Precision technology will be the focus for ProCam at Cereals, with the agronomy group returning after a ten-year absence.
“Technology such as satellite mapping of field variability is becoming increasingly important to help growers farm more efficiently and sustainably,” says ProCam head of crop production, Mike Thornton. “However, it’s also important to recognise that technology is an aid to agronomic decision-making; it is not a substitute for it.”
With this in mind, Mr Thornton says ProCam will be showcasing the capabilities of its SoilSense soil analysis and nutrient planning service and its FieldSense precision farming service for variable rate drilling and nutrition. It will also outline how ProCam agronomists combine such technologies with real-world agronomic experience to provide practical solutions tailored to individual farm needs.
“We’re keen to demonstrate how we can make technology more accessible to growers, allowing the grower and agronomist to combine their knowledge to deliver bespoke precision agronomy, without growers having to wrestle with the complexities of the technology all by themselves.
“There’s no minimum field area to try with FieldSense. So, we’re encouraging farmers to visit the stand and find out how we can help ease the pressure of crop management this autumn.
Also on the stand will be a free-to-enter competition with related prizes. Visitors will offer the chance to win up to 2 tonnes of seed from select RAGT varieties, including the newly recommended RGT Hexton and RGT Goldfinch. Also on offer is a free ProCam FieldSense consultation and free FieldSense Variable Rate Seeding up to a maximum of 25ha .
“Farmers will also be able to speak to us about crop and variety choices and drilling guidance. Too often, variety choice is made in terms of 1 or 2% extra yield potential, when other attributes of a variety can easily outweigh this.
“Similarly, seed rates can have a significant impact on weed suppression and yield potential – and these effects aren’t necessarily consistent across a field or from one variety or field to another. By utilising FieldSense with the agronomist’s knowledge of varieties and experience of individual situations, technology and agronomy can combine for the best results.”
