Discussion

Peter Mitchell from Oamaru completed the Kellogg Rural Leadership programme on 2009. As part of his work he asked the question, “Can New Zealand arable growers profitiably adopt GPS guidance technology?” Peter has given permission for his report to be published on the LandWISE website. It is a good and enlightening read. You can view ... READ MORE

This article first appeared in The GROWER magazine in December 2011 Dan Bloomer, LandWISE A Guide to Smart Farming “New Zealand has a unique ability to supply quality produce to a rapidly increasing global market,” says Hew Dalrymple. “But to do so sustainably requires new approaches to farming and new skills for those on the land.” A ... READ MORE

As published in Grower November 2011 James Powrie and Dan Bloomer LandWISE Inc. History of LandWISE LandWISE was formed in 1999 in Hawke’s Bay, because farmers and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council saw a need for improved soil conservation.  Since then we have become involved in precision agriculture as a means to better care of soil and ... READ MORE

James Powrie and Dan Bloomer, LandWISE Inc. As published in Grower October 2011 A Hawke’s Bay crop farming company wanted spraying done quicker.  Managers also wanted to know agrichemicals were applied in the right place and not wasted. The farmers liked machines AgTech’s Matt Gordon had built, so got him involved. Matt says, “Reducing ... READ MORE

James Powrie and Dan Bloomer – LandWISE Inc As publised in Grower September 2011 Keith Nicoll and Hugh Ritchie put their heads together to produce a fast and highly accurate drain laying solution. Through a chance conversation, Keith learned that Hugh wanted a mole plough to lay drain-pipe. Hugh learned that Keith already had one at his yard ... READ MORE

As published in Grower August 2011 James Powrie and Dan Bloomer – LandWISE Inc. “My time in the cab is worth more since I fitted a self steering system”, says Randal Hanrahan. He runs a mixed arable, vegetable and beef operation and a contracting business in Ashburton. His time is precious, especially during planting and harvest. “I can ... READ MORE

To help you consider the impact of alternative cropping systems, we’ve put together a simple spreadsheet calculator. You are welcome to download it here> LandWISE Cropping Impact Estimator. The calculator flows from our work on precision farming and the benefits achievable from controlled traffic farming or permanent bed cropping ... READ MORE

The first of two winter cover crop field walks was held on 16 August, courtesy of Brownrigg Agriculture. The walk was attended by 29 people who saw and handled soils that had spent winter under different cover crops; Moata ryegrass, mustard and oats.  These were compared with the usual winter fallow treatment. Soil improvements are very obvious ... READ MORE

Fenton Hazelwood from AS Wilcox and Sons has put together a blog space for growers and others to chat and share news, it looks good, its a great idea, so visit as below…. http://growerstalk.com/   ... READ MORE

As published in Grower July 2011 Dan Bloomer and James Powrie – LandWISE Inc. “I plant with precision, so that I can mechanically weed with confidence, and quickly too,” says John Evans. Farming 271 ha at Dorie in mid Canterbury, John’s crops are largely grown for seed. The mix includes red beet and radish, mustards, carrots ... READ MORE