Precision farming in action: how BBLeap transforms spraying efficiency
Agriculture is evolving, with precision farming technologies taking center stage in increasing efficiency and sustainability. For Ben Hewson, farmer at Birkby Estate in Western Australia, these challenges are part of everyday life. Operating a 3,000-hectare farm with wheat, barley, oats, canola, and 3,000 sheep, Hewson recently upgraded his sprayer to the BBLeap spraying system. His insights shed light on how this innovative technology addresses critical issues and simplifies operations.
“We’re using one nozzle that works for both high and low rates, and that’s certainly easier. Before, changing nozzles regularly was a pain, but with BBLeap, adjusting settings is quick and easy.” – Ben Hewson
Farm Facts Birkby Estate
Company name: Birkby Estate
Location: Broomehill West, WA, Australia
Owner: Ben Hewson
BBLeap user since: 2023
Crops: Wheat, barley, oats, canola
Hectares: 3,000
Functionalities: Leapbox
Sprayer: Retrofit Miller Nitro
A farmer’s decision: why upgrading the sprayer with BBLeap?
Choosing the right technology for a farm involves weighing multiple factors, including cost, efficiency, and adaptability. “We decided to upgrade to the BBLeap system – we were happy with our current machine, so we decided to keep the sprayer and install the BBLeap system on it,” Hewson explained. The BBLeap Leapbox is giving Ben better control and flexibility, essential for modern spraying needs.
This upgrade brought a game-changing feature to his farm: turn compensation. This feature of the BBLeap system has already proven invaluable and adjusts spray output based on the sprayer’s movement, ensuring even application during turns. “I really like the turn compensation. We’ve got lots of small paddocks, and turn compensation works really well in those small paddocks. Before I could see where we were consistently over- or under applying herbicides around obstacles where the sprayer always turned very tight. We changed to Leapbox because of that, because before we couldn’t eliminate the turning,” Hewson noted.
The LeapBox installed on Ben’s sprayer
“I really like the turn compensation. With lots of small paddocks, it ensures even application where we used to over- or under-apply around tight turns.” – Ben Hewson
Addressing key farming challenