Farming event demonstrates new technology
The latest farming technology will be demonstrated at Soil, Water and Precision Management – being held at Easton College on 15 March. This new CCA technical event will feature two working machinery plots enabling farmers to experience first-hand how cutting-edge machinery can help them improve efficiency whilst reducing environmental impact.
Precision farming will be a key theme in the working plots. Leading Norfolk arable farmer, Robert Salmon, will use an RTK precision farming system to guide a self-propelled sprayer with pinpoint accuracy (accurate within 5cm over a 24 meter strip of land). This not only boosts yields and profitability but also benefits the environment by using fuel and agrochemicals more efficiently.
One large machine not to be missed is a TerraGator self-propelled spreader, which is operated with Challenger’s GPS led Falcon VT controller. This spreads material quickly and accurately at a variable rate, ensuring that resources are put to the best use. Significantly for use in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, the system creates a detailed GPS led application map - showing exactly what has been spread in each field and where.
A Cat Challenger tracked machine will be used to demonstrate how a Sumo Trio cultivator can prepare a seed bed from stubble in a single pass. And farmers will be keen to see how the Cat’s tracks reduce compaction, whilst giving it more pulling power.
There will also be the chance to see the most powerful standard tractor on the market in action – a 390hp Fendt 939 - as well as the new John Deere 7260R, which features more power, manoeuvrability, and operator comfort than ever before.
In the exhibitors area visitors can browse over 30 trade stands displaying the latest products and services. A key attraction in this zone will be a Garford Robocrop precision guided hoe - which uses video cameras and image analysis to automatically steer around crops while removing weeds.
The event’s seminar programme will see industry experts discuss a wide range of practical subjects - from selecting the right irrigation equipment to soil fertility, tillage systems and controlled traffic farming. To enable delegates to plan their time efficiently the seminars run concurrently in two separate marquees.
David Lawrence, Principal of Easton College, said: "This free event will help farmers make the most of the recent advances in farm machinery. Technology offers real potential to help farmers meet the challenge of feeding a growing population, while also preserving the environment and dealing with regional drought."
Philip Bradshaw of LandSkills East added: "Two of the most important elements on any farm are soil and water. Being able to manage both of these vital resources makes the difference between a good farm and a great one. I am delighted to see that farmers are being helped in such a practical and informative way."
