All posts by Dan Bloomer

Dan is the part time Manager of LandWISE Inc and one of the small group that established it in 1999. For the rest of his professional life he runs Page Bloomer Associates, a consultancy focused on sustainable land and water management and community development
AgTech, Precision Agriculture, Projects

Fit for Purpose Accuracy

SBAS GPS for Horticultural Farm Management

This project is investigating potential improvements in GNSS positioning accuracy using satellite based augmentation (SBAS) in various farming environments in NZ.

Put simply, SBAS is a system with a network of known land-based control points that provides correction signals to GPS units via satellite. The US equivalent is WAAS, the European equivalent is EGNOS.

The project focuses on testing the SBAS Technology, comparing it with commercial systems currently available (at different levels of accuracy). Through insights gained from growers, the economic benefit SBAS could bring are being assessed.

Vegetable growers view RTK-GPS as the Gold Standard and use it where precise positioning has value. Uncorrected signals are suitable for some applications but sub-metre is preferred. Handheld devices are often tried and generally rejected after disappointment, losing potential benefits of better management if better location data were available.

High accuracy RTK-GPS on both tractor and implement keeps weeders in correct position

Apple growers appear slower to adopt GPS technologies because they identify a gap between very expensive and unwarranted RTK-GPS and cheap inadequate alternatives.  Part of the reason is trouble getting good signals when working in large trees. The SBAS technology offers fit-for-purpose guidance and logging that could change the way growers use positioning technologies to enhance management and profitability.

A number of growers have tried SBAS technologies for both static point location and kinematic guidance. Static location is beneficial for recording points of interest such as diseased plants, weeds and harvest bin location. Kinematic guidance allows growers to track operations such as spraying, ensuring no missed or double ups.

We tested a few systems at the MicroFarm. Rings at RTK-GPS points, blue and white lines are runs using our Arrow100 with SBAS , yellow line is a Bad Elf with SBAS and the green line a smartphone GPS.The project is one of a number being funded under a joint Australia/New Zealand government initiative through the Australian CRC for Spatial Information and LINZ.

The team supporting LandWISE in this project includes

AgTech, Drainage, Orcharding, Plant Health, Precision Agriculture, Projects, Research, Soil

Smart tools to improve orchard drainage

Inadequate orchard drainage, highlighted during the 2017 autumn harvest period, is an extreme expression of a common problem that can occur anytime of the year. Muddy conditions increase disease, increase labour costs and hazards and increase storage fruit rots. Despite numerous attempts to rectify puddles and mud, the problem remains.  

LandWISE has joined with New Zealand Apples and Pears Inc in a project which has gained support from the MPI Sustainable Farming Fund.  Over the next three years, this project will draw on experience from other sectors and access to new precision agriculture technologies to address the problem through precision surface drainage, particularly in established orchards where it is especially difficult.

Orchard inspections have shown infrastructural factors are limiting surface drainage on at least 25% of the inspected orchard blocks. The microtopography in orchards creates ponding areas that stay wetter for longer. When sprayers and other traffic pass through, the surface is damage and soil smeared. This further reduces natural drainage and the problem spreads.

This project will adapt and pilot use of precision technologies to survey, design and implement surface drainage plans that minimise ponding risk and reduce these negative impacts. These will be supported by guidelines for wheel track management to provide a secure base for harvest traffic. This will become even more critical as the industry automation with picking platforms and robotic harvesters.

As well as designing effective drainage, we will determine the degree of compaction on orchard blocks and assess root development under the permanent wheel tracks.  We will develop ways to restore a good working surface in the inter-row that has strength to carry traffic without unduly compromising root development.

For more information, contact Rachel Kilmister Rachel Kilmister Rachel at applesandpears.nz or Dan Bloomer at LandWISE.org.nz

    

Agronomy, AgTech, Nutrients, Projects, Research, Soil

Future Proofing Vegetable Production

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Future proofing vegetable production requires ongoing rapid change in farm practice to meet cost pressures and increasingly stringent demands from regulators and markets for enhanced environmental performance and water quality. 

It will not be easy but with support from the MPI Sustainable Farming Fund, industry and regional councils, we’re about to start the journey.

LandWISE is partnering with growers and our funders to develop and test new production and nitrogen mitigation techniques.  The project draws on and supplements recent and current research to develop new generation good management practices. 

