A new generation of ag tech has landed in Australia thanks to Elders and UK technology business HarvestEye™, offering potato growers access to the unique and innovative HarvestEye™ system.
Elders Potato Sales Manager, Abe Montano and Product Manager - Potatoes, Sharon Elphinstone.
Elders is the only reseller of HarvestEye™ in Australia, and this exciting addition to the already extensive list of ag tech available from Elders provides a level of data that has not been possible to achieve before.
Growers can now collect precise and detailed information about their produce in real time. Using a camera and machine learning algorithms, the system measures and counts a crop as it is being harvested. This produces a breakdown of size, count and relative yield through a field - a huge advantage in modern farming.
Unlike conventional sampling, HarvestEye™ has the capability to show the performance of the whole field, providing a much more accurate representation of a crop.
The data is captured and collated by a computer, which can even provide historic GPS tracking of a field over the years, allowing growers to make more informed decisions moving forward to improve efficiency, crop yield and uniformity.
With a more comprehensive understanding of the size and count for each field, the technology supports complex decision making for sustainable business growth.
Crop variability can also be mapped across specific field locations, providing targeted agronomic performance data. It assists growers to work towards specific customer requirements for each variety and, ultimately, increase profits.
Elders’ Seed Potato Sales Manager Abe Montano said “HarvestEye™ has demonstrated exceptional promise through extensive trials both in Australia and overseas.”
“Using upcoming and latest agricultural technology to improve crop outcomes is commonplace in broadacre cropping, but it is not yet something that has been widely done in horticultural sectors,” he said.
“The technology is a game changer for growers who want to maximise efficiency and quality and reduce waste.”
HarvestEye™ can be fitted to any existing harvesting equipment, is simple to use and doesn’t interfere with the harvester. The data is then gathered and displayed on a tablet, making it easy to view, analyse and cross-reference detailed data sets.
With applications designed for packers, processors and seed growers, this technology is set to change the way growers manage their entire operation. Not just for potatoes, HarvestEye™ can also be used for other root vegetable crops, including onions.
Elders recognises the integral role technology plays in the agricultural industry and is pleased to be the only Australian reseller of HarvestEye™.
Distribution of HarvestEye™ will complement Elders’ existing potato seed business, which currently holds IP for and produces over 21 varieties of potato seed and is supported by an extensive network of horticultural agronomists across Australia’s key growing regions.
This article was written by Elders supplier HarvestEye for Seasons magazine.
Please note: this article contains information of a general nature, and does not take into account your personal objectives, situation or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided, and seek advice on whether it is fit for your circumstances.