Agricultural drone use soars among NZ contractors
Use of agricultural drones by contractors in New Zealand is soaring.
Frontloader specialist Quicke's Q-companion is designed to allow operators to record weights of materials loaded, so it proves useful for mixing rations or loading trucks with produce for hauling away from a farm.
For the 2019 season, several improvements will see a wider range of languages, better colour rendering in the screen and most importantly, Bluetooth connectivity. This last feature will allow users to automatically upload weighing results to the cloud for accessing later on a PC or tablet.
Other new features allow operators to monitor the loader position and boom angles from the tractor seat, while also getting a visual display of how much loader lift capacity remains available and the cumulative weight of materials already loaded.
A further nod to efficiency and speed of operation is delivered by an audible notification that beeps when a pre-set height of implement angle is achieved. This will allow the user to set items like ‘bucket level’ or perhaps when pallet forks or bale grabs are just slightly higher than the bed of a truck or farm trailer.
The system also includes a reminder of maintenance schedules, such as when the loader/implement needs lubrication.
For the first time, all the big names in agricultural drone technology are being brought together under one marquee at the National Fieldays.
Fonterra has announced an improved third quarter performance – with a profit after tax of $1.15 billion, up $119 million on the same period last year.
The Fieldays Innovation Awards competition has attracted a diverse and impressive array of innovations from across the primary industries, highlighting the growing importance of technology shaping the future of farming.
Coming to the fore following the carnage of Cyclone Gabrielle, Starlink became well known for providing internet access even in NZ's most inaccessible places.
From this winter farmers will have a greater choice of feed types and blend options than ever before, thanks to Farmlands' purchase of animal nutrition company SealesWinslow.
Newly appointed National Fieldays chief executive Richard Lindroos says his team is ready, excited and looking forward to delivering the four-day event next month.