports it has used plant viruses to switch weed genes off, or alternatively, ramp up the production of specific proteins by weeds in the laboratory. This means that these researchers can now directly show that a specific gene is required for herbicide resistance, or else is sufficient to confer it. Lead researcher Dr Dana MacGregor said the research was a ‘game-changer’ for weed genetics. Her latest study focuses on blackgrass, a major weed of cereals and the topic of a previous joint study involving Rothamsted, showed that herbicide resistant black-grass could cost £1 billion every year in the UK alone.
Given the uncertain times we live in, I trust this read leaves you with more answers than questions and I hope you stay safe.
Andy Newbold
Editor
andy@farm-smart.co.uk
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Summer 2020 4
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Precise Matters
REMOTE FIELD MONITORING DEMAND GROWS Pessl Instruments, the company behind METOS® brand wireless, solar powered monitoring systems, has reported an upsurge in the number of remote monitoring stations requested around the world, due to the impact of Coronavirus and the need for farmers and agronomists to reduce unnecessary travel.
Gottfried Pessl, President and Founder of Pessl Instruments, explains that the closure of non-essential companies and travel restrictions has made remote field monitoring systems an urgent requirement for many farmers and growers. “Every trip to the field costs time and money, but during the coronavirus outbreak it may be impossible to check on all crops. Remote field monitoring systems allow farmers and agronomists to reduce field visits to only when they are really necessary,” he says.
the crop, the environment, their workers and continue to provide food to the population.” In the UK, the Rural Payments Agency has paused farm inspections, while globally, the GLOBALG.A.P standards setting organisation has extended certificates for six months, because inspectors are unable to travel to farms to perform audits. “I believe that in the future, permanent and mobile Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, such as remote monitoring, will help government and standards agencies collect some of the data they need to make sure the food we eat is safe, without needing to travel so frequently,” says Gottfried.
“We are already receiving an increase in orders. For example, large tomato growers in the US and Turkey want to install more soil moisture monitoring systems, alongside remote monitoring of insects, climatic conditions, soil nutrition and workforce tracking.” “Installing this equipment now will allow them to improve their risk management, while protecting
SPRING BARLEY CAN BE PROFITABLE THIS YEAR
This year many growers are reluctantly growing spring barley as the only viable crop following a very wet winter.
The AHDB early bird mid-February survey suggests that cropping is up 47% to over 1m Ha, in comparison to last year’s 700k Ha. This year’s cropping is the highest planting for the last 30 years in the UK.
profitability are tempered accordingly. Ben Freer, BASF’s UK business development manager comments ‘it’s a self-fulfilling prophesy, that if you don’t love your spring barley, you won’t give it some love.’ If you give it some love, particularly with a UK yield potential of 7-8t/ha then it has the potential to outperform other crops in the rotation.
The BASF 2020 Farmer survey asked 84 growers which spring crop would be the most profitable, 37% said spring barley. Spring barley was also perceived as a lower spending crop. There is a perception problem with spring barley, that it is seen as a low input crop and consequently growers’ expectations of
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Summer 2020
Precise Matters BASF Flying_DJI_Mavic Photo credit Simon Waldherr, Wikimedia commons
WIN A DRONE WITH INNOVATION OFFER BASF has announced a new 2020 innovation offer, inviting farmers to scan their cans to be in with a chance of winning a DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone with full training to Civil Aviation Authority standards. Powered by a 12-megapixel sensor, DJI’s flagship drone offers dynamic shots from wide angle to mid-range, allowing film and images to be captured at heights of up to 500m. With an autofocused tracking system, the aircraft offers 31 minutes of flight time with low-noise propellers and speeds of up to 72kph. The Innovation offer, which returns for the third time this year, includes can scans of BASF’s new fungicide Revystar® XE as well as Adexar®. Murielle Moille, BASF Cereal Fungicide Campaign Manager commented on the offer: “Following a difficult winter, farmers will be looking to protect their crops to offer the highest optimum yield. Revystar® XE is a unique
solution containing the first Isopropanol-Azole Revysol®, and the leading SDHI*, Xemium®. The combination of these two different modes of action ensures an outstanding efficacy on a broad spectrum of diseases, and shows an unprecedented long-lasting protection, giving your greater confidence and farm workload flexibility. “Including Adexar® in the offer gives farmers the opportunity to benefit from our innovation offer whilst also providing a strong fungicide programme.” Farmers need to scan just one can of Revystar® XE or Adexar® to receive a water bottle with integrated wireless earbuds. By scanning three cans, they will be entered into a prize draw to win one of 150 Leatherman SuperTools and if they scan five cans, they will be entered into the top prize draw to win one of 30 drones with training.
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Precise Matters
DON’T LET A DRY MAY SLOW CROP GROWTH
Mark Tucker, Head of Agronomy at Yara gives an insight. There is a saying that many farmers will be familiar with: wet soils make crops lazy. As you would expect, this is not a scientific fact, but there is some truth to it. Following record levels of rainfall over winter, we have recently been confronted with an especially dry March and April. Soil moisture is suddenly a huge problem for many farmers dealing with their spring crops. How is this possible so soon after a prolonged period of wet weather? The truth is that heavy rainfall causes shallow root systems. Deep roots die in anaerobic conditions. As an industry, the weather often catches us by surprise. However, if you look at the data, current conditions are actually in line with expectations – it’s merely our attitude that might require shifting.
The focus always has to be on strong soils and root systems. In recent years, particularly since the turn of the century, N recommendations have taken this into account. We have promoted higher application rates at an earlier time in order to build up crop canopies, resulting in larger root systems below the ground. We’re now faced with the threat of drought, the severity of which will determine how much crops suffer. To an extent, we have to take some of it on the chin. If, after getting out with a spade and checking your situation, there is enough moisture to keep your crop going, it’s a good idea to investigate foliar nutrition products. A robust plan that uses micronutrients and all the right products in your armoury can keep crops going until rainfall arrives. LOOKING AT NUTRITION – WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Strategic use of the right products can bring us through this difficult period. Micronutrients need micro amounts. Foliar products can generally be used throughout the whole crop. For macronutrients, particularly nitrogen and potassium, large amounts will be required via the soil.
Mark Tucker, Head of Agronomy at Yara
PAST TRENDS – WHY DO APRIL DROUGHTS CATCH US BY SURPRISE? We have a common misconception that April is a fairly wet month with consistent rainfall, and drought would be a rarity. The data, however, does not correspond with this theory. Looking at past weather patterns, April has been 28% drier in recent years compared to figures pre-2000. This trend continues even further. Over the past 100 years, April and March are often the driest months in the year. These dry conditions surprise us every time, but the data indicates that it is a problem we can anticipate and overcome. What we can take from this is just how critical moisture retention is, even after a wet winter.
In terms of nitrogen for spring barley for example, Yara has run tests across a wide range of application rates to find the sweet spot – has 0kg/ha up to an excessive 240kg/ ha. Yara have mapped and correlated results to determine that yield results are the strongest return on investment at 161kg/ha. That might seem ridiculously specific – and you certainly can’t guarantee reaching that number precisely – but it’s a good target to aim for. In their wheat trials, looking back at the dry spring of 2017, the optimum N rate then was 215 kg N/ha. There was also some evidence in that year that keeping 40 kg N/ha for a GS39 application was beneficial. The weather may catch us off-guard but the data – and tools to move forward – are at your disposal. Don’t overlook them. In the short-term, start thinking about how you can keep your crop moving along. In the long-term, seek out useful data or those with knowledge in that area. There is no reason we should be unprepared.
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Big Picture
FORAGE FACTS - PRECISION MEASUREMENT OF CROP QUALITY AND DATA
Since the early 2000s developments in Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) technology have aided forage preservation by giving an insight into what is actually being harvested and in the clamp. We look at the importance and practicality of NIR systems on the market and the data they provide.
Depending on the moisture content of the material, a certain portion of light in the infrared range is reflected. A higher moisture content reflects less light. The intensity of reflected light is registered by a sensor and transformed to a signal. Using a reflection curve, obtained through testing of crop samples and comparing to actual laboratory results, gives readings that correspond to Dry Matter (DM) and other constituents. Dry Matter can vary up to 20% across a field. It is an important measure, because a low DM means ruminants can struggle to eat enough to meet their nutritional needs. Constituent sensing offers additional measures of forage quality. Measuring crop moisture helps create more accurate yield maps and assesses tonnes harvested or loaded in a trailer to avoid overloading when operating on roads.
JOHN DEERE HARVESTLAB The first system on the market was John Deere’s HarvestLab sensor in 2008 which measures 4000 times per second. The HarvestLab provides real-time DM sensing on maize, grass and whole crop. More recently it moved on to measure forage constituents including crude protein, starch, crude fibre, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), sugar and crude ash as well as DM thus providing an insight into actual crop quality. Using DM data, John Deere is able to automatically adjust chop length depending on real time DM measurements. This enables ideal silage compaction, free of air pockets, which reduces the risk of DM loss. Additionally, HarvestLab can automate additive and inoculant inputs while harvesting based on DM. John Deere claim this can save 10% on additives, increase the quality of forage preserved and help dairy farm margins.
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Big Picture
John Deere Grass Dry Yield: Yield maps can be viewed and analysed in the MyJohnDeere system and shared with customers to provide assistance into pasture management for reseeding or soil sampling locations for example.
John Deere Grass Sugar: The quality of what has been harvested in a map format supports grazing management and could highlight individual areas of a field that requires further investigation.
John Deere Maize Starch High: For producers looking at ‘growing quality’ the ability to map starch means inputs can be tailored to deliver a specific constituent to a feed ration.
John Deere Maize Starch Low: Highlighting fields that simply produce tonnes of feed but no quality can support the discussion of forage price if crops are being grown on contract. In this case the starch yielded low which means other inputs may need to be purchased to top up the ration. The John Deere HarvestLab sensor is mounted on the spout and was launched in 2008. Measuring 4000 times per second it accurately provides an insight into what is being harvested and stored in the clamp.
The John Deere HarvestLab has collected numerous awards for accuracy and innovation including several Agritechnica medals.
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Big Picture
John Deere Maize Wet Weight: The red areas of this fresh weight yield map highlights where the muck heap has been stored and compaction has limited yield.
John Deere Maize Yield High: Drilling down to specific areas of high yield could help identify where soil sampling should be carried out.
John Deere Low Yield Focus: If fields are yielding low in certain areas it could be worth considering an alternative management practice or even consider if these areas are worth planting.
The HarvestLab can be removed from the forage harvester and used as a standalone unit offering owners an additional service to customer either for crop planning or winter testing as the forage is being used.
The HarvestLab has been certified by the Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft (DLG) in maize silage. Testing showed the John Deere NIR accuracy was within +/- 2%. Used across the world this clever unit is operating in some tough conditions from very heavy crops in Europe and New Zealand to the extreme temperatures of California. HarvestLab technology has gained other awards including Agritechnica Silver Medal in 2007 and 2011 for constituent sensing, the Agrotechniek Dutch show Bronze Medal in 2014 and at Agritechnica in 2015 for Connected Nutrient Management. For customers using myjohndeere.com system, the Operations Centre has the ability to deliver maps of crop yield and constituents to support decisions and management. It is possible to drill down further to identify where low yields and low nutrient levels occur, then decide whether to apply
different management or soil sample specific sites. Such detail helps producers improve forage crop margins by adjusting inputs based on specific yields. Where the focus is on growing high sugar or protein forage, nutrient yield maps identify field areas producing the desired results. It also identifies potential areas for patch seeding or can validate seed variety choice. The HarvestLab can be removed from the forage harvester and used to check forage quality in the off season. The system is a serious investment for a contractor. It is worth talking to dairy nutritionists about what the sensor can provide (see insight on p18). Being able to produce a weekly analysis of a clamp may eliminate taking core samples for complete year nutrition planning. Saving on lab costs and being able to revisit customers during the off season may offer differentiation amongst contractors in an area.
