Decision in ag precision
28 Mar 2017
A free precision agriculture field day at NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Yanco Agricultural Institute on Wednesday April 5 is set to attract local farmers who are keen to reap benefits from the latest generation technology.
NSW DPI lecturer in precision agriculture at Tocal College, Matt Notley, said new equipment and data management systems offer farmers the opportunity to lift production and reduce input costs.
“Precision agriculture goes beyond guiding a tractor around the paddock with GPS – these sophisticated new systems allow farmers to use data, including soil tests, yield and weed maps, to effectively manage their farming operations,” Mr Notley said.
“The technology gives farmers the power to accurately manage fertiliser applications to suit individual paddocks by calibrating equipment to deliver the exact amount of fertiliser needed, where it’s needed.”
Leading industry specialists will deliver practical demonstrations to show:
- Development and use of prescription maps and variable rate application systems
- Set-up and calibration of variable rate spreader to apply lime with prescription maps
- Drone-based NDVI surveys - interpretation and application in the field
- Spraying system using near infrared sensors to detect weeds and spot spray to reduce chemical use and deliver effective weed control
- Management of spray drift, nozzle selection and sprayer setup
Mr Notley said the focus is on farmers and advisers.
“We want to show local producers and agribusiness advisers how they can apply this new technology on-farm to improve productivity,” he said.
SMARTtrain National Support Centre based at the Tocal College, Yanco campus will also feature at the field day.
To register for the field day, contact precisionag@tocal.com, Matt Notley 0434 273 888 or Kellie Goring 1800 138 351.
Photographs available from bernadette.york@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Media contact: Bernadette York (02) 6938 1664, 0427 773 785
