IT'S LIKE MAGIC

In the vast expanse of Georgina Farms in Walkaway, Northern Western Australia, Gareth Rowe has been cultivating his passion for farming for the last 30 years. Tending to 6,000 hectares of land, predominantly wheat and canola, Gareth’s journey into agriculture began in the late 1990s with a steadfast vision of becoming a farmer. After years of searching, he acquired Georgina Farms, embarking on a lifelong commitment to sustainable farming practices. 

Farming in a region characterized by marginal rainfall, Gareth faces challenges unique to the wheat belt’s dry borders, notably weed infestations of rye grass and radish. To address these challenges, Gareth has adopted innovative approaches, including the integration of Agrifac’s in-house developed camera technologies into his spraying practices. 

The transition to camera-assisted spraying was driven by Gareth’s commitment to reducing chemical usage on the farm. Recognising that chemicals and fertilisers constitute a significant portion of operating costs, Gareth sought a more sustainable alternative. By leveraging green-on-green spot spraying, Gareth has achieved remarkable reductions in herbicide usage, ranging from 5% to 22% compared to conventional methods.

Beyond cost savings, Gareth emphasizes the broader benefits of reduced chemical inputs that the Agrifac Condor Endurance capacity machine has achieved for his business. Not only does spot spraying minimize herbicide application, but it also mitigates the risk of chemical resistance and promotes overall plant health. Gareth envisions a future where the integration of data analytics and artificial intelligence revolutionizes farming practices, offering unprecedented insights into weed management and crop nutrition; something that he is in deep discussion with crop spraying pioneers Agrifac about.

The implementation of camera-assisted spraying has streamlined operations at Georgina Farms, significantly boosting efficiency. With the Agrifac sprayer seamlessly adjusting nozzles based on real-time camera data, Gareth experiences a newfound sense of control and productivity. Moreover, the Agrifac sprayers’ autonomy allows for uninterrupted spraying, reducing downtime and labour requirements. 

Looking ahead, Gareth anticipates further advancements in data-driven farming, foreseeing a future where technology plays a pivotal role in optimizing agricultural practices. As he continues to pioneer sustainable farming methods, Gareth remains committed to protecting the land responsibly, safeguarding the environment for future generations.