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Big Picture
The DLG tested several fields in 2019 to ensure the sensor is accurate across a multitude of fields and yields.
CLAAS NIR SENSOR Claas offers NIR sensing options on their Jaguar forage harvester range. Using the same principle of emitting a light source into the crop stream to measure DM and constituents, the Jaguar can adjust cut length and additive rate. Depending on the crop, the following constituents are measured: • Dry matter • Moisture • Starch • Crude protein • Crude fibre • Crude ash • Crude fat • Sugar Supporting management of forage crop inputs and fertiliser application, yield maps provide insight for better crop management decisions. The Claas Quantimeter measures the opening of the feed rollers as crop is entering the harvester. This data is processed with the DM reading to provide yield maps or weight harvested per trailer.
that the sensor operates to a fine margin of accuracy. Conducted during grass harvest the test showed a variation of < 2% in DM content in 88% of measurements. Using an 860 Jaguar forage harvester, DLG took samples of each load delivered to the clamp. These were cross referenced using an oven drying test, a standard laboratory test for checking DM in forage crops. The Claas NIR system was also tested in 2013. The DLG Focus Test 'Moisture measurement in maize' was conducted to test the accuracy of the sensor versus oven testing. Four different varieties were harvested to ensure accurate results in relation to the light reflectance and DM content. Of 38 sample taken across varieties and harvest days, 36 showed a 2% or less deviation from oven testing. Similar accuracy was achieved when comparing the Quantimeter to weighbridge measurements; the Claas system recorded 140.2 tonnes fresh weight against 139.9 tonnes on the weighbridge.
The Claas NIR sensor measures at 200 times per second. The Jaguar on-board CEBIS system processes all information and compares this to a pre-defined curve for the crop selected. A recent DLG test in September 2019 showed
This clever little unit is mounted on the spout to measure crop quality and improve the accuracy of the feedroll sensors for tonnes recorded.
Awarded in 2019 the moisture testing in grass showed less than 2% deviation from the oven drying tests.
Samples taken from each load were checked for accuracy by the DLG team in Germany.
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Big Picture
Bringing NOR sensing to the forage wagon sector Schuitemaker offer a Dinamica Generale sensor on their range of Rapide forage wagons.
SCHUITEMAKER RAPIDE WITH NIR APPLICATION. Moving away from self-propelled machines, the 100 year old Dutch company Schuitemaker offers an NIR solution on its Rapide range of dual purpose forage wagons. Mounted just above the main feed rotor, where the crop is at its densest, the Dinamica Generale (DG) NIR system works in combination with a weighing system. Adding NIR sensing means the forage wagon is harvesting and recording an accurate yield to support decision making in the farming business. Displayed live on an additional terminal in the cab, the loaded crop is recorded field by field. Analysing the data produced after grass harvest means the subsequent fertiliser plan can be adjusted based on actual grass yields. Such a package covers the ever-increasing market of forage wagons in Western Europe and allows smaller customers to manage forage production using NIR sensing.
Mounted just above the main rotor where the crop is at its densest the sensor provides precision farming data to the smaller forage producer.
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Big Picture Knowing the DM on the go while harvesting helps identify the field plan for grass silage. Using a quick, accurate DM measurement enables drier crops to be harvested first and then wetter grass added to the top of the clamp. Having load cells allows the operator to log field yield separately. Using axle mounted weigh cells and an NIR sensor records how much DM is harvested as opposed to just fresh weight. The optional Agri-NIR stationary measurement unit enables the unit to be removed from the forage wagon and be used by nutritionists to measure customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crops and plan winter feed rations.
The sensor can also be used stationary during the off season meaning an investment can be used in more scenarios than just harvest.
The Dinamica Generale sensor is well hidden inside the front of the Rapide keeping all elements out of the dust during harvest.
In addition to the NIR sensing Schuitemaker use weigh cells to accurately record yields per field again helping more precise field and pasture management.
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Big Picture
New Holland also use the Dinamica Generale sensing technology in its range of FR forage harvesters.
NEW HOLLAND NIR ON BOARD SENSOR The New Holland FR range of foragers can be fitted with the Dinamica Generale (DG) EvoNIR sensor. Monitoring forage crop moisture and nutrient levels to +/- 2% ensures the New Holland FR forage cruisers are capable of producing the same data as other manufacturers. Mapped data can be transferred via USB, Wi-Fi or GPS networks to the farm desktop to provide additional levels of insight into harvested crops.
the harvest day. The DG NIR system displays the current DM allowing the operator to adjust the additive dosing rate but it cannot respond automatically to crop changes. The Dinamica Generale NIR system makes up part of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offering to control and measure crop and inputs on farm. The same EvoNIR sensor can be installed on New Holland combines which potentially helps offset the investment.
Calibrations need to be updated each year. This can be done remotely by DG using an internet connection. Delivering measurements of DM, crude protein, crude fat, starch, Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF), Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF) and ash allows an insight into what is being ensiled during harvest. Displayed on an additional in-cab monitor, the recorded data is mapped to a granular level which can be used to create variable rate fertiliser plans. As the system is an addition to the machine, users have to enter customer, farm and field into a second display which takes some time during
The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;on board evoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sensor can be connected to a 3G modem to provide yield maps similar to other systems on the market.
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Big Picture This is a ‘pay as you go’ system. ‘Tokens’, loaded to the user’s account, are deducted after each test. This makes the NIR4 Farm scalable according to size of the operation providing a detailed analysis, as and when needed. Calibrations are provided by AUNIR, an independent developer and supplier of NIR calibrations, which has experience across several segments including nutritional, chemical and physical properties of ingredients and products.
Multiple samples across a field or clamp face make this a flexible little tool for any forage producer or user.
NIR4 FARM DISTRIBUTED BY AB VISTA Moving from machine-mounted sensors, the NIR4 Farm is a portable device to analyse forage in real time. This system enables users to make more frequent checks on clamp quality by analysing the following parameters: • Dry Matter
• Digestibility Value
The NIR4 Farm might be small but it delivers a lot of data easily and regularly to the user. Displayed on a table these results can be emailed as a report.
• Crude Protein
• Metabolisable Energy (ME) • Sugars • NDF • ADF • pH
• Lactic Acid • VFA
Delivering the important D Value and Metabolisable Energy (ME) the NIR4 Farm is used by many nutritionists and feed advisors.
• Ash
• Ammonia Results are shown as red, amber or green lights with explanations of the values. The NIR4 Farm connects to a tablet to provide a graphic display of results from current and past readings. This enables comparison of clamp quality over time. Results can be downloaded as PDF reports. This allows farmer and consultant to share information and make adjustments quickly to maintain herd health and production levels.
This smaller NIR sensor is handheld, very easy to use, reliable and portable making this a great start in sensing crop quality.
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Big Picture Another smart system from Krone is AutoCalibrate. Having one weigh trailer in the fleet equipped with a data logging system means that the weight can be automatically transferred via a mobile network to the forager which is also connected. Calibration takes place in real time. This means a customer has the option to ensure the data being collected is as accurate as possible and saves trips to a weighbridge.
Ensuring the correct length of cut, the AutoScan sensor can be installed in the maize header which â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;looksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at crop colour and adjusts the machine based on crop dry matter currently being harvested.
KRONE AGRINIR SENSOR FOR CROP MOISTURE AND NUTRIENTS Krone uses the Dinamica Generale AgriNIR system and a simpler lower cost NIR sensor only measuring DM. They work in much the same way as other NIR systems on the market. Crop information appears on the main display of the Big X forage harvester. The sensor is calibrated from samples taken from a variety of crops across Europe. The operator does not need to calibrate before getting going. Mounted on the spout, the sensor is easily installed and away from potential damage. Demonstrating accuracy in maize crops the Krone NIR sensor has also been tested and approved by DLG in Germany. Tests in 2015 showed that 25 out of 32 samples showed a moisture deviation of below 1% with remaining samples between 1-3% difference to oven drying tests. The assessment was made in three different fields with DMs of 22.2%, 34.5% and 38.5%. This demonstrates that the sensor can identify dry matter measurements accurately as crop or variety changes.
An additional offering from Krone is the ability to store calibration settings that an operator can swap between depending on what they are seeing being cut. For instance, the operator can swap between dry grass, whole crop and maize to use different pre-sets for yield calibration of the feed roll opening. This system works well when an experienced operator can swap between settings as they are cutting. Finally, another smart option is an optical sensor that can be included in the maize header and measures the colour of maize being cut. Once this has been analysed the length of cut can be automated to ensure accurate and consistent compaction in the clamp. Offering a potential reduction in fuel consumption the AutoScan system could provide additional insight to ensure quality forage is ensiled.
All machines need a calibration for yield mapping during harvest. The Krone AutoCalibrate network connects a trailer fitted with weigh cells and modem to the forage harvester. This provides seamless calibrations and accurate data collection.
Data is recorded and stored to specific jobs in the Krone terminal. Documenting accurately the amount of DM tonnes harvested helps create a more accurate feed plan. With the DG AgriNIR system DM, starch, crude protein, crude ash, crude fat, ADF, NDF can all be measured and documented.
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The feedback from the NIR sensor is displayed in the Krone Terminal screen. Operators can also save three length of cut settings and swap between these as they see the crop change.
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Big Picture FENDT – ISOBUS READY NIR SYSTEM AVAILABLE The Fendt Terminal inside the Katana includes an ISO UT (Universal Terminal) which means it can visualise every ISOBUS implement and all NIR sensors using the ISOBUS network. Crop sensing values are displayed on the Fendt Terminal which is easy and logical to use. Depending on the sensing technology supplier, Fendt offers constituent sensing for certain crop types. For example, the preferred partner company IT Photonics can measure crop ingredients such as ash, crude protein, NDIP (NutriOpt Digestible Intestinal Protein – protein available to the cow), ADIP (Acid Detergent Insoluble Protein – protein that cannot be digested), EE (Ether Extract % of DM impacted by the ash content), NDF, ADF, starch and sugar.
The IT Photonics sensor is the preferred supplier of NIR sensing on the Katana and connects to the Fendt Terminal via ISOBUS.
Shown on half of the terminal the IT Photonics sensor displays constituents and dry matter as the crop is harvested providing an additional level of detail to the grower and operator.
Mounted to the spout the NIR sensor on the Katana Fendt offer a flexible system to connect to their ISOBUS terminal in the cab.
As the crop passes the sensor in the crop flow it measures dry matter and constituents depending on the supplier.
Where the forager uses a GPS signal the measurements can be recorded and logged by field in the VarioDocPro functionality of the Fendt machine. This data can be exported via the AgriRouter system for farm management software. Alternatively, a USB drive can transfer harvest task and data. Depending on the supplier, crop curves are available for maize, grass, lucerne, wholecrop, corn cob mix, etc. Potential users should check with Fendt which sensor can do what. Fendt recommends IT Photonics as a partner for the NIR sensor technology on the Katana forage harvester, but they are open to any ISOBUS based system being installed. The system is available direct from the supplier and can be installed by a local dealer.
