Grain Guide 2018

Irrigation: Drones with hyperspectral, multispectral, or thermal sensors can identify which parts of a field are dry or need improvements. Additionally, once the crop is growing, drones allow the calculation of the vegetation index, which describes the relative density and health of the crop, and show the heat signature, the amount of energy or heat the crop emits.  Health assessment: It’s essential to assess crop health and spot bacterial or fungal infections on trees. By scanning a crop using both visible and near-infrared light, drone- carried devices can identify which plants reflect different amounts of green light and near infrared light. This information can produce multispectral images that track changes in plants and indicate their health. A speedy response can save an entire orchard. In addition, as soon as a sickness is discovered, farmers can apply and monitor remedies more precisely. These two possibilities increase a plant’s ability to overcome disease. And in the case of crop failure, the farmer will be able to document losses more efficiently for insurance claims. 5 6 Reference Mazur, M. PwC. [ https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601935/six-ways-drones-are-revolutionizing-agriculture/ ] It is not always that easy to reach the right person quickly when you work with big companies. Below is a list of the contact details of the main suppliers in order to make the search for precision farming systems and services a little easier. Six ways drones are revolutionising agriculture Jim Rankin, Agfacts 117 Technology Company Contact person Number Email address John Deere Tavonga Alex Siyavora 011 437 2600 SiyavoraTavonga@JohnDeere.com New Holland SA Rudi du Toit 073 081 8279 RudiD@northmec.co.za Northmec Gideon Grobler 082 532 6089 gideong@northmec.co.za Raven Jaco Stemmet 082 771 7541 jaco@agrisolutions.co.za Ronin Precision Steven Deysel 011 608 3666 steven@roninsystemsolution.co.za Farming Systems - Trimble - DICKEY-John Hanno Truter Jaco Viviers 082 319 2301 071 763 1797 jaco@roninpfs.com Sitech Southern Africa Hanno Truter 082 319 2301 htruter@clmps.com of hannotruter@sitech.co.za Topcon Christo Helm 083 233 5497 chelm@topcon.com Barloworld Agriculture Mauritz du Plessis 076 527 7180 Mduplessis@bhbw.co.za Most important precision farming   suppliers in SA