We have four main areas of focus:

    1. precise nutrient prescription (how much is required)

    Test strip used to determine available N in a soil sample
  2. precise application (is it going where it is needed when it is needed)

    Ensuring the prescribed rate of fertiliser is applied
  3. maximising retention (ensuring leaching is minimised)
  4. recapturing nitrates that move beyond the root zone (constructed wetlands and wood-chip bioreactors)

    Installing a wood-chip bioreactor (Lincoln Agritech image)

We will draw on previous LandWISE work including  On-Farm Fertiliser Calibration, Arawhata Sediment and Drainage, and other projects including current research on quick tests for soil nitrate, fluxmeter monitoring of leaching and the use of wood-chip bioreactors to strip nitrate from drainage water.

The research side will be supported with considerable extension and training. We are aware that numerous computer based decision support tools have been developed, but we have identified that many growers need considerable support and upskilling to have the knowledge, skills and experience to effectively use them. 

To stay in touch about this project, subscribe to our newsletter for updates!

This project is funded by the Ministry of Primary Industries Sustainable Farming Fund, Horizons Regional Council, Gisborne District Council, Ballance AgriNutrients, Vegetable Growers and LandWISE.

               
    

events, LandWISE People, Membership

Notice of Annual General Meeting 2018

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2018 Annual General Meeting

Notice to Members

The Annual General Meeting of LandWISE Inc. will be held during the 2018 Annual Conference “Technologies for Timely Actions”

When: 2:30 PM on Wednesday 23 May 2018
Where:  Havelock North Function Centre

Business

  • Minutes of Previous AGM
  • Annual accounts
  • Subscriptions
  • Constitution changes completed
  • Retiring Board members – Mark Burgess, Simon Wilcox
  • Board Elections – Analeise Murahidy and Simon Wilcox nominated
  • Activity reports
  • General Business

Minutes of 2017

2017 Minutes available here

Revised 2017 Constitution available here

Financial

  • Annual accounts will be presented at the AGM
  •  Subscriptions – recommendation of the Board

Retiring Board Members

Simon Wilcox (three year term completed) is retiring by rotation, but offers himself for re-election

Mark Burgess has retired from University of Auckland and is stepping down from the Board

Board Elections

The remaining Board members are:

  • John Evans – farmer/grower (arable) CHAIR
  • John van der Linden –  farmer/grower (viticulture)
  • Oliver Knowles – Precision Ag Extension (support industries)

Two positions are vacant.

For re-election

  • Simon Wilcox  – farmer/grower (vegetables)
    • nominated John van der Linden, seconded by John Evans

A new nomination has been received

  • Analeise Murahidy – University of Auckland (research)
    • nominated Mark Burgess, seconded by John van der Linden
Brief Bio.Analeise Murahidy

Business Development Manager – Environment
Auckland UniServices Ltd.

Analeise has been working within the Higher Education Sector for over 15 years’ in various business development, contract management, and operation management roles. Analeise is currently working at UniServices and is responsible for the client engagement and business development strategy within the Environment and Industries portfolio with a focus on AgriTech, CleanTech and Climate Change. Prior to joining UniServices, she worked at Imperial College London in both the Medical and Natural Science Faculties in research and business administration roles.

General business

If you wish to make comment or have items added to the AGM Agenda, please contact Dan@landwise.org.nz

Agronomy, AgTech, Automation, Conference, Drainage, events, Nutrients, Plant Health, Precision Agriculture, Robotics, Sensing

LandWISE 2018: Technologies for Timely Actions

In 2018, our sixteenth conference addresses the topic of “Technologies for Timely Actions”. We are delighted that LandWISE 2018 is officially part of Techweek, a festival amplifying New Zealand innovation that’s good for the world.

The intention behind Techweek is simple – New Zealand’s technology and innovation sectors are growing rapidly, and Techweek fosters that growth by providing a week-long opportunity for connection and cross-pollination.

Registration

Registrations for LandWISE 2018 are open and you can book your place via the Techweek link. LandWISE members can also contact our Conference Admin if required.

Programme

The draft programme will be released soon. Members will receive regular updates, but for now pur 23-24 May in your diary.  Then come along, listen, discuss:

  • How can managers and other decision makers get the information they need, process it, and decide what to do?
  • What is the information they need?
  • What tools help them make sense of it?
  • What’s available (or coming) to make it as easy and reliable as possible to do the right thing, in the right place at the right time?