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Insight
FORAGE QUALITY ‘FROM THE COW’S PERSPECTIVE’
It’s a good time of year to be thinking about winter forage, with this in mind Jeremy Gibbs caught up with Hefin Richards of Rumenation Dairy and Beef Nutrition Consultancy.
“Forage consistency plus an insight into production from each field and additive application are key for focussed management when producing silage" were Hefin’s opening words when we spoke about data being harvested from forage crops. Digging deeper into why a farmer would want to consider analysing crops with a Near Infra-Red system, Hefin explained that the analyses provide an insight into crop quality. MEASURE TO MANAGE “Once a customer has an indication of what is in the clamp we can begin to plan the nutrition for feeding out forage more accurately,” said Hefin. Poor fermentation in a clamp means proteins will break down and dry matter (DM) loss will
lead to lower quality feed and a higher intake requirement. This starts adding costs in an already tight margin livestock enterprise. “Recording fresh weight yield is a start, but this is purely how many fresh tonnes are in the clamp. It does not account for DM ensiled or the quality produced, If we start looking at forage quality we begin to identify field variances and can adjust management techniques. When asked how NIR tools can aid his daily role as a nutrition consultant, Hefin explained how they help manage feeding during the winter months. “If I know the DM and quality in a clamp, I can work with my customers to adjust what is fed and when. A dry crop with higher DM can be fed during winter as opposed to being used in
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Insight
Photo kindly supplied by www.farmingphotography.co.uk
warmer months. If we are feeding more maize during calving, or high milk price months, feeding the highest quality silage available will maximise its impact.” FORAGE AS A FIELD MANAGEMENT TOOL Discussing how DM and constituent maps can be used for field management, Hefin explained that these give a very good insight into managing areas where forage is grown. “As maize is increasingly produced on contract, or rented land it is possible to manage outgoings based on crop quality. For example, if we know a field underperforms in terms of dry matter yield and quality, it is possible to either assess steps to improve future crops or illustrate to the grower/landowner that a lower rental / contract cost may be necessary.”
Similarly, in grassland and pasture management - when looking at reseeding - yield maps can highlight specific areas or a field that may need to be reseeded ahead of the annual cycle. “If a dairy farm is working on a 5 or 10 year reseeding plan the forage yield maps might just highlight that actually even an eight year old grass ley might still be producing quality forage whilst elsewhere after 5 years some change might be needed. Mapping can also help target where to soil sample or assess pH. If we can improve the lowest yielding 25% of forage area then considerable improvements can be made to the bottom line compared to chasing more tonnes per acre in the good areas.”
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Insight ADDITIVE ACCURACY With more and more additive companies offering solutions to how silage ferments, Hefin highlighted a very important point: “If the technology can be used to apply additive, based on DM, to deliver a more accurate dose, we can be more confident it Independent dairy and beef nutrition and management has been applied consultant Hefin Richards efficiently rather explains quite clearly how than one flat rate forage crop data can help for the whole clamp. improve margins and focus Again, this helps management on livestock farms producing beef or dairy. improve margins. Lower DM grass crops really need accurate additive application to reduce losses in clamp," added Hefin. “Reliable, useful and timely data will help the business case in the long-term for contractors who might be buying this technology. However, any data produced needs to be applicable to the farm or job in hand,” explained Hefin when asked how a contractor can make things pay; “Inaccurate or poor data is worse than none at all but there is most definitely a place for this in modern farming and even more when we look at things over the next five years. When you purchase an NIR system you need to know the calibration source used. This is what you are really buying. The intellectual property and accuracy of results is key, even more when analysing clamped silage as the variances in NIR reflection are less than in fresh crops,” said Hefin.
Cattle don’t like change. Being able to feed a consistent ration and know what your feeding plays a big part in this.
Hefin uses an on farm NIR sensor for checking feed quality and Dry Matter to make ration adjustments based on the clamp status.
Thanks to Hefin Richards of Rumenation Ltd - Independent Dairy and Beef Nutrition and Management Consultancy. More information can be found at www.rumenation.co.uk or @Rumenation on Facebook.
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Insight CARBON FOOTPRINTING Beyond nutrition, Hefin mentioned farms’ carbon footprints. “Processors are already carrying out audits with farmers to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and environmental responsibility. Making more from less will be critical as we go forward. This data can help show farmers where, and how, they are improving forage quality, rather than merely measuring quantity.” To conclude Hefin summarised the whole data discussion; “Data gives a heads up to what is in the clamp, it can be used to accurately apply additive and deliver a more consistent feed to the animal while driving more focussed management of land being used for production, all helping improve margins. Increasing milk or meat production and reducing costs is what we need to achieve with forage precision farming, which can be done with improving forage quality.”
david.whattoff@metos.uk 07752 426006
IRRIGATION DECISION-MAKING IN AN INSTANT
Monitoring soil moisture levels against rainfall and applied water means you can make informed decisions about when to turn the tap on.
W W W . ME TOS . UK
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Insight
ENHANCED MANAGEMENT TOOL FOR CLIMATE AND CROP GROWTH Hutchinson’s precision agronomy service Omnia has recently launched new modules which help growers with both weather and crop growth prediction. Andy Newbold reports.
One perennial thorn in the side with data is that there can be overlapping sets from various legacy systems on the farm. Omnia sets out to remove this duplication and provide meaningful decision support from this available data.
FREE WEATHER DATA The Climate module can be freely accessed by growers who are not Omnia users by signing up with a simple online process at www.omniaprecision.co.uk . This allows users access to weather data and the ability to create customised farm maps for their required fields.
VIRTUAL WEATHER STATIONS Typically it costs £800-£1000 per unit to install a weather station. Across a farming business with multiple locations, seasonal land rents and rotational cropping it can be prohibitive to install this level of physical infrastructure. “For this reason, it’s never been feasible to have weather stations dotted around the farm, nor is it an option to drive around different units collecting data whenever a spray timing is looming. Subsequently crop management decisions based on weather information are often inaccurate," explains Nick Strelczuk, Hutchinsons precision technology specialist. The Climate module in Omnia does away with this requirement by assigning ‘virtual’ weather stations at multiple locations. The benefits of this approach include:
• Accuracy and scaleability, weather data is accurate to 1km2 • Supporting and visualising on-farm decision making
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Insight
David Howard
• Remote monitoring of sites and time planning
• Record keeping and justification to support planting, crop protection and nutrition decisions. Measurements provided within the module include the standard units for rainfall, temperature, windspeed, solar hours but also soil moisture. It is also possible to access historic and soil weather data for that site for the past ten or twenty years. WHERE DOES THE FORECAST COME FROM? Omnia’s Climate module uses data from the ClearAg system, which is an open digital farming platform and a global leader in weather tech. The system is based on a mix of satellite, ground stations and modelling to build the forecast and the history for the trend generation.
Nick Strelczuk
BETTER DECISION MAKING The Climate module has been inspired by the Predict & Justify project at Hutchinsons national Helix farm in Northamptonshire, explains David Howard, head of integrated crop management at Hutchinsons. “The premise of the project is to look at how data from the field can be turned into agronomical knowledge, so this means looking beyond data collection, and taking it a step further into interpreting the data to develop better and more accurate modelling to support better informed decision making on farm. “The Climate module brings together weather modelling and monitoring data then combines it with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. This has allowed us to develop models which help to improve risk prediction on farm. “Improving the accuracy of crop modelling lends itself to pro-active decision making and more accurate agronomic advice which is the cornerstone of integrated crop management,” explains David.
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Agronomy
GETTING TECHNICAL WITH IRRIGATION PLANNING
After the prolonged wet winter, has come an equally dry spring. Mike Whiting spoke to David Whattoff, Managing Director of Metos UK to understand more on soil assessment and the importance of water input.
No matter how much effort you put into managing growing crops , there’s no better ingredient to achieve acceptable yields than sufficient and timely water. Although, regrettably it’s the one area over which few farmers have any control. Therefore, it is useful to understand the information available, to monitor rainfall and help manage irrigation. David took us through a virtual field assessment that identifies key factors.
The midway point is available water capacity, the volume which can be taken up by the roots from the strata. Values can vary depending on the scale between shallow established crops in sandy soil and deeper seeking brassica’s or grasses in clay profiles. Keeping the moisture levels within this bracket throughout the growing cycle will contribute significantly to a successful harvest.
First, some reminders of terminology and application to subject matter. Field capacity is the point where natural drainage from soil ceases; effectively gravitational pull cannot extract any more water. David’s simple analogy is a heavy wetted sponge and the location of the tide mark on the side after excess water has dripped away.
A reminder from our tutor re-emphasised the impact of wind on surface moisture loss.
The wilting point occurs where the growing crop has extracted all available moisture from the soil. Descending below this line without additional water will further stress the crop and can permanently affect growth and productivity.
CO-ORDINATING IRRIGATION WITH RAINFALL David explained how Metos UK can support growers to investigate soil moisture. By co-ordinating irrigation with rainfall, growers can conserve water and save money. As with most monitoring processes, setting a datum is the first priority. “By placing specified moisture meters at strategic points in the field, a median can be
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Agronomy Photo courtesy of Briggs Irrigation Ltd
David Whattoff
determined on soil status in the critical root zone areas,” explained David. “Give some thought to locations. Avoid areas of poorer drainage or at the other end of the spectrum, very light sandy soil. Aim for a known section which is relatively quick drying after a rainfall. Above ground, siting a rain gauge in the crop will provide information to support decision making. Depending on field size and topography more than one might be needed. How often have you experienced a change in climate from leaving the farmyard and arriving at the field less than five minutes away? WEATHER STATION MINIMUM SPEC The final piece of hardware is a weather station, of which there are many available. David believes a minimum specification should include temperature, wind speed and humidity, and potentially insect and pest monitoring. The system also requires the appropriate software and connectivity to link up with your data management system.
Having decided on monitor, set up and location, the next step is to assess a crop’s evapotranspiration rate, which is natural moisture loss from a growing crop. More simply, the natural loss of moisture from the plant as it develops. David referred to a potato crop which can typically cope with dry conditions initially after planting. Although once ground cover by the leaf canopy reaches 10% its demand for water will increase exponentially. Research data is applied which gives evapotranspiration values for crop types, with the values collated from specialist trial work. For root crops, select the appropriate variety value to deliver the most accurate results. A visit to the statistics section of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations website can provide further information.
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Agronomy THE VALUE OF INFORMATION This is where weather stations and information services add value to agronomy. The top graph below illustrates the effect of water addition as the black line peaks above the field capacity threshold, and then drops back. As growth continues, and moisture is removed, the line continues to fall to, and beyond, the wilting point. To add further value the effect of day and night can be seen on evaporation from the crop, with the line developing a stepped profile. The hours of darkness results in less moisture loss, thus irrigation during this time would be more effective. David explained that staying within the available water capacity range means that the crop is fed without wasting water. Citing examples,
the consequential costs of over irrigating (as illustrated in the bottom graph) includes the following; i) Extra energy costs for equipment operation. ii) Additional labour costs for resetting distribution systems and pipework. iii) Soil moisture levels in certain areas reaching the wilting point due to over extended irrigation schedules in other areas. Subsequent crop deterioration and yield loss. iv) Abstraction of additional water for storage in reservoirs. The cost can increase tenfold for summer extraction compared with topping up during winter.
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Agronomy WATER APPLICATION CONTROL Edward Blencowe, Technical Sales Specialist with Briggs Irrigation Ltd provided details on the company’s product offerings on irrigator control. The development of software with remote operation via Apps allows the operator to issue commands remotely from their mobile phone with the field-based unit. This provides two-way communications for operations such as increasing the reel return speed when it starts to rain, or updating the farmer with alarms if unplanned stoppages occur. This technology incorporates mapping functions which can build in the locations of obstructions such as electricity poles, woodland, hedgerows, bridleways or roads which requires a variation in control. Quadrant control for rain guns can reduce the arc of water distribution in accordance with field profile, or varying soil profiles. One of the biggest benefits of these additional features is recording water usage. This information can be downloaded and submitted directly to food processors. Rain guns and boom systems are common in irrigation. Applying water via a boom is much more accurate than a broadcast method as it’s not as exposed to the wind, explained Ed. In addition, the system can be tailored to meet a customer’s needs, with options on nozzle size that can vary droplet size. Alternatively, pressure settings can be varied to give the required rates and coverage, whilst reducing usage. Housekeeping tips include updating the control unit with new nozzle specification details, hence keeping the data values correct. Rain guns still have their place in the market, and a full assessment of the client’s requirements before purchase will help agree a specification.
The process of irrigating land by mechanical methods will come under much greater scrutiny as natural water sources are depleted. In addition, all stakeholders in food production will demand more accurate data on the carbon footprint across the complete cycle. Developing a greater understanding of a farm’s weather cycle and soil moisture levels provides a useful benchmark to determine when to turn the tap on, and by how much.
Photo courtesy of Briggs Irrigation Ltd
DEVELOPING A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF A FARM’S WEATHER CYCLE AND SOIL MOISTURE LEVELS PROVIDES A USEFUL BENCHMARK TO DETERMINE WHEN TO TURN THE TAP ON, AND BY HOW MUCH. 27 precisemag.net
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Agronomy
AI MODELLING TO MITIGATE RISK FOR FOOD PRODUCTION
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasing in agriculture and food production but can it be used to limit or predict the impact of weather events? To find out more, Precise joined a recent Agri-TechE webinar which discussed how risk in food production can be managed in relation to weather events.
Hosted by Dr Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-TechE the webinar attracted over 100 attendees.
we need to consider if a ‘data protocol’ led by farmers needs to be in place to manage how and what is shared to companies,” said Jamie.
Jamie Lockhart, farm manager at Honingham Thorpe Farms gave a farmer’s perspective on mitigating weather. Jamie is a 2020 Nuffield Scholar looking into better utilisation of data within agriculture. “There needs to be a willingness among farmers to share data to increase the accuracy of data recording. However,
Chris Nankervis, CEO of Weather Logistics took to the screen to share how they are supporting field level decision-making using seasonal climate predictions. Delivering reliable extended weather outlooks for a whole growing season, their target is to reduce fresh produce waste by 5% by 2024 and increase water use efficiency. Chris explained how Weather Logistics supports the industry in several ways. Providing data for crop models, they can help producers be more proactive in optimising production of salads, soft
Jamie Lockhart, farm manager at Honingham Thorpe Farms and 2020 Nuffield Scholar researching better utilisation of data within agriculture.
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Dr Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-TechE welcomed over 100 attendees and commented “The speaker panel provided a brilliant opportunity to provide responses to audience questions from a range of different perspectives along the agri-food value chain. The discussion included reflections about the potential for the Covid-19 related reduction in air travel to impact on weather forecasting, and the accessibility of data sets to train complex algorithms to manage risk for weather-based insurance. It was inspiring to see so many engaged delegates despite the fact we weren’t in the same room!”
fruit and field crops. In addition, a grower can take advantage of field level weather reports to support decision making. Being able to offer frost protection and flood advice as part of their climate consultancy Weather Logistics has expertise in algorithm design and can help companies validate data collected. ‘Matching data to decisions for a brighter future’ was presented by Steve Dorling, CEO of Weatherquest. Highlighting the opportunity to provide detailed, bespoke products to the industry via a privately-owned forecasting and weather analysis service. With a team of experienced meteorologists Weatherquest offers a 5-minute radar service, email and SMS lightning alerts. In addition, access to archive data helps growers in crop planning. Steve provided some very
interesting points around how Weatherquest has monitored the climate and continues to do so for emerging businesses such as wine production which rely heavily on historic data to make informed decisions.
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A Chartered Meteorologist since 1997, Steve Dorling and his team work to provide bespoke products around weather and climate impacts to the industry.
Summer 2020
Agronomy DECODING CLIMATE UNCERTAINTY Mark Hodgson, Chief Business Officer for Cervest presented how they are working to decode climate uncertainty. In particular focussing on restoring our planet and the Mark Hodgson, Chief climate through informed Business Officer for Cervest. decisions. Mark showed that by using Earth Photo credit: Cervest Science AI they are working with the whole food supply chain to help reduce the risk of food waste. Most consumers do not appreciate just how much the weather impacts on food availability and price. Mark and Cervest are working with an expert network to smooth out production and food logistics. “75% of 500 businesses we contacted see the climate as the main threat to their business. We are working to help them prepare for the impact of weather events,” explained Mark. “By entering a specific area or field into the system we can show how much of their margin is at risk from the climate.” This is where Earth Science AI comes into action; “Providing a grower with a picture of historic physical risks in a particular area helps make intelligent use of land and production methods,” added Mark. With different levels of technology adoption in the agricultural world, Mark stressed the importance of working with a climate company.
MEASURING WEATHER IMPACT The Agtech business ‘Stable’ provides the industry with a method of measuring weather impact on price volatility. Joe Brooker is a senior analysist Senior analysist Joe working to monitor Brooker of Stable commodity indices explained how Stable from over 3000 offer support against products from 70 price spikes and market volatility countries. The algorithm monitors prices and demonstrates the impact of price shocks from weather. “With most food products being known as liquid stocks it’s very hard to manage risk in the $8 trillion-dollar food and farming industry,” explained Joe. Offering businesses support for contract creation, Stable highlights the physical exposure of risk to a particular product. During the presentation Joe used the example of 2012 corn stocks and 2017 lettuce supplies to demonstrate the financial impact of weather events on market price. Interestingly Joe used one example of
By using Earth Science AI the Cervest company is working with the whole food supply to decode the uncertainty of the climate.
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Agronomy sesame seed price in Ethiopia and how the price is fixed to create a fair and more predictable market for all growers. “By creating a start or ‘lock price’ above the current index price we can then add a ‘stop price’ for the index and use the algorithm to monitor what might happen to the market price and add an insurance policy to protect against unforeseen events,” he added. If there is a price fluctuation during the protection period, Stable makes a pay out for the increased price that needs to be absorbed by a business if something occurs during the period to increase the price. For example, flooding or hail that can impact the availability of the chosen index in the market and so drive up the price. The final half hour of the webinar gave attendees the opportunity to ask more questions. Most of these were around data accuracy and collection. Steve Dorling pointed out with reduced numbers of flights during the COVID-19 pandemic that there could be a higher margin of error due to less data being collected by flight traffic. In addition to this when Precise Magazine asked the panel about how their systems will integrate into existing tools used by farmers and growers to avoid another website or portal, they all commented that they are working where possible to integrate into the back of existing systems. For more information you can register for future events by logging onto https://www.agri-tech-e. co.uk/upcoming-events/
ABOUT AGRI-TECHE Agri-TechE is supporting the growth of a world-leading cluster of innovative farmers, food producers & processors, scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs with a shared vision of improving the productivity, profitability and sustainability of agriculture. Pollinators are their monthly network meetings. Agri-TechE wants to inspire and facilitate discussions between participants with new ideas and fresh thinking. People from all sectors and
Creating a ‘lock price’ above current index price Stable can add a ‘stop price’ and use an algorithm to monitor what might happen to the market price spikes and add an insurance policy to protect against unforeseen weather events
Stable monitor over 3000 commodity indexes from 70 countries. The algorithm can demonstrate the impact of price shocks from the climate.
disciplines welcome—whether you’re a grower, a researcher, technologists or an entrepreneur, come along and join in!
With the current COVID-19 travel restrictions the Zoom webinar worked very well in connecting with a large audience.
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TOOL FOR IDENTIFYING SOILS IN NEED OF HUSBANDRY Arable farmers need to be good stockmen as well – caring for the ‘livestock’ within their soils. These are vital when it comes to improving soil health and resilience to extreme weather conditions while improving yields and increasing production efficiency .
It needs more than taking a sample of pH or basic nutrients. We investigate one option for taking stock of your soil health status as you prepare for autumn 2020 drilling. There are a range of options to help. We take an in-depth look at the new SoilBio testing process, funded through UK Research and Innovation. The test assesses the DNA profiles of the soil nematode population, similar to genetic fingerprinting, to inform the soil health status.
Using satellite imagery to identify soil sampling areas the new SoilBio nematode test offers an insight to the future potential of soil.
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ABOUT THE SOILBIO PROJECT SoilEssentials Ltd has collaborated with the James Hutton Institute, James Hutton Limited, Scottish Agronomy, SRUC and Barfoots of Botley as part of an Innovate UK collaboration to test the soil biological properties. “The new SoilBio approach to testing has the potential to completely change modern methods of soil testing,” comments Jim Wilson, Managing Director of SoilEssentials Ltd. “Previous years of satellite imagery highlight field variations for targeted soil sampling and the SoilBio test extracts and analyses the DNA profile of nematode communities to provide an assessment of soil quality,” he explained. Microorganisms such as nematodes (roundworms) play a hugely important role in soil quality and plant production, providing effective indicators of soil fertility and health. The presence and vitality of nematode communities can be greatly influenced by crop and soil management.
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Chemical and physical measuring provides a short-term picture of soil status whereas the biological nematode data is indicative of long-term soil health over months and years. This helps to understand how various cropping, or rotation strategies, have impacted the ‘livestock in the soil’. This new approach to testing soil focusses specifically on the organisms responsible for a healthy and productive soil. Jim comments also that this approach is a powerful test to run in conjunction with traditional chemical and physical analyses that will support improved soil management. It will provide valuable information to farmers, agronomists and policy makers. Long term SoilEssentials is focused on expanding the use of SoilBio testing to understand the links between agricultural production, soil health and wider environment impacts. The quick turnaround time in getting results means this could be a good option as circumstances change. For instance, this year many farmers are leaving land fallow until autumn 2020 planting - SoilBio provides an opportunity to focus on soil rather than production.
Jim Wilson, Managing Director of SoilEssentials has led the UK Research and Innovation project in collaboration with many other industry expert partners.
The UK Research and Innovation ‘Gateway to Research’ Portal has supported this project along with the key stakeholders. Overall focus is on improving food production, closing the yield gap and using resources more responsibly. The SoilBio test has been developed by the consortium to provide farmers with a framework to identify soils that need quality improvements. SoilEssentials see this as a step towards farming by soil zones, adjusting rotation or cropping plans to improve soil health and long-term sustainability.
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PLANNING FOR PERFECT TIMING Precise caught up with Kieran Walsh, Independent agronomist for Velcourt Advisory for feedback after trialling the xarvio Field Manager system
‘Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) really create the perfect platform for managing a farm?’ Was our first question. Kieran has spent around twelve months working with the Xarvio Field Manager system and Precise caught up recently during a crop walk to learn how the system has evolved over time “Working closely with my clients, together our ultimate aim to achieve quality crops at the lowest cost of production,” explained Kieran. “A management tool, app or platform that can help me achieve this and save me time is a step forward in improving margins.” said Kieran. Comparing pounds spent versus the pounds saved means a system needs to show benefits and savings in its early stages of adoption.
