Arable farmers expect to apply more precision agriculture in the near future

A survey by Rabobank shows that 64 percent of Dutch arable farmers expect to apply one or more precision farming techniques within the next five years. There is particular interest in the site-specific application of crop protection and variable application of nitrogen fertilizer.

Barriers

Datafication is not a new development in the agri-food sector. For example, some 85 percent of the companies surveyed already use systems that control agricultural machinery based on GPS. Yet Dutch arable farmers still make limited use of data in their businesses. Rabobank Food & Agri Research wanted to know what holds farmers back and asked 233 customers from the arable sector for their opinion. Analyst Stefan van Merrienboer: "They indicate that equipment from different suppliers do not connect with each other, doubt whether the investments in time and money are worthwhile and state that the translation of the technology to specific farm conditions is lacking."

Opportunities

Despite the obstacles, the farmers also see benefits. Application of precision agriculture can offer benefits on the cost side of the farm, according to the arable farmers surveyed. 64 percent cite more efficient use of crop protection products as an advantage, 44 percent point to savings through more precise application, and 42 percent state that these techniques make the use of fertilizers more efficient. Regardless of farm size, the arable farmers surveyed say they want to use more information-intensive techniques in the coming years.

Needs

What does it take to make the switch? The most important requirement for the further development of information-intensive precision farming techniques in the industry is more convenience on the arable farm. Only 18 percent of respondents said they saw precision farming as a technique that saves the farmer time today. "So you could say that there is an important task for suppliers to make the technology more user-friendly," says Merrienboer. The financial aspect is also important. Over half of the arable farmers say that a purchase subsidy or contribution from chain parties would encourage them to switch to precision farming technology.

Experiments

Several farmers in Limburg are already experimenting with precision agriculture. Recently, Limburg potato growers told about their experiences with variable haulm killing. And at fruit grower Van Herten in Grathem, an innovative spraying technique was applied that applies the pesticide much more precisely to the leaf of the fruit tree. Another example is the drones of EagleDrone from Sittard. This company has been working with various outdoor growers for years. Drone flights above the plots bring the needs of the crop into view, after which the grower can fertilize accurately.

Do you have your own experience with precision agriculture in Limburg? Or do you know examples of companies that work with precision agriculture techniques? Let us know!