Farmers need training to stay ahead with precision farming

Precision farming techniques can help arable farmers cut costs – but there is a lack of national training schemes to appraise existing farmers of their merits.

This is the message from Kent farmer Jeremy McCabe who is undertaking a year-long study into arable input costs for the Farming and Rural Issues Group* with £20,000 from SEEDA*.

Modern seed varieties combined with correct agronomic decisions have helped farmers achieve higher yields, but many could make even greater gains with 'site specific' farming techniques.

Mr McCabe, from Boughton Aluph, near Ashford, says: "At present there is limited training provision to educate those already employed in agriculture about the potential benefits of precision farming. Major advances are being made in site specific farming techniques, particularly in relation to fertiliser use and spray applications, where GPS technology plays its part. These days farmers can make use of biomass sensors to help create application maps for nitrogen. Soil electro-conductivity measurement can also be used to target areas of contrasting soil properties and to quantify P and K levels."

Mr McCabe, a contractor, says that farmers who do embrace technology can quickly recoup the money they have spent on new equipment, particularly if they team up with a neighbour when buying GPS kits. "Some GPS technology can even fit these onto existing machines and it will help tackle the environmental issues that are faced almost daily," he explains.

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CONT'D PG2 ... FARMERS NEED TRAINING TO STAY AHEAD WITH PRECISION FARMING

"Accurate bout widths reduce fuel cost, minimise over-cultivation of the soil, create less wastage of pesticides and, thereby, contribute to reducing the farmer's carbon footprint," says Mr McCabe.

Continuing professional development is vital in this day and age, he affirms.

"Educational courses must be put into place so established farmers and growers can take advantage of the latest precision farming techniques. This could be done at University or college level, as well as through regional training groups. Manufacturers of products and machinery can play their part too, as cost-effective and environmentally safe farming is in their interest," adds Mr McCabe.

Farming and Rural Issues Group chairman Shaun Leavey comments: "Jeremy McCabe's views come from the sharp end of contemporary farming - he has a highly professional approach to both his farming and his contracting. It seems to me he's the right man for getting the message across to the industry about precision farming – and that's why his project won funding."