WHAT IS FIELD MANAGER The Field Manager platform and accompanying mobile app are designed to manage the complete growing process and provide an insight into crop production and decision making. The module known as ‘Field Monitor’ uses current biomass maps of field zones based on analysed satellite data from the past 15 years. This data is used alongside AI algorithms to compare zone maps for yield, nutrition, crop protection, growth regulators and seeding in conjunction with localweather data. Add to this the ‘Nutrient Management’ insights and the system can produce zone-based application maps.
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Kieran Walsh
GROWTH MODELS One area Kieran used was the Growth Stage (GS) model to check on the multiple farms he is serving. “The growth stage model for Winter Wheat is very accurate after ground truthing once it’s set, Kieran spent last season checking this module worked. This module can help a grower or agronomist remotely manage blocks of land. It acts as a time saving, knowing if the crop has or hasn’t changed a GS” Part of the ‘Spray Timer’ module, the GS system stands out as one of Field Manager’s unique features. An accurate insight into how crops are developing can really save time and help manage input timings for best results.
things like changing the colour of the biomass maps were taken on board and redesigned very quickly,” said Kieran. Louis Wells, UK Commercial Manager for xarvio Digital Farming Solutions powered by BASF shared some more information about xarvio and what the system offers precision farming. “We have solutions in over 16 countries, nine crops and 35 agronomic models. The team working on xarvio consists of experts in data science, programming, agronomy and commercial business,” explained Louis. “The team is focussed on developing unique solutions for the industry that improve and automate crop production.”
We discussed how reactive xarvio has been to feedback from the field-based trial users. “Simple
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Agronomy DATA DIFFERENTIATOR With more and more ‘data collectors’ emerging in agriculture we asked Louis what’s different about xarvio? “We’re focussed on delivering actionable data which means proactively identifying an issue in the growing crop, then providing an insight to improve the agronomic outcomes measured by a yield increase,” explained Louis. “Add to this the potential resource savings through automated decision making at sub-field level we can offer the grower an improved margin.” The xarvio Field Manager system comprises three modules: • Field Monitor - Receives field zone specific information such as biomass maps and weather data.to.increase transparency and make better informed decisions. • Spray Timer – Provides early warning of potential which ensures optimum spray timings. • Zone Spray – Field zone specific variable application maps - use the right amount of crop protection product and only where it is needed. “Make the best-informed decisions by using the Field Monitor module of Field Manager,” said Louis . “Having all relevant information to hand makes crop monitoring an easy and quick task ahead of crop walking or it can help ground truth
what you are seeing.” Within Field Monitor you can access real-time satellite biomass maps, 15 year historic ‘power zone’ maps and soil maps. Upload other zone maps such as yield, seeding, nutrition, crop protection etc. In addition to these you can add in your own weather station data and import fields from systems such as MyJohnDeere.com. “As Kieran highlighted earlier, having a system that can support or direct crop walking at a time when ever larger areas are managed by fewer resources, the Spray Timer module offers the ability to forecast growth stages as well as disease and pest risk status,” explained Louis. “By using AI models, the grower is supplied with field specific growth stage forecasting and disease / pest risk modelling to help optimise work planning. “These insights can be calibrated by creating an observation in the platform. For example, if the GS model is ahead of growing conditions in the field, the grower or agronomist can feed this back to ensure the system is constantly evolving,”. An agronomist could work with growers to highlight potential issues and have them double check any risk or modify alerts when in the fields. Using a similar approach, it’s possible to model Nitrogen application timing, again helping make best use of inputs as outlined earlier.
Xarvio utilises the online Field Monitor system along with Spray Timer and Zone Spray to deliver crop growth cycle monitoring and management to finite detail.
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Agronomy SATELLITE IMAGERY
Forecasting disease and pest risk allows agronomists and managers to have a heads up while monitoring fields potentially saving time and unnecessary crop walks.
Satellite imagery is not new to farming but using it to create your own zone maps for applying crop protection products and having the ability to ground check is. It provides another element of smart crop protection in the toolkit to support improved margins. “Using the Zone Spray module, you only apply what’s needed, where it’s needed based on the current biomass maps,” said Louis.
This clever system of creating field zones can still be overridden should experience or crop walks recommend otherwise. However, it is a clever way to start reducing inputs and increasing margins. The maps can be transferred using a USB drive or wirelessly by connecting to MyJohnDeere.com and Agrirouter then into all standard terminals.
“HAVING ALL RELEVANT INFORMATION TO HAND MAKES CROP MONITORING AN EASY AND QUICK TASK AHEAD OF CROP WALKING OR IT CAN HELP GROUND TRUTH WHAT YOU ARE SEEING.”
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Adjusting VRA tank mix based on crop biomass links several elements of crop monitoring and protection to provide an easy to use system.
Louis explained some additional features and updates which users can expect in 2020; “As Kieran mentioned xarvio is keen to take up suggestions from trial users so that we can deliver the best system. This year’s new platform design offers an improved user experience and flow for working through the Field Manager platform. Data insights are clearer to follow and act upon”. As with many apps, systems and management tools, notifications are logical to see when an action is needed. Purple dots highlight where potential actions are needed on each field. “If a manager, agronomist or even sprayer
operator are near a field, they can quickly check the Field Manager system for any alerts and either adjust these in the field or report back with any updates. It makes the whole crop production cycle more efficient. Adding crop icons and historic weather data has made it easier and quicker to navigate around fields,” said Louis. With increasingly unpredictable weather , being able to look back and evaluate what actually happened, allows the grower to see the exact weather conditions at the time a product was applied.
Changes to the system make things more logical and easier to use helping save time while using xarvio.
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Monitoring historic weather data means growers can check the detailed weather for specific sites and how this may have impacted how the crop reacted to the current management strategy.
WEATHER FORECAST To improve crop and disease modelling, live in-field weather stations can be added to Field Manager. These dinner plate sized units create even more localised alerts and weather data. This may reduce the risk of travelling to outlying land and not being able to do the planned work. “This spring we will have our first live ‘Arable’ connected weather stations integrated into xarvio,” Louis added.
Monitoring historic weather data means growers can check the detailed weather for specific sites and how this may have impacted how the crop reacted to the current management strategy.
A new ‘Cross-farm dashboard’ allows users, such as agronomists, to manage multiple farms at once. “The option to filter by specific recommendations helps prioritise activities such as crop walking. New, more advanced filters will be added soon,” explained Louis. FINANCIAL BENEFIT To summarise the overall benefits xarvio offers with each module, we challenged Louis to pull up some numbers we can all understand; pounds per ha. Taking the following numbers from around 80 on-farm trials across Europe, Louis produced a snapshot of potential savings when trialling the Field Manager modules Spray Timer and Zone Spray on Winter Wheat. “The Spray Timer module which ensures you are applying at the right time and only where needed has shown benefits which equate to around £30/ ha. The Zone Spray module, which produces variable rate application maps, showed a further saving of around £30/ha compared to a flat rate application. In addition, we have seen a 72% reduction in tank leftover, with more efficient spraying and input application,” said Louis.
Additional localised ARABLE weather stations assist in providing more accurate AI modelling for disease and pest risk.
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Case Study
CROP SENSING DELIVERS FOR WEST COUNTRY CONTRACTOR
Applying new technology to its full potential is a priority for all in the business of growing crops. A discussion with farmer and contractor, Phil Odam provided an excellent opportunity to find out how the benefits can be exploited. Mike Whiting found out more.
Based at Starverton, Cheltenham in the West Country, Phil Odam Agri Services covers the full range of stubble to stubble arable work, along with grass, maize harvesting and muck spreading. Supported by his wife Sue, son Will, and a further three operators, their activities can take them within approximately 65km of their base, reaching almost the Welsh border. Regarding areas worked, Phil has 240 hectares of rented arable land with a further 40 hectares of grassland
before including the contract work. One look at his machinery listing confirms the outfit’s capabilities to undertake multiple activities when both the need and weather conditions permit. FIRST IN THE FIELD “I’ve always been one to put my head above the parapet regarding precision agriculture and ensuring it can drive through customer benefits, adding value,” quotes Phil. His first experiences
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Case Study
with crop data management were combine yield mapping, almost 14 years ago. Although Phil soon realised that such information was only meaningful if you could take some defined actions and measure the next set of results. That was the catalyst for introducing an N-Sensor in 2010. The reason for his choice on nutrient mapping was quite simple. As a contractor youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re providing the client with a service, which includes both physical crop management, and also targeted applications of nutrients to improve
profitability and environmental impact. With a tractor mounted sensor making the decision to scan a field can be completed during the application. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no far outdated prescription mapping, subscription fees, or complications with weather patterns obscuring the satellites view. In summary, the sensors can process large amounts of data in a fraction of a second. This results in accurate information as you pass over the crop to increase the accuracy of the application.
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Case Study “I’VE ALWAYS BEEN ONE TO PUT MY HEAD ABOVE THE PARAPET REGARDING PRECISION AGRICULTURE AND ENSURING IT CAN DRIVE THROUGH CUSTOMER BENEFITS, ADDING VALUE” GREATER DETAIL NEEDED Moving forward, Phil reached the stage where he wanted to utilise the algorithms of the sensor in greater depth. This required an upgrade to a TopCon CropSpec sensor in 2016 which enabled them to manipulate the sensors graphs. The aim was to apply different products other than straight Nitrogen fertilisers such as potassium and phosphorus in a live situation. There’s no need for expenditure on soil testing to create a prescription map. Spreading of farmyard manures on both cereal and grassland ensures that soil structures are maintained and essential inputs replenished. The TopCon CropSpec sensor provides the subsequent variation on nutrient addition required for poorer soil locations. This fine tuning of fertiliser distribution pays dividends by delivering even tiller growth right through to combining. Although modern combines are equipped with a wide range of monitoring systems, quite often the operator needs to react to variations in crop density. “We now find that we have very little lodging difficulties, providing a consistent even flow of material. Harvesting rates have been increased due to running the machine closer to maximum rated capacity for the majority of the time,” explained Phil. AT WORK Regarding practicalities, Phil has one TopCon CropSpec sensor unit which under the usual seasonal workload fits in well with seed drilling and fertiliser distribution. They set-up the drill and tractor for the autumn and keep it in place for spring work with the granular fertiliser spreading. Although the wet 2019 autumn meant that the contracting service had to plan accordingly with
such a busy schedule for both activities over the past couple of months. When required the two sensors and X35 cab mounted screen can easily be refitted to another tractor in less than 15 minutes. SIGNAL ISSUES The question was raised regarding signal connectivity, and again Phil has a back-up plan in place. Two SIM cards from different communication providers are used to triangulate with phone masts and the base RTK station. This ensures continued transmission of data and coupled with the auto steer capabilities of the tractors keeps productivity levels at the required rate.
Phil Odam Photo courtesy of LH Agro UK Ltd
DRILL MATE Phil Odam Agri Services has found another very useful role for the TopCon CropSpec sensor with variable rate seed drilling. “I’ve always applied manual rate variation where the soil profile would benefit. I noticed that the drill was automatically increasing seed rates for heavier clay areas, and reduced accordingly for lighter sandy and loam sections,” quotes Phil. By repositioning the sensor on the front linkage A-frame from the traditional cab position, the viewing area is refocused into a 6m section rather than a 12m width. This enhances the image interpretation of the topsoil, resulting in up to 80% variation in seeding rates across some fields. The application of the TopCon CropSpec sensor is also applied for tackling blackgrass with minimal cultivation practices. The canopy sensors will identify the emergence of the green seedlings and increase the planting population per square metre.
