Connect is a cost-effective solution that has been designed to simplify precision farming by connecting the user to the machine to enable variable rate control.
The iPad app allows the user to seamlessly and instantly receive variable application maps created in Omnia to the field, and also controls the spreader, sprayer or drill.
“The advantage of this process is that it streamlines precision farming operations, giving greater control and improving efficiency,” says Oliver Wood, Hutchinsons Precision Technology Manager.
“So, what this means in practice for the user is that there is no handling of data and maps can be sent by any user to anywhere.”
It’s really cost-effective in that it is one system that can be used across multiple machines and operations, he says.
“This means that there is no need to go out and buy any new expensive machinery; it enables variable rate control on existing machines, and there is no expensive machine unlock codes.”
“Connect is compatible with a wide range of machinery including Amazone, KRM, Kuhn, Vaderstad, Horsch, Mzuri, Sky, RDS and more.
Nick Wilson of Hundayfield Farm, near Grafton, York, believes that precision farming is the way forward for UK farming. “There is no doubt that the current government agenda is focused around precision farming and if we want to stay in the game we need to be current and ahead of the curve, he says.
Based on this, Mr Wilson agreed to trial the Omnia precision system this spring to variably drill his spring crops, on the advice of his agronomist Sam Hugill, and was very interested to see if the Connect app would indeed deliver its promise of streamlined data transfer from desk to field.
“I am constantly looking at ways to fine tune and refine efficiencies of operations. The soils on Hundayfield are very variable, so it made sense to look at variable drilling,” he explains.
Sam populated Omnia with the information required to create a variable drilling plan; once field maps were created, he added in soil type and there is also the option to create maps of weed pressure or slugs or any other factors which may impact on drilling rate. Once the variety and date of drilling is inputted, a bespoke variable plan for that particular field is created.
“Using Connect, the plans were downloaded straight onto an iPad in the tractor cab – and then it’s all systems go.”
“It really is as simple and easy as that!”says Nick. “I don’t have to worry about downloading the plans onto a memory stick and then doing the same again in the cab. The whole process is very intuitive, logical and very simple to use.”
