Farming with precision – Farm Contractor & Large Scale Farmer
Linking to precision farming systems the Hutchinsons Omnia digital farming platform offers users a suite of applications to analyse and utilise data collected ...
Digital services specialists Harry Rabbets explained that it has been designed as a flexible platform, allowing users to utilise as much or as little of the available data as required.
“We can integrate historical and third-party data, layering over the farm map so that customers can always access the required information,” he explained.
A key feature Mr Rabbetts highlighted was access to satellite imagery maps. “By analysing these, growers can create informed plans to tackle nutrient planning and weed management. They can see areas of the field where weed pressure maybe high, and this can be used to target crap walks.”
He added that the satellite imagery can also help to fill in gaps if certain data is missing.
“If the customer doesn’t have yield mapping on the combine, by using satellite imagery taken just before harvest, they can assess areas of the field where they yield may not be as high, and this can then be used to create seedbed condition maps.
The Omnia system not only analyses data, it uses the data to develop mapping tools, including variable rate seeding and nutrient maps, which can be exported to third-party systems.
Unlike some other systems, which use one set of information to create a single layer variable rate map, Omnia can use multiple information sets for plans that are bespoke to the farm.
“For a seeding map, the system won’t just look at seedbed condition. It will look at weed pressure, slug populations and anything else that might be relevant,” said Mr Rabbetts. This means that seed rates could fluctuate in ways the farmer would not have expected, because it’s able to take into account a broad range of data.”
Omnia can also be used as a broader farm management tool, notably in the form of manure and slurry management. It can inform NVZ management, but also estimate manure stocks based on animal numbers, the months they are housed and diet. Data from nutrient tests can also be uploaded into the system.
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