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Case Study Applying a multi-tactical approach with drilling rates, delayed schedules and good farming practices, blackgrass is becoming manageable both on the home and contracted land.
of effluent when fitted to the dribble bar on the Joskin tanker. The next incumbent for enhancing the existing variable rate addition of solid manures and digestate will be the Terragator.
Once you’ve joined the variable rate seeding format, the subsequent fertiliser and agrochemical inputs need to follow the same principles throughout the growing cycle.
Overall Phil is pleased with his investment in the TopCon CropSpec sensor to maximise crop performance. In addition, the improvements in harvesting output ensure that planned work schedules can be adhered to. The resultant detailed maps are most helpful for completing the various assurance schemes and keeping clients up to date with the crop’s performance. Its flexibility and ease of use complements the role of a busy professional agricultural contractor.
Phil’s business isn’t holding back with maximising the potential of the TopCon CropSpec sensor. Discussions are underway with another contractor who provides the spraying duties to integrate the system onto their unit. The sensor has provided successful targeted application
FARM FACTS: MACHINERY: TRACTORS: FENDT 939, MF 8740, 7726, 7480, 7718, JCB 3220, FORD 6610 HIGH SPEED ROAD VEHICLE: UNIMOG 1700 EXCAVATOR: JCB JS 130 MATERIALS HANDLERS: JCB 5826 & 5360 MUCK SPREADING: JOSKIN 26000 LITRE TRI-AXLE TANKER, TERRAGATOR 3244 HARVESTING: CLAAS 970 FORAGER, CLAAS 600 TT COMBINE CULTIVATION, DRILLING & NUTRIENT APPLICATION: 1 X VADERSTAD RAPID 6M 1 X ACCORD TINE DRILL 6M 1 X AMAZONE 6M DISC COULTER TOOLBAR 2 X GASPARDO MAIZE DRILLS 8 ROW AND 4 ROW 3 X KUHN POWER HARROWS [3001, 3001, 6001] 2 X KVERNELAND PLOUGHS 6F & 4F VARIWIDTHS 1 X BOGBALLE FERTILISER SPREADER 1 X 4M SUMO QUATRO 1 X 6.5M VADERSTAD CARRIER 1 X DALBO 8M CAMBRIDGE ROLLS WITH LEVELLING PADDLES, SELECTION OF CULTIVATORS
TRAILERS: 3 X RICHARD WESTERN SF18 3 X 11T RICHARD WESTERN 1 X MARSTON 12T 2 X MARSTON 14T GRAIN TRAILER 1 X FLATBED TRAILER WITH HIAB CRANE 2 X LOW LOADER TRAILERS 4 X FLATBED 12M BALE TRAILERS BALERS AND GRASS CONSERVATION 3 X MF LARGE SQUARE BALERS; 2190, 2150, 2270 1 X KVERNELAND UN 7655 BALE WRAPPER 1 X CLAAS 4 ROTA RAKE 1 X KUHN 6 ROTA TEDDER, 2 X CLAAS TRIPLE MOWERS 8.5M
LABOUR: PHIL ODAM, WIFE SUE AND SON, WILL 3 X FULL TIME STAFF SEASONAL SUPPORT STAFF
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Case Study
DATA-BASED DECISIONS
Masses of data are being collected on many farms, but for Bedfordia Farms that data must deliver financial benefit to the business model. Jeremy Gibbs finds out more.
Bedfordia is a large-scale farm business including grain storage and analysis of 27,000 tonnes, an arable farm operation covering 2450ha and a pig breeding with finishing unit. Arable and Operations Manager Ian Rudge joined Bedfordia in 1994 having gained a HND in agriculture at Writtle College and a Diploma in Advanced Farm Management at Cirencester. “I reckon I’m facing my 60th harvest and looking back I can’t believe how much things have changed since I started,” said Ian.
Foundation Degree in agriculture at Harper Adams University His role focuses primarily on the day to day operations within the arable sector and managing countryside schemes. JJ draws on his experiences away from the farm to question current practices, bring new ideas and ensure the farm team runs as efficiently as possible. “Data is a huge part of our business and I’m glad I have JJ to work with on this mammoth task,” explained Ian.
Today, data is a huge part of the business and Ian is glad to have JJ Ibbett to work on the challenge. JJ came back to work full-time at Bedfordia Farms in 2016 taking on the role of assistant arable manager after gaining a
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Case Study
Ian and JJ of Bedfordia Farms together manage the 2450ha farm business. Both look to data for insights and decision support in their day to day jobs. Image provided by George Chancellor
THE AGRII DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY FARMS NETWORK Our discussion focussed on the arable operations and how data is used to drive decisions and monitor commercial trials. Being part of the Agrii Digital Technology Farms network, Bedfordia is one of nine UK farms working with the Rhiza system and Contour platform. This network has been rolled out to support field scale trials where growers can use data to demonstrate how precision farming supports the business. The farm is mapped into management zones based on soils. All the farms are supported by up-to-date satellite imagery, hyper-local weather data and other digital tools on the Contour platform; and are supported by a local Rhiza specialist.
Having a supply of FYM, slurry and AD digestate Bedfordia Farms is keen to maximise these inputs to benefit soils and rotation. Operating minimum tillage and direct drilling systems to manage establishment costs, the farm still ploughs if needed due to blackgrass. “Swapping from two 40m sprayers to one 36m machine equipped with telematics can really start to add value,” said Ian. “The sprayer driver and bowser team can see live where they are operating. This helps keep the wheels turning. The same telematics approach works during harvest. When the fleet of JCB Fastracs is moving grain, all operators can see and coordinate logistics to keep the combines moving,” added JJ.
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Case Study SOIL NUTRITION “One key area where data helps is to understand the organic nutrition of our crops,” Ian explained. “We use variable rate drilling. Variances in soil affects germination and slug control so we want to manage these challenges as much as possible with data collection and analysis.” Compliance is another key use for data as is managing nitrogen delivery and uptake in crops. “We pretty much max out our NVZ limits using digestate or FYM where possible to focus on soil health. To ensure plants are getting what’s needed we use an N-Tester to measure uptake,” said Ian. “We are centralising all field performance data on to MyJohnDeere. We can view yield maps, cultivation performance maps, application maps all in one place. This allows us to view and analyse data from multiple sources including John Deere, Claas, Horsch and JCB. One recurring challenge is solving variations in data from two of the same machines with the same calibrations or set ups which a dealer has now resolved. This kind of challenge is common making interpretation frustratingly difficult. We moved to John Deere AMS (Agricultural Management Solutions) in 2019 which was a key decision aimed at connecting machines in our fleet,” said JJ.
“Uploading everything for variable rate applications across the farm used to take a long time. Now with wireless transfer from one portal to the machine it’s got much easier and quicker.” The time savings achieved have enabled Bedfordia farms to take activities such as soil sampling back in house. “This allows us to target specific areas of a field and make small adjustments as needed in the rest of the data processing path. This in turn, helps improve margins and reduce costs across the farm,” Ian added. “Not all time and financial savings are documented but we have kept costs down by managing data and adjusting responsibilities. We share our guidance with A & R Cramphorn who contract spread digestate. Connecting contractor to farm helps save more time. He shares the applied maps back to continue building the cropping inputs records.”
Having all data in one place helps streamline the business decisions, telematics locations help operators know where the next tank fill is and where to meet them, especially important for drilling or spraying.
With some land still being ploughed to reset blackgrass looking at both field input and output data mapping along with linked machinery data we can make sound decisions when analysing farm trials and then considering the next direction for the business.” commented JJ and Ian.
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Telematics data, yield maps, application maps are all sent to the Bedfordia Farms MyJohnDeere Operations Centre to ensure data is available in one place and on the phone for quick and easy use.
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Case Study COMPLIANCE TOOL Circling back to compliance, JJ and Ian are keen to use data to identify the benefits of different application timings on protein levels in wheat. “If we can use crop input data to prove that we can grow a healthier crop then we can start to challenge legislation by proving our approach works. This is one of our ultimate goals,” said Ian. He believes that any trials need to be on a commercial scale to prove real benefits. “Protein yield maps would help us do this on a larger scale. The key is to know the field, the variances and yield expectations; then ground truth any data before relying on it totally, said Ian. “Clean data is a must for our business and we are keen to eliminate variances between equipment,” added JJ. A COMMON PLATFORM Looking ahead, top of the Bedfordia wish list is a mutual platform for analysing data. “One of the biggest tasks at the moment is connecting, collecting and moving data from one system to another,” JJ explained “Now we have most farm data seamlessly accessible at anytime. This means we can monitor - in near real time - farm logistics, field and machine performance data on the John Deere Operations Centre. This allows me to see what’s happening on my phone.
“Being able to map and record each tank load by grain quality would help us segregate wheat based on protein levels at our off-site stores. Knowing more about what’s in the shed will help us improve the crop margin by optimising any potential premium.” The key next stage for Bedfordia, is using this data in John Deere Operations Centre to assess the most efficient tools for each task. For example; choosing a John Deere 6215R and 3m primary cultivator or a 9rx with an identical 6m primary cultivator . Although this can be calculated, it should be easily accessible. The current drive to reduce inputs must be justifiable and economic. Using both field input and data output along with mapping with linked machinery data will enable sound decisions from analysing farm trials. One important closing comment from Ian was around transparency; “By recording what we are doing and how this impacts on crop development, we can be more environmentally responsible and show the general public what lengths farmers are going to in producing food for the plate. We use opportunities such as Open Farm Sunday where we had over 2500 people on the farm - to show how we are being responsible and making best use of inputs such as fertiliser, be that in the form of FYM or digestate or liquid to deliver higher quality crops.”
Comparing two years of NDVI at Bedfordia.
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Insight
‘EYES ON THE PRIZE - AN INSIGHT INTO SIZE’ - AN ADDITIONAL LEVEL OF TRANSPARENCY FOR THE POTATO CROP
Following approximately 5 years of development and testing throughout the UK and Europe, HarvestEye Ltd has released a British designed, engineered and built 3D camera system for measuring root crop size, count and variation at the point of harvest. This non-destructive
technology is capable of providing growers with a great level of insight into their crop. Originally developed by B-Hive Innovations, an agritech R&D company based in Lincoln, HarvestEye is now its own limited company
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Insight
and Grimme UK have distribution rights for the technology within the UK. B-Hive focus on solving existing problems in the fresh produce industry, in this case specifically providing growers with an ‘increased marketable yield’. “We focus on solving existing problems facing farmers
and growers through the use of innovative technology,” explains Linden Heaton, Operations Manager for HarvestEye Ltd. The HarvestEye system certainly offers some great features and benefits to potato growers based on a process of data management in five steps:
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Insight
The five step process of how the collected data can support your business is clear and easy to follow.
1: Size, count and distribution data : Accurate insight for better results - Provides unprecedented levels of insight with a suite of valuable reports. Understanding the precise size profile means you can market your crops more profitably. 2: Location data: Detailed mapping for future decision making - Real time size and yield mapping of root crops means growers can analyse specific areas of a field for soil sampling or irrigation adjustments, also helping move to a more sustainable use of chemicals, fertiliser and water.
yield and reducing waste throughout the supply chain. It also allows for more efficient agronomy practices, increasing the sustainability of crop growth. 5: Better returns: Informing long-term sustainable growth - Showing you the big picture to underpin better forward planning. Supports complex decision making by cross-referencing detailed data sets.