It’s not just robots and computers : the quick Nitrate test promises rapid determination of available N while standing in the paddock – considerable help when deciding “do I put more now or can I hold off?” Combine that with smart crop zoning (that does involve computing) and maybe we can lift quality and reduce impacts.

We look forward to once again greeting delegates at the LandWISE Conference in Havelock North on 23-24 May 2018.

How to stay in touch

If you’re not already a subscriber, click here for the free e-newsletter. Remember too, members get conference discounts so click here to join.

AgTech, Data Analytics, events, LandWISE People, Plant Health, Precision Agriculture, Research, Robotics, Sensing

2018 Technical Session: Implementing new technologies to manage crop health

The Technical Session is an opportunity for lead farmers, researchers and technologists to workshop a topic, hearing from different perspectives and seeking opportunities for collaboration.

Looking for answers – LandWISE 2015

In May 2018, the topic is “Implementing new technologies to manage crop health”. The day will start with presentations from lead farmers followed by presentations from research and tech perspectives. There will be much discussion, connections will be made and links forged.

The Technical Sessions are “by application” events with numbers limited to ensure good dialogue and quality discussion.  If you would like to be part of the 2018 Technical sessions, contact us and explain why you need to be there! (See below)

Programme:

Scoping research and farm technology needs and creating networks of people.

  • 60 second introductions (all)
  • Lead presentations
  • Defining future farm problems and challenges
  • Discussion of key issues

From an earlier event:

“LandWISE was one of the best forums I’ve participated in. The sense of goodwill and teamwork was extraordinary” Professor David Lamb, University of New England, Australia

Your investment for this event:

  • 2018 Conference Attendees:  $75+GST
  • Others: $150+GST

Apply and pre-register here>

Agronomy, AgTech, Automation, Conference, Data Analytics, Drainage, events, LandWISE People, MicroFarm, Nutrients, Orcharding, Plant Health, Precision Agriculture, Projects, Research, Robotics, Sensing, Soil, viticulture, Weeds

LandWISE 2018 Conference Speakers

We are absolutely delighted at the calibre of speakers coming together for LandWISE 2018 – Technologies for Timely Actions. They have a wide range of backgrounds, work in a range of different sectors looking at a wide range of different things. 

We’ve put information about the speakers on our discussion (blog) posts. Here, they are presented as a list with links so you can follow as you please.

We are grateful for the support of AGMARDT, McCain Foods and Heinz-Watties for helping bring our international speakers to New Zealand.

Invited Overseas Speakers

Dan Drost – Utah State University, USA

Will Bignell – DroneAg, Tasmania

Michael Nichols – Redbank Farming, Tasmania

Sarah Pethybridge – Cornell University, USA

Invited Local Speakers

Dan Bloomer – LandWISE

Tim Herman – NZ Apples and Pears

Wade Riley – GPS Control Systems

Mark Bart – Metris

Dan Clark – Eagle Technologies

Bruce Searle – Plant & Food Research

Matt Norris – Plant & Food Research

Aldrin Rivas – Lincoln AgriTech

Taylor Welsh – Plant & Food

Matthew Warner and Nicholas Woon – Acuris Systems

Matty Blomfield – Hectre

Armin Werner – Lincoln AgriTech

Shane Wood – Vinea

 

 

Agronomy, AgTech, Automation, LandWISE People, MicroFarm, Precision Agriculture, Projects, Research

LandWISE OnionsNZ Project on TV

We invite you to watch telly. Here’s a link to Rural Delivery, broadcast on Saturday 21 April.

At the end of January, we had a visit from director Kirsty Cooper and camera and sound operator Richard Williams of Showdown Productions.

Why did they come?

They were filming for Rural Delivery and wanted to discuss the Onions New Zealand MPI Sustainable Farming Fund project we have been doing with Plant & Food Research. Now drawing to a close, the three year project has investigated ways to map crop variability at field scale and where variability originates.

The story began four years ago when we had a crop of onions at the MicroFarm. To get a good look at the crop LandWISE Manager, Dan Bloomer climbed up the irrigator.

“The view when you get 7m up in the air and look down is very different to what you see walking around, and I saw massive variability throughout the crop,” he said.

Wide variation within the area new to onions does not follow artificial rain or topographic drainage patterns.

“I could understand some of it but a lot more I couldn’t explain. A colleague was playing around with imaging and smart phones and he made an application where we could drive up and down the rows and map the percentage canopy cover.  I talked about it with  Onions NZ Research Manager Jane Adams who thought it would be quite useful and could lead to greater understanding of variability in onion crops.”

