Farming smarter with technology
The National Fieldays is an annual fixture in the farming calendar: it draws in thousands of farmers, contractors, and industry professionals from across the country.
Croplands Equipment, founded by Miles Deck in 1972, developed the Cropliner air blast sprayer in response to New Zealand’s horticultural boom. It has become one of the most popular sprayer brands on the market. The company services the horticulture, viticulture, arable, compact and home garden sectors in Australasia and beyond.
Croplands general manager Sean Mulvaney says Deck’s initial motivation for producing the Cropliner sprayer was to create a machine specifically designed for NZ conditions. He believes that imported sprayers at the time were just not up to the mark.
“Croplands has a long history of delivering practical solutions for farmers, stemming right back to the development of the Cropliner,” he told Rural News. “We pride ourselves on being resourceful and adaptable in meeting the needs of our customers; something Miles instilled in the company from day one and that continues today, with the strong family values that marked our beginning 50 years ago.”
Owned by Nufarm since 1988, Croplands Quantum Mist sprayers were another example of cutting-edge technology being developed to meet local needs. These sprayers use axial-driven hydraulic fans to create a turbulence among the leaves of vines or trees and this produces unrivalled coverage.
Mulvaney says the collaboration with Nufarm – and long-standing relationships with PGG Wrightson and Fruitfed Supplies – means customers receive the best possible support from purchase right through to application in the field, with a major focus on chemical stewardship.
“This means customers don’t just buy the sprayer, but also get the best advice in nozzle selection and best practice spray application.”
To celebrate its 50th year, Cropliner is expanding its Australian operation based in Adelaide and will release several new products later in the year.
“We will continue to partner with farmers across New Zealand and the world to bring them the equipment they need to be profitable and productive,” Mulvaney adds. “Key to that will be our strong relationships with our dealer network.”
