Precision Ag in Practice: Mike Smith | Letting data do the work

Summary

Mike Smith discusses the use of precision agriculture on his family farm in New South Wales. With a decade of yield monitor data, he employs statistical programs to cluster zones and apply variable rate technology for targeted fertilization. This approach not only optimizes crop yield but also reduces costs by $21,000, emphasizing the importance of accurate yield data and the potential of precision farming to improve both productivity and sustainability.

Takeaways

• 🗺️ The script discusses a method of analyzing farm data using a map based on years of gathered data to identify similar zones within a field.
• 📈 A stats program is used to cluster data into zones, which can help in understanding variations in yield and protein levels across different areas of a farm.
• 🏡 The farm discussed is a family-owned property in northern New South Wales, Australia, with a history dating back to 1913.
• 📊 The use of a yield monitor since 1996 has allowed the farm to quantify yield variations, which can be as high as 30%.
• 🌾 Precision agriculture technologies, such as variable rate technology, are used to apply different amounts of inputs like nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) based on the needs of each zone.
• 🔍 A protein sensor on the header helps gather protein data, which is used to calculate the balance of nutrients applied and removed with the crop.
• 💰 The farm has realized significant cost savings by using variable rate application, amounting to about $21,000, which is crucial as fertilizer prices rise.
• 📊 The script emphasizes the importance of accurate yield data for both financial compensation and making informed decisions about nutrient application.
• ⚖️ The farm applies an average of 221 kilos of fertilizer across the field, with variable rates ranging from 159 to 315 kilos depending on the zone's needs.
• 📝 Mike Smith, an early adopter of these technologies, advises other growers to not overcomplicate things and to focus on getting accurate yield data.
• 🌱 The approach is seen as an opportunity to better care for the land, maintain nutrient rates efficiently, and avoid wasting resources on less productive areas.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the map mentioned in the transcript?

The map is created based on a significant amount of data gathered over ten years to analyze and visualize the yield and protein data of a farm, aiding in precision agriculture.

What does the term 'cluster or build zones' refer to in the context of the transcript?

It refers to the process of dividing a farmland into different zones with similar characteristics using statistical analysis to optimize farming practices.

How long has Mike Smith been using yield monitors on his farm?

Mike Smith started using yield monitors in 1996, which means he has been using them for approximately 28 years by the time of the transcript.

What is the observed yield variability from the header mentioned by Mike Smith?

Mike Smith observed a yield variability of about 30 percent from the header.

What does precision agriculture mean in the context of the transcript?

Precision agriculture refers to the use of technology to apply variable rate inputs such as fertilizers based on the specific needs of different zones within a field.

What additional sensor does Mike Smith have on his header besides the yield monitor?

Mike Smith also has a protein sensor on his header to gather protein data.

How does Mike Smith use the stats program to analyze the farm data?

Mike Smith uses the stats program to calculate average yield and protein levels for different zones, which helps in understanding the nutrient uptake and application efficiency.

What is the significance of the nitrogen and phosphorus balance mentioned by Mike Smith?

The balance of nitrogen and phosphorus is important for understanding the nutrient inputs required for crops and ensuring that resources are not wasted on less productive areas.

What is the average amount of nitrogen applied across the paddock as per Mike Smith's data?

The average amount of nitrogen applied across the paddock is 221 kilos.

What is the potential savings Mike Smith mentions by using variable rate technology?

Mike Smith mentions potential savings of about $21,000 by using variable rate technology for different areas of the farm.

What advice does Mike Smith give to other growers considering precision agriculture?

Mike Smith advises not to overcomplicate things, to pay attention to yield data, and to calibrate the yield monitor at the beginning or end of the season to maintain accurate data.

How does Mike Smith view the opportunity of precision agriculture?

Mike Smith sees precision agriculture as an opportunity to better care for the land, maintain nutrient rates efficiently, and avoid wasting resources on less productive areas.