Optical spray technologies: Technology uptake program

WHY THIS PROJECT IS IMPORTANT

The Agrifutures Australia Technology uptake program is supporting farmers in the Riverine Plains region to understand the types of agritech that are available, and how it can benefit their farming operation. 

Over the last two years, this project has supported the delivery of multiple technology-focused events and supported farmers with trialing new technology on farm. With new technologies hitting the agriculture market each week, it can be challenging for farmers to find tech solutions to their problems and the understand key benefits, or limitations, of adoption.

This program has enabled Riverine Plains to identify technologies that are addressing known issues in our region, while working alongside farmers to determine what works well and where things fall short.

In short: This element of the project aims to support farmers when they are deciding whether or not to introduce a new spray technology to their farming operation, with a specific focus on drones and optical spot-spray technology in broadacre farming systems. 

Project focus

At our Katamatite ‘Harvest Wrap Up’ event in February 2024, we showcased emerging camera spray technologies and discussed their benefits and challenges with local farmer Craig Thomas. Craig was also involved in showcasing this technology at our Innovation Expo in 2022. Play the video (right) to learn more about Craig's journey with this technology.

Working through the benefits and challenges of adopting optical spray technology

Whilst demonstrating new technologies and seeing the ‘wow’ factor of innovations is important, we also know that working through the decision on whether or not to adopt a given piece of technology — and if so, which brand — is a hard decision to make.

As a result, we worked with the team at Rometron Australia to develop a list of considerations when looking at optical spray technology. These considerations were shared at our February ‘Harvest Wrap up” event, however we also felt it was important to speak to a range of market leaders involved in the uptake of this technology, and develop a decision support tool for farmers to use within our region. 

Decision support tools - optical spray technology

As part of the project, Riverine Plains has created decision support tools for agricultural drones (spray and spreader drones) and ground rigs to support farmers when comparing optical spray technologies and make decisions on which alternative would best suit the needs of their farming systems. 

The information provided in the tables below is designed to provide more detailed information regarding this technology and aims to support farmers who are considering whether or not to adopt optical spray technology for their operation. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list or a recommendation of brands; instead it is a tool to support farmers who are starting the thinking process about what they may be looking for in optical spray technology. 

There is no ‘best option’ as all farming situations are different and it can be hard to get independent advice on what would suit best. The following decision support tools are designed to understand key considerations when looking at drones and optical spray technology, supporting the decision making process.

A video is also being produced, and will be shortly be available from this page.

Ground rigs

Green-on-brown and green-on-green camera sprayers are becoming more popular in Australian agriculture. These optical sprayers provide targeted weed control and are not only reducing chemical usage, but time spent spraying. With many versions of this technology on the market, it is important to understand the differences between them and what might suit your operation best before considering upgrading to this technology.

Below is a comparison of optical spray systems that can be purchased as  tow-behind and self-propelled options, or retrofitted to existing sprayers. The brands included in this comparison are generally reliable and well-known in Australia for their sprayer technology, however we have also included a brand new to market in Australia (BeeLeap) and we are interested to find out more and share information that is coming through from overseas. 

Definitions:

Comparisons

Drones

Drones are increasingly used for both spot spraying and whole paddock spraying in broadacre agriculture. They are also being used for spreading fertiliser, especially under wet conditions or in difficult terrain.

Below is a comparison of commercially available drones (as at August 2024). The drones presented for comparison are part of the DJI Agras range, which are specially designed for agricultural use and are available in Australia. DJI is one of the most well-known drone companies in Australia, distrubuted through Akron Australia, however there are other brands that are available including XAG Australia and BROUAV. 

As drone spray and spreader technology is still quite new and continually evolving, another option is to engage with a contractor to complete mapping and spraying before purchasing yourself. SingleShot and StevTech are examples of organisations that provide these services. 

Note: Agras T50 has just been released

This article has been produced as part of the AgriFutures Technology Uptake Program. Thank you to Rometron, Case IH and John Deere for providing the information in the above tables.