3: Data analysis: Cloud based processing - Data is collected, processed and returned to the grower in the form of bar graphs and Google based maps showing field variation of yield and size. 4: Insight: Enabling precise, efficient marketing and agronomy - Effectively samples the crop from the whole field at harvest. The insight provided allows growers to tailor their crop to specific customer requirements, increasing marketable
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Real time yield mapping of root crop yield means growers can analyse specific areas of a field for soil sampling or irrigation adjustments.
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Insight
HarvestEye was launched as a commercial product at the British Potato Event in 2019 and received a Highly Commended award for best innovation. It also holds a UK patent with the international approval currently pending. Linden explained â&#x20AC;&#x153;What started off as a B-Hive project soon became an innovation and then moved on to become a product and was capable of becoming its own business.â&#x20AC;?.
HarvestEye looks like a simple black box above a harvester elevator or processing belt on a grader and measures potato length, width and depth to provide a detailed tuber size breakdown of what has been harvested helping growers market accurately and confidently to purchasers. The system will show the average size of tuber harvested. Set up is simple with the operator only needing to enter a field name and size band for the camera to look for. A growing benefit for all parties is the machine learning element capable of identifying stones, clods and hands.
The operator has a simple set up procedure including field name, size of crop to look for and press start and the tablet will start recording and sending data to the cloud (network connection required).
Shown at LAMMA 2020 the system is easy to use, self learning and can differentiate from clods, stones and pickers hands.
Operating via a tablet in the cab, all internal workings are protected from hot, cold and wet weather and certified with an IP rating ensuring confidence and reliability for owners. Data is uploaded to a cloud for processing. Once
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Insight processed the grower receives bar graphs displaying size and count data from a field, also an estimated yield in tonnes per hectare. “In addition to a bar graph we also deliver a map of the potato size and yield distribution in a field, providing growers with a tool to identify problem areas or where improvements can be made,” explained Linden.
few of the key points targeted by HarvestEye. Transparency with purchasers is also an added element of differentiation and provides confidence in knowing what’s sold and what’s purchased. We look forward to sharing more information later in the season when we will revisit HarvestEye in field on a machine.
Supporting more efficient storage plans - knowing the size of tubers can influence storage plans, helps growers tailor their crop to particular customer requirements. In particular for seed growers the ability to see the volume of certain sizes helps plan for the following year's seed crop. Linden explained the system is 90-95% accurate on sizing and easily installed as a retro fit to most makes of harvester, not limited to Grimme models. The HarvestEye system is designed to give producers an insight to the crop they have harvested and what they put into store, rather than an exact breakdown. As with all data, set up is important to achieve accuracy. Comments from field testers are that it supports sales of tailored products to customers and it is very easy for the operator to use and doesn’t interfere with the harvester. More accurate insight and better returns for a farmer, more precise irrigation and agronomy while helping to achieve long term sustainable growth of a business are just a
Once the data has been processed a subscription gains you access to a detailed breakdown of potato size and corresponding yield amounts of that given size, weight and count. Providing a very detailed view of harvest management and following store environment conditions means you can manage specific products for specific customers.
Yield distribution of the field can help adjust future input and harvest timing plans. Potentially growers could also stop harvest and return when the distribution has changed.
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Having confidence in the size of potato harvested adds transparency to purchasers or allows more efficient marketing of this high value crop.
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Technical
SPRAYER DEVELOPMENTS IN ACTION
A short but welcome break in the wet weather at the end of February gave the National Sprayer Demo Day the opportunity to share news and demonstrate machines to owners and operators. By kind permission of AW Smith and Sons we were fortunate to have at least a half day of dry weather before rain created some tougher conditions on the sandy site near Horncastle in Lincs.
All main manufacturers attended again this year and Precise took the time to discuss with each the highlights and news they were sharing at the event. ISOBUS connectivity was a clear standout development with manufacturers. For flexibility and ease of use most machines now feature a Universal Terminal (UT) that connects to the sprayer. This counts for self-propelled units and trailed who mostly offer a single display for guidance, machine performance and sprayer control making the operatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life easier and more comfortable. The Fluid Control Pro from Knight
was an interesting system to review and has some smart features within the ISOBUS set up and digital filling control. Automatic filling, by means of entering an area to be sprayed and the rate, was shown by many companies. This reduces the amount of left-over volume in the tank and thus uses chemicals and water more efficiently to help trim the margin down. Also helping to improve chemical use was the focus on nozzle control and ground following ability. With all manufacturers showcasing their systems, the tramlines and long undulations of the site provided some testing runs for machines.
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NOZZLE DEVELOPMENTS Nozzles are pretty much all moving to Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) both for more accurate section control and adjusting droplet size for specific conditions. Combining this with smart systems where the operator inputs desired rate and droplet size, systems will feedback what nozzles are required making set up quicker and easier. Systems such as the Capstan Ag set up from Bateman Sprayers were also displayed which will feedback to the operator when the nozzle is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fully openâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; meaning time to slow down
or change nozzles. In addition to this Bateman were keen to explain that the improved boom control can be retro-fitted to older machines. After a very wet six months the topic of machine weight caused heated discussion. By mid-afternoon the heavens opened which meant ruts appearing in the tramlines. The lower weight machines performed just as well as the larger more powerful ones which generated some interesting discussion with manufacturers such as Chafer, Househam and the new Mazotti sprayers shown by Ripon Farm Services.
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Technical
Vicon frount tank and mounted unit working on the day.
Amazones trailed unit being put through its paces.
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Technical TRAILED AND MOUNTED UNITS Cost of operation was a key point for lots of customers given the uncertain future harvest and market. There was debate about changing machines or moving to a trailed set up now that larger and larger boom options are available. Both trailed and mounted options were well represented at the Sprayer Demo Day as manoeuvrability and field size still dominates
some discussions for average sized farms. The McConnel AgriBuggy offers a lightweight design to help reduce compaction while retaining high output from a smaller self-propelled unit. If ground clearance is important to you it was a pleasure to look around the 1.4m high Bargam self-propelled machine which performed very well in the tough conditions.
The McConnel AgriBuggy certainly showed its light footprint.
NEW DEFENDER New models were also on show from Chafer who demonstrated the Defender for the first time in the UK. The Defender base specification is lower than the larger Interceptor model but options can be added to build up to higher spec while retaining a smaller, and lighter footprint. Fendt shared the new 665 Rogator for the first UK public showing. With 307hp max
rated power (Rogator 655 is 272hp and the 645 is 235hp). The new larger machine has a 6000L (nominal) tank capacity yet retains its low centre of gravity giving stability and excellent boom contour following. Now featuring the 'Optisonic' boom height control which is made in-house allowing easier set up and customised features for operators.
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Technical
EASYCONNECT CLOSED TRANSFER SYSTEM MAKES FOR SAFER SPRAYER REFILLS
Industry-wide collaboration means the concept of closed transfer technology systems (CTS) is becoming a workable solution for crop spraying which will reduce many of the hazards associated with decanting liquid chemicals into sprayer induction hoppers.
This concept has long been on the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wish list and collaboration by ADAMA, BASF, Corteva AgriScience, Nufarm and Syngenta has made the wish come true. What farmers and operators will welcome was demonstrated by Syngentaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busy stand at LAMMA 2020. Designing a safe handling system required the physical characteristics of chemical containers to be taken into account. The container handle profile must allow the operator to hold the can securely throughout the coupling process with the easyconnect closed transfer docking station. This ensures manual handling activities are risk assessed and no new hazards introduced. A clear sight gauge is needed to allow partial emptying while maintaining accurate mixing rates. CAP DESIGN The design of the container cap plays a crucial part in facilitating transfer. The 63mm diameter
screw cap has an integral plastic seal which can be detached and re-attached from the outer section. This allows chemicals to be safely decanted and then outer sealing of the container to be re-established. This reduces the risk of both operator exposure and point source contamination. Once the container is secured in the inverted position with the easyconnect closed transfer docking station, the operator manually activates the all-important locking mechanism. At this point the seal remains intact and the operator could, if required, unlock and remove the container without releasing any chemical. By activating a simple switch, a probe is raised from the easyconnect closed transfer system, releasing the inner seal. At LAMMA, Syngenta demonstrated discharge using water. The liquid is decanted in a controlled flow rate and progress can be seen through the clear plastic container.
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DEDICATED SUPPLY ROUTES There are three dedicated supply routes within the easyconnect system design: i) Air diffused into the can under natural aspiration via the probe. This ensures the container does not compress. ii) Clean water supply. iii) Transfer of sufficient cleanout water from the easyconnect system into the sprayer. Providing an automated clean down system.
CTS cap with insert
Once the container has been emptied and rinsed, along with flushing the easyconnect closed transfer unit, the probe retracts to reinsert the seal into the outer cap. Part emptying of a can has been included in the specification to ensure secure resealing of the container lid. Rigorous tests confirm a minimum life of ten activations for the inner and outer seals, ensuring partially used containers can be safely handled multiple times.
CTS system probe activated
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Technical SAFE OPERATOR As for confirming the level of risk reduction, anyone who has attended a HSE SHAD (Safety and Health Awareness Days) event will have seen practical demonstrations of the hazards associated with handling chemicals. This awareness exercise uses ultraviolet tracer dye to indicate the rapid contamination of PPE with chemicals from a slight spillage on the operatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gloves. However, the easyconnect system is not designed to replace PPE as set out in manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s material safety data sheet; nor does it dispense with subsequent on site COSHH and risk assessments.
CTS view from above
On farm testing has involved monitoring six sprayer operators across the UK. Whilst creating a safer working environment, other savings are identified compared with manual decanting methods. The farmers trialling the easyconnect closed transfer system estimate a 25%-30% improvement in efficiency for sprayer refill routines.
VERSATILE MOUNTING Positioning the system is flexible. It can be mounted directly on spraying machinery, or fixed within the chemical handling area. The design is simple, and the construction robust for reliability in use. As for costings? Figures are yet to be confirmed. The aim is an affordable closed transfer system for the full range of sprayer operators, through participating machinery suppliers. Plans are in place for marketing the easyconnect closed transfer system. By 2021/2022 a broad range of compliant containers with standardised pre-mounted screw caps should be available for farmers in Denmark, Germany, France, the Netherlands and the UK. Other countries are likely to follow.
THE EASYCONNECT SYSTEM IS NOT DESIGNED TO REPLACE PPE
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CTS Can inverted and locked in position
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Technical
STUDY LOOKING TO HARVEST COMBINE DATA TO TACKLE FIELD-EDGE YIELD DECLINES
Rothamsted scientists are assessing whether flower-rich margins, hedgerows or tree lines are helping improve yield and asking farmers to help by sending them GPS data collected at harvest.
“Likewise, we will also identify whether features known to support pollinators and other beneficial wildlife are having a positive effect on yield in the nearest parts of the crop.
In return for their help, the Institute will provide farmers with an easy to interpret summary of the findings, with tips on how they might increase production.
“We’d be really grateful it if any farmers with yield monitor data from their combines would share it with us.”
Dr Helen Metcalfe, who is collating the data, said different types of field boundaries could help to reduce the yield decline at field edges. “Have you ever wondered what the true benefit of hedgerows, treelines or flower rich margins are on your crop yield? “By linking the yield monitor data collected by GPS enabled combine harvesters with the presence of different landscape features, we will try to determine whether yield decline towards the edge of fields is associated with certain types of boundaries.
Data from any sort of crop, from any part of the UK will be useful, she added, stressing that no farmer data will be shared beyond this project. “We won’t publish maps or use them in presentations without prior consent, and the way the data will be pooled and processed before publication means nothing identifiable will be detectable from it.” More information on how to take part, including simple instructions on how to download combine data, can be obtained from https://www. ecostack-h2020.eu/2020/04/01/yeld-monitor/ or by emailing helen.metcalfe@rothamsted.ac.uk
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Preview
EVENT PREVIEW – CEREALS LIVE WEATHER MONITORING We have a look at what this year’s virtual Cereals Event – Cereals Live has to offer the smart farmer. Farmers are continually striving to improve efficiencies and precision technology provides the means to do so, which is why Cereals LIVE is showcasing the very latest advances. From data analysis and variable rate applications to the internet of things, this area is taking agriculture to whole new levels, says event director Alli McEntyre. “It is presenting solutions and improvements which were previously thought the realms of science fiction. The advances we are seeing in precision farming may seem futuristic, but not only are they happening now, they are commercially available,” she adds.
Keeping ahead of the weather is a constant challenge for farmers, but innovations in precision technology are allowing for ultra-local weather measurements, helping growers to carefully manage field operations. Sencrop’s latest acquisition, Visio-Green, connects over 10,000 farmers to its weather data platform. On-farm weather stations - which measure rainfall, temperature, air humidity, windspeed and leaf wetness - report directly to an app with local weather data 24/7, helping farmers to optimise field management. The data can also be shared within a network, allowing for a broader picture or localised information from other areas.
“Some of the industry’s leading experts in this area are going to be presenting online at Cereals LIVE on 10-11 June, sorting fact from fiction and giving the low-down on just how far science has advanced.” Sencrop weather station in field
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Preview MACHINERY From app-based innovations to mechanical weeding, precision farming is as much about new technology as it is about improving established practices. “Vision guidance for inter-row cultivation is quite well established,” says Nick Tillett at Tillett and Hague Technology. “But using the same system, we developed within-row weeding, and the next level is to identify and treat the weed with spot chemical application.” Identifying weeds for this involves developing algorithms using geometry, planting patterns, positions, shapes, size and illumination. Additionally, applying product requires specialist nozzles positioned about 10cm apart. “It’s very promising technology, but the downside is that it’s relatively expensive,” he explains. “It’s not quite there commercially but we’re trying to make technology more cost-effective.”
ACCURATE SPRAYING TECH Amazone’s AmaSelect range aims to minimise spray drift, reduce overlap and target spot applications. “We are looking at sustainable and responsible spraying techniques, to cut the volume [of liquid] used, have an environmental advantage and keep products in the armoury for longer,” explains the firm’s Simon Brown. Using AmaSelect Row, growers can band spray rows and avoid bare ground in between. Nozzle spacing can be reduced to 25cm on the boom, allowing for band application on crops with a 75cm row spacing. Uneven spraying on headlands can lead to wastage but CurveControl allows for even application as it reduces the volume of spray in the slower boom end and increases it to the fast turning end, while keeping the droplet sizes the same by automatically altering the nozzles. For target spraying, AmaSelect Spot uses a weed map to switch on or off individual spray nozzles to hit the weeds.
The Tillett and Hague Technology camera
Amazone’s AmaSelect
For the first time ever, the Cereals Event is going online to support the industry amid the Covid-19 pandemic, with existing exhibitors and sponsors involved for free as their fees roll over to 2021. Cereals LIVE 2020 will be held online on 10-11 June 2020. For more information and to register visit www.cerealsevent.co.uk.
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Tech Update
USE DRONES TO SPOT DISEASE EARLY Farmers are being offered a new tool to spot crop diseases more effectively this spring. A new mobile phone app, Skippy Scout, has been developed by technology pioneer Drone Ag to pinpoint diseases such as yellow rust and Septoria tritici earlier using drone imagery.
“Spotting the signs of common diseases as early as possible has become increasingly important to controlling them promptly,” says Drone Ag founder Jack Wrangham. “A drone can scout a field and send images to a farmer’s mobile phone five times faster than conventional crop walking.” A drone can fly in close proximity to the crop and take high resolution, leaf level images that are sent to the user’s phone in real time. These images can be used to identify the extent to which disease is affecting leaves. “This point in the year is crucial for arable farmers to protect crops against a variety of foliar diseases,” says Mr Wrangham. “Skippy Scout is a mobile app that farmers can download and use with almost any drone for just £30 per month,” he adds. “In minutes a drone can take images of multiple points in a field. The images are detailed enough to identify early signs of many common crop diseases. Skippy Scout offers farmers and agronomists an opportunity to spot diseases faster and reduce the risk of irreparable damage to yield. Preventing yield loss will ultimately help farmers improve crop margins,” explains Mr Wrangham.
Using drones also enables farmers to share images of crops with agronomists between visits. Robert Ord, agronomist for MSP Agriculture confirms: “This technology gives me an accurate image of how crops are developing at this time of year. Using Skippy Scout, or looking at images sent to me, I can identify disease before it becomes too established and protect crops earlier.” Drone Ag has already seen over 50 user downloads of Skippy Scout in the first month of sales, and many more farmers are investing in drones to begin using the app. “This is not future technology. It is available now and can be downloaded to help farmers walk crops faster this year. Drones are widely available, and prices have dropped to £200 for a Mavic Mini which requires no licence to fly and can be used straight out of the box,” says Mr Wrangham. In addition to high resolution images, Drone Ag is also developing artificial intelligence (AI) to interpret drone images. AI will be integrated into Skippy Scout later this year and will use images to help identify and inform users of diseases. This will reduce the need for farmers to interpret images and reduce the time it takes to act accordingly. “This technology can revolutionise how farmers identify disease and has the potential to save acres of crops worldwide,” concludes Mr Wrangham.
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Tech Update
NEW ENTRY LEVEL TRAILED SPRAYER
Knight Farm Machinery is extending its flagship TrailBlazer range of trailed sprayers with the introduction of an entry level model which will bring high quality performance to farmers working on a tight budget. The new model will feature a 3,600 litre spray tank and 24 metre gull wing boom, fitted with single nozzle bodies on a stainless steel spray line. Chemical induction hopper, clean water tank, hand wash and PPE locker are also included in the standard specification. Other smart features include a Muller Smart 430 control box, that manages the main sprayer functions including boom hydraulics, automatic steering axle and application rate control via a single terminal, which removes the need for multiple control boxes in the tractor cab.
smoothly, maintains even boom height and tracks to the tractor accurately across all slopes, with the steering axle also ensuring it makes neat headland turns. It also features Knight’s MAXImiser plumbing system with pressurised circulation which primes the spray line prior to spraying and purges it with clean water afterwards. Additionally this system reduces the volume of liquid in the pipework, aiding effective and complete cleaning with any spray solution remaining at the end of work being simple to dispose of on the crop. On farm starting price for the new model is expected to be around £51,000.
The sprayer has air suspension with automatic ride height control and automatic hillside correction via a steering axle, so it rides
LEMKEN AZURIT 9 WITH DELTAROW – EACH GRAIN PRECISELY PLACED
With the Azurit 9, LEMKEN sets a new standard in precision seeding. Deal with the drought and allow your plants more space with the LEMKEN DeltaRow. The triangular arrangement provides maximum access to water, nutrients and light for each individual plant.
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70 % more space per plant Up to 10 % higher yield with LEMKEN DeltaRow Fertiliser band placed centrally between the rows Central 600 l seed hopper Simple control via CCI-1200 ISOBUS terminal
lemken.com
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Tech Update
LATEST GUIDANCE UPGRADE OFFER
Farmers and contractors are being offered the chance to upgrade their old John Deere StarFire iTC satellite receivers for the latest SF6000 guidance technology at a specially reduced price, from now up to the end of June 2020 (extended from the end of April).
To benefit from the more advanced satellite receiver technology now available, owners will now be able to trade in any current iTC receiver for the latest, fourth generation StarFire 6000 model with their local dealer. The offer includes not only the receiver but also the more accurate SF3 correction signal, effective down to 3cm, as well as an advanced Gen 4 4240 or 4640 GreenStar display, all at a lower price.
The introduction of the StarFire iTC receiver in 2004 established John Deere’s industry leadership in automatic machine guidance, with the familiar cab-mounted yellow dome supporting a range of precise global satellite positioning system (GNSS) applications. However, from January 2021 these units will no longer be able to receive SF1 and SF2 correction signals.
Most customers use a satellite receiver for the AutoTrac guidance system, but the technology has developed much further over the past two decades and additional functions such as section control on sprayers and fertiliser spreaders have been introduced. Just as smartphones rely on increasingly powerful hardware to function more efficiently, so John Deere’s latest receivers now feature a similar technology boost.
After this date AutoTrac automatic steering will only work with the more accurate RTK signal, although applications such as Section Control, documentation and parallel tracking will still be possible using older 2630 or 1800 GreenStar displays.
Once they’ve upgraded, customers will benefit from faster signal acquisition and the display's ISOBUS compatibility, as well as wireless software updates and the PIN code locking system to help prevent theft. Further details are available from local John Deere dealerships.
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Tech Update
BETTER FARM EQUIPMENT COMMUNICATION FOR MIXED FLEETS
Using the Actisense NGW-1 allows Climate customers to expand their equipment compatibility. For customers with a mixed fleet of equipment, it increases the number of machines on which they can run these hardware/software solutions. The NGW-1 will work on both new and existing equipment, meaning farmers won't need to go through the heavy expense of upgrading all areas of a vehicle in order to obtain the latest GPS data or communicate back to base.
Actisense, have worked with one of the world's leading authorities in digital agriculture to aid better communication between farm equipment.
PREVIEW
The companies intelligent sensors, interfaces, and innovative technologies allow multiple devices to seamlessly communicate over ISOBUS, CANBUS, and NMEA environments. The Climate Corporation and Actisense have partnered to help ensure all smart equipment on farming implements that utilize the Climate FieldView™ platform can communicate via the ISOBUS/CANBUS protocol. The Climate FieldView™ Drive, Climate's product enabling data to be collected and displayed such as planting density, spray rates, and harvested yield information whilst producing geospatial maps, could only receive data from, and couldn't communicate back to, GPS devices using NMEA0183 data. While NMEA0183 is the standard communication protocol in agricultural equipment across the world, it's also a single data talker that can only talk to - or send GPS data to - other devices that use the NMEA0183 protocol. Connected equipment not using the NMEA0183 protocol couldn't communicate back to GPS units in order to create the dynamic maps critical to FieldView™. Where GPS devices use NMEA0183 to communicate (which happens to be the vast majority) Actisense's NGW-1 NMEA 2000® Gateway allows for bi-directional connections, enabling open channels to the ISOBUS and, in this case, FieldView™ to both read and map information from all connected devices.
In the harvest edition we will be getting into data and making it pay. .
‘Precise’ is published four times a year and is available on subscription for a cost of £15/year. Contact FarmSmart Publishing Ltd Killington Hall Farm, Killington, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, LA6 2HA t: 01539 620255 f: 0845 6522 327 precisemag.net Editor & Publisher: Andy Newbold - andy@farm-smart.co.uk News: Marion King - press@farm-smart.co.uk Design: Kate Mason - design@smartoffice.org.uk Advertising sales & subscriptions - admin@farm-smart.co.uk Writers: Mike Whiting and Jeremy Gibbs All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, this includes photocopying or on any information storage or retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher. We accept no responsibility for unsolicited features or photographs, which will not be returned. By submitting copy, text or pictures to the magazine you are agreeing to their publication either in full or edited.
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PRECISION SPRAYING Technology options offer
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