We then partnered with Plant and Food Research with support from Onions New Zealand and the Sustainable Farming Fund to do a project aimed at studying that variability.

Bruce Searle, crop scientist with Plant & Food Research, designed a research approach to get the data we needed to make some practical applications. 

“We wanted to figure out where the variability comes from and how much of it is something that a grower can control.  So we looked at the different factors that might influence variability and worked through the contribution of each to the overall variability,” he says.

“A lot of it comes down to individual plants growing at different rates – something that the grower can’t do a lot about.  However, factors that influence getting good crop establishment are critical to reducing variability, and once the crop is up you can look at poor performing areas within in the crop.   The tool that Dan has been working on captures that information so that you can map the field and make some decisions.”

Bruce showing Richard the Quick Test for Soil Nitrate

We have done items with Showdown Productions before and have enormous respect for their work. You can see the result of the onion interviews on Rural Delivery, TVNZ1.

 

Agronomy, AgTech, Automation, Conference, Data Analytics, Drainage, events, Membership, MicroFarm, Nutrients, Orcharding, Plant Health, Precision Agriculture, Projects, Research, Robotics, Sensing, Soil, viticulture

LandWISE 2018 Conference Sponsors

We are delighted to present our 2018 Platinum Sponsors, BASF Crop Protection, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Power Farming.

BASF Crop Protection and  Hawke’s Bay Regional Council are long term loyal supporters of LandWISE and their contributions are highly valued. Power Farming is a new Platinum Sponsor in 2018 and we look forward to our relationship with them. AGMARDT sponsored our international speakers.

 Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has been part of LandWISE since 1999, when some farmers, scientists and industry people got together to try and improve soil quality, stop wind erosion and improve irrigation efficiency and of course yields. Our Mission doesn’t change so much, but the tools to help us along the way certainly have!

BASF Crop Protection has been a foundation sponsor of the LandWISE MicroFarm as well as our annual conferences.  They show ongoing enthusiasm to help us help farmers and that is greatly appreciated.

Our new Platinum Sponsor is Power Farming. We’ve had help from them in several of our projects, most recently with the Canterbury field work and field events that were part of our FAR/SFF Fertiliser Spreader Calibration project.  The Power Farming catalogue matches well with our conference delegates’ and members’ interests.

We are grateful to our long-term Gold Sponsors, Horizons Regional Council, Process Vegetables NZ and Vegetables NZ, and AGMARDT.

Horizons Regional Council has supported our conference field sessions for a number of years and is a key partner for some of our major research and extension projects including “Integrated Storm Water Management” and “Holding it Together“.

AGMARDT has funded travel expenses to bring many international speakers to our Annual Conferences, as well as several projects including “Soils First Farmers” and “Validating Field Robotics“.

Process Vegetables NZ and Vegetables NZ have been conference sponsors for many years. As the levy funded industry research bodies they represent the farmers in our membership and nationally. These bodies also co-fund research projects including a number of our Sustainable Farming Fund initiatives.

Our conference delegates are well supported by our meal sponsors and trade displays. In addition, Apatu Farms sponsor high school students to attend, and McCain Foods and Heinz-Wattie’s are sponsoring keynote Sarah Pethybridge‘s travel.  Thanks everyone!

 

Agronomy, AgTech, Conference, Drainage, Precision Agriculture

Will Bignell

Will “DroneAg” Bignell is a farmer and agricultural scientist who has worked across a number of disciplines ranging from a PhD in enhancing omega-3 in sheep meat to flying drones commercially.

Will is a 7th generation farmer from Bothwell in Tasmania and the family farm is well known for pioneering and innovating a number of new and emerging Australian industries. He runs the farm with his parents and produce wool, poppies, lamb, venison and number of boutique specialty root vegetables. 240Ha of the farm is under irrigation and 150ha is under an intensive cropping rotation.

In his LandWISE 2018 presentation Will presented his own farm case study of precision drainage including the use of UAVs to collect terrain data, the tools used to design and implement drainage plans and the results following a heavy rainfall event.

DroneAg is the combination of  Will and Kyle Gardner who combine a unique mix of skills that places DroneAg in a very strong position to push the boundaries of just what drones can do for farm businesses.

Will’s attendance at LandWISE 2018 was supported by AGMARDT