increase font size
The boom-mounted WEED-IT sensors are claimed to reduce chemical costs by up to 90%, without the need for cameras or images to process.
The Dutch selfpropelled sprayer manufacturer Agrifac already has an impressive product portfolio.
This includes the DynamicDosePlus, a targeted-high accuracy application system working on 25 x 25cm areas. It is delivered from prescription maps and the industry leading AiCPlus – a machine-mounted, artificial-intelligence driven optical spraying with green on brown and green on green capability.
To further strengthen its position in precision application, Agrifac is expanding its offering with the addition of WEED-IT spot spraying technology – from fellow Dutch company Rometron for the Condor and Condor Endurance field sprayers.
WEED-IT originated at the German Wageningen University & Research in 1997, before being launched by Rometron in 1999.
It is claimed to reduce chemical costs by up to 90%, without the need for cameras or images to process.
Instead, living plant chlorophyll emits a small portion of near infrared light as a reaction to the light emitted by the boom-mounted WEED-IT sensors.
Referred to as fluorescence, the sensors distinguish growing weeds from dead plant matter and soil.
This highly effective method of spot spraying, usually applied outside the growing season, has been widely proven in Australia, the United States and Canada.
Claimed to detect all weeds at all speeds, the technology also works in the dark.
In practice, the technology can be built onto all trailed and selfpropelled sprayers with working widths up to at least 36m.
“WEED-IT is a worldwide, commonly used spot spray system to control weeds in a very efficient way,” says Rens Albers, product manager at Agrifac.
“The option to combine WEED-IT with our Agrifac field sprayers makes the entire crop protection on your farm even more efficient.”
Richard Sheppy, managing director of Agrifac Australia, says the addition of WEED-IT to the Agrifac portfolio is the first OEM offering on self propelled sprayers within Australia.
“We see this as another tool available to our customers as they strive to reduce chemical usage and drive sustainability in their businesses.”
Twin rotor swathers have become the ‘go-to’ for forming swaths to feed hungry harvesters and balers, however, the design layout often means that crop located between the two rotors is not picked up, turned over or incorporated into the swath formed for subsequent harvesting.
Operating large tractors became more expensive back in March due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz conflict, meaning contractors had to introduce fuel surcharges and farmers had to adjust their budget forecasts.
Close to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, Motueka is known for apples, pear and kiwifruit orchards, alongside specialised crops such as hops. Indeed, that specialisation, saw the area being the New Zealand centre of the tobacco growing, until the early 1980s.
Can-Am has introduced its 2027 range of side-by-side vehicles (SSV) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), including the industry leading Defender, the Maverick R and the hugely capable Outlander ATV, incorporating a host of advancements designed to deliver an exceptional riding experience.
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) and Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network are calling for investment in a proposed new training pathway for rural GPs, warning that many rural practices are struggling to recruit while a large share of the existing workforce nears retirement.
Synlait has swung to second-half profit as operations stabilise, but the dairy processor still posted a $75.4m annual loss.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
