increase font size
Claas has brought together the machine management and fleet management aspects of farm mechanisation and now considers them as a whole.
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
Their diverging directions has led to a myriad array of systems and applications that are often useful in bringing efficiencies, while also engendering brand loyalty, but often doing little to simplify the already complex business of farming.
Harvesting and tractor manufacturer Claas has come to appreciate that the general mix of competing products, in some cases, might hamper, rather than encourage adoption of digital technology, so in response, has developed Claas Connect.
The German-headquartered company describes this as a single, cloud-based platform that brings together the full range of digital applications, from yield mapping to machine servicing and even digital licence expiry notification.
Although not entirely new, the latest revamp and upgrades are significant in further embracing all the facets of the farming operation which involve machinery. The company explains that the focus was to develop a common platform linking all relevant portals with a simple, userfriendly interface which provides access to all areas of information. To do this, Claas has brought together the machine management and fleet management aspects of farm mechanisation and now considers them as a whole.
To further enhance the digital journey, as well as access for farmers and dealers, there is also the opportunity for third parties to access certain parts of the data that might be desirable or necessary. This would include agronomists, who will be able to take geodata, such as yield and soil maps, to recommend fertiliser applications based on this data, helping to bridge the yawning gap between collecting field data and applying the information it contains to input recommendations.
On the machine management side, it appears that new tractors and harvesters will be supplied with a five-year Machine Connect licence that enables automatic updates and service interval alerts, as well as recording any work undertaken. The system also allows other brands to be integrated, allowing an overview of position, fuel levels and machine status to be displayed on the same screen.
This cross compliance extends to meta data for precision farming, such as field boundaries, though the use of the SHAPE or ISO-XML file formats. Looking ahead, Claas says further upgrades to its software will allow greater data sharing beyond the single individual Claas ID, simplifying task planning, implementation and documentation.
The growing popularity of whole-crop cereals for livestock, and in some countries as a food source for anaerobic digesters, has led Claas to develop a new auger-based merging system alongside other grouping options for its latest Disco triple mower ranges.
Probably best known for its tractors, harvesters and farm equipment, it looks like John Deere is about to put its long-recognised and trademarked catch phrase of ‘Nothing Runs Like a Deere’ into practice.
Tania and Innes Anderson are second generation farmers whose family have had ties to the land where they operate for more than fifty years.
The missing link in getting maximum weight gain in your calves may be as simple as keeping them warm, says the Christchurch manufacturer of a range of woollen covers for young livestock.
With 2023 behind us, the global market for agricultural tractors closed with a decline in terms of units, but with growth in terms of value.
The real winner of this year’s FMG Young Farmer Region-off have been the regional communities.
As calving approaches, farmers need to get their teams ready for what lies ahead in the coming months.
Feeling sluggish this winter? Then try some seasonal fruit, renowned for lifting mood, energy and immunity levels just when we need it most.
The missing link in getting maximum weight gain in your calves may be as simple as keeping them warm, says the Christchurch manufacturer of a range of woollen covers for young livestock.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) and Massey University are joining forces to help raise awareness and funds to combat leptospirosis.
Auckland-based supplement and nutritional company New Image International is celebrating 40 years of business in their home country.
OPINION: Several days after securing shareholder approval for a $130 million loan from Bright Dairy, Synlait has delivered more bad…
OPINION: Recently several Labour MPs, including leader Chris Hipkins and deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni spent two days in Waikato with…
