The use of new technologies is becoming increasingly important in agriculture, to get maximum outputs from scarce water and land resources, and also to remain competitive in an increasingly global marketplace. While it is not our goal to be a leader in innovation and adoption of new technologies, we continually evaluate these for their applicability for our business, in line with our programme of continuous improvement.
Weather forecasting is vital to agriculture. Many systems are used and constantly evaluated for accuracy in the different areas we operate in.
Water management and supply is optimised by the use of moisture probes in fields and orchards. To achieve optimum yields, it is critical to deliver the right amount of water to the right area at the right time.
Increasingly we are changing from high water use irrigation systems, such as flood and overhead, to drip and micros which deliver higher yields and better quality with less water. Some of the results using these improved systems are described under the environmental section.
Variable speed drives are used in pump stations to minimise electricity usage by adjusting the speed of the pump to cater for varying rates of delivery and pumping heads.
In order to optimise sucrose levels in cane delivered to the mill, all fields are tested for sucrose levels, cane maturity, purity and moisture levels using digital equipment with software analysis prior to harvesting. This also allows us to monitor the efficacy of different ripening techniques and practises.
Similarly, deciduous fruit is continually checked for internal moisture pressure and starch levels prior to harvest, to ensure good taste and a long shelf life. Controlled atmosphere storage at the packhouse enables the fruit to be marketed throughout the year, not only during the short production season.
The macadamia curing and processing facility uses a completely computerised process using temperature, moisture and humidity sensors and PLC controls. Solar energy is used to reduce costs and improve efficiency in remote areas where electricity supply is erratic.
GPS mapping is used to optimise field layouts, fertiliser, spray applications, crop harvesting, and to minimise compaction damage to cane fields. GPS tracking is also being investigated to ensure more accurate monitoring of crop deliveries.
Integrated weighing systems are used to ensure accurate control and yield allocation to fields and orchards.
Satellite and drone imagery is rapidly gaining acceptance as an essential farm management tool. Data that can be obtained from the images includes crop health, height and plant moisture maps. These datasets are allow farmers to monitor crop performance, generate variable-rate fertilisation maps and data-driven scouting plans.
All drone data, satellite data and tools are available in an online platform. With the recent launch of an offline app for smartphones, farmers can take their drone data into the field to find and correct problem areas. This is a must-have tool for pest and disease scouting enabling the farmer to record the affected tree, diagnose the problem and propose corrective measures to be implemented. The data and pictures are stored to monitor progress if necessary.
We are investigating the integration of the information obtained from crop sensors, satellite and drone imagery, intra-field observation and other sources to facilitate more accurate application of production inputs to optimise returns.
Drone photography can also be used for security and infrastructure maintenance applications, providing early identification of problem areas.
Software to assist managing and monitoring farming operations has become increasingly sophisticated and integrated.
We make use of an agricultural reporting tool for sugar estates which includes harvest planning, fleet management, field records, agronomic data, irrigation scheduling, resource planning, time and attendance recording and yield forecasting.
On the macadamia farm software processes soil analyses, spray instructions, yields and weather data and Global GAP data. It also links production records to specific employees and blocks.
Time and attendance software is able to process payslips, tasks and performance and synchronise the data with banks.
Alternative energy renewable sources including hydro, wind and solar power are becoming more common as efficiencies improve and costs decrease. Crop residues are commonly used as fuel for drying and curing of crops.
Tools for communication and dissemination of information has vastly improved over the past decade, especially in remote areas.
We use the latest malaria technology to identify and control the spread of mosquitos on our affected estates. This has been very successful in bringing down malaria infection rates in our staff.
Equipment telematics allow provide early warning of potential failure of mechanical devices such as tractors and trucks.
Water filtration and sterilisation plants ensure safe potable water is available to staff and local communities using ozone and ultra violet sterilisation. The image below shows the interior of a containerised water purification plant, which is especially useful in remote areas.
