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Precision farming


 

 

 

 

 

Precision farming equipment

Introduction

Be PRECISE is a knowledge transfer initiative that seeks to provide growers with the information and knowledge to make informed decisions about whether precision farming techniques are appropriate for their farm system.  

Precision technology includes techniques such as guidance, mapping and variable rate application.  It can help improve the efficiency of farm operations including cultivations and better targeted fertiliser and agrochemical applications.

NEW: Precision farming training courses

Since 2009 HGCA have developing the Be Precise programme, new for Autumn 2011 bespoke training courses will be available for farmer groups, agronomists, advisers, machine operators and equipment suppliers. Training is offered as a series of half day modules for small groups covering topics such as operator skills, agronomy, data management, estimating variation and the cost-benefits of precision farming.

Resources

Precision farming cost benefit toolCost:Benefit Tool:  Precision farming equipment can be a significant investment for growers; with a range of techniques, equipment and costs available. In order to help the decision process, HGCA funded TAG to develop a cost:benefit tool to help growers weigh the costs and benefits of using precision farming technology on their farms. The tool can help indicate which techniques have the greatest potential to produce a cost benefit.

Buyers Guide:  The Buyer's Guide is designed to help famers and growers find suppliers of precision farming equipment. The guide will link you with the most relevant companies in your area of interest, providing the UK distributor phone number and web address. The version below will always be the most up to date and should always be checked to ensure you are using the latest version. As the guide can change quickly, HGCA recommends that you always contact the companies before making any buying decisions

Precision farming glossary:  Precision farming technology and practices have gained widespread acceptance in recent years, as developments in technology have brought rapid change to farm machinery, communications and data collection. It has also introduced a new set of acronyms, buzz words and jargon, which can be confusing even to experienced farmers and growers.

Aimed at anyone involved in modern crop production, HGCA has published this complete 'Plain English' glossary that briefly and clearly defines many of the new and more familiar relevant technical precision farming terms and acronyms in an accessible 'A-Z' format.

Precision farming case studies: 

Precision techniques Location Crop area Soil type
Variable rate application  Reading 800ha Variable gravel, loam, chalk cap
Variable rate application  Melton Mowbray 1250ha Organic fen to heavy clay
Variable rate nitrogen application  Milton Keynes 210ha Hanslope clay
Yield mapping  Kelso 300ha Sandy soils to clay loam
Autosteer  Essex 1050ha Sandy loam through to heavy Essex clay
Yield mapping and variable rate application  Hull 300ha Medium/heavy clays
Controlled traffic farming  Kent 560ha Silty clay-loam
Autosteer  Shropshire 800ha Sands through to heavy loam
N-sensor to vary nitrogen rate  Woodstock 440ha Cotswold brash – stoney loam over limestone
Nutrient and yield mapping  Cheltenham 730ha Thin Cotswold brash with clay bands

Winter workshops: Video clips of Be Precise Workshops in Winter 2008 and 2009 are available to help viewers get a feel for all of the key things to consider when thinking about precision farming.

                        

Links

Campaign for the Farmed Environment 
Natural England and Catchment Sensitive Farming 
Environment Agency
Fertiliser Manual (RB209)
SAOS
Think soils 

 

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