This part of the 'Virtual Bus Tour' concentrates on precision agriculture. 

This section will grow as we go out and interview more and more cane growers onfarm and add the content here.  This new website functionality will suit those with a high speed internet connection.



Precision Agriculture & Whole Farm Planning > The Granshaws, Burdekin cane growers
Bryan and Terry Granshaw look at their family property from a whole farm perspective.  They have trialled a number of practices on farm to find a system that works for them. After implementing controlled traffic, minimum till and GPS. The Granshaws were keen to work on targeting applications and reducing nitrogen use.  With the assistance of a Reef Rescue, they introduced a minimum till companion cropping planter that also doubled as a variable rate liquid and granular fertiliser applicator to their farm.  The project was designed to give the Granshaws the ability to continue their previous trials in companion cropping which they pioneered in 2001 with their home built planter. It was also designed to give them the ability to apply dunder subsurface.  And the whole operation is administered using a nifty little electronic system which helps them keep records and plan.
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Precision Agriculture > Peter Lando, Burdekin cane grower
The term ‘precision farming’ crops up a lot when you talk to longtime Burdekin grower Peter Lando. Peter is enthusiastic about the way the Federal Government’s Reef Rescue scheme helps growers review their practices and adopt better ways of doing things. He recently received a Reef Rescue second round grant from NQ Dry Tropics towards the cost of installing GPS on a new mid-range JD 6930 tractor for cultivation. As well as saving time, labour, fuel and maintenance costs due to less distance travelled and fewer row turns, GPS guidance will allow him to put fertiliser precisely where it needs to be to maximise benefit to plants while minimising likelihood of nutrients escaping off-farm. Precision farming will also enable him to present his drills in good condition for harvesting and to get back into the field sooner after rain.
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Precision Agriculture > Allen Birt, Maryborough cane grower
Investing in precision farming technology with funding assistance through the Federal Government’s Reef Rescue Program makes good business sense for Maryborough cane grower Allen Birt. Mr Birt has been successful in his funding application through the Burnett Mary Regional NRM to receive assistance in purchasing a tractor GPS steering kit which he hopes to have operational for the spring plant.
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Best Practice using GPS > Bill Smith, Cairns cane grower
A 5-year development program including GPS guidance and controlled traffic will play an important role in minimising future compaction and erosion, as well as providing significant savings in fuel, time and wear and tear. In addition to this, the program includes progression to a variable rate fertiliser applicator. These improvements to farming practices became fast tracked as a result of Reef Rescue funding which helped Cairns cane grower Bill Smith acquire a John Deere RTK GPS, providing auto steer for his JD 7610 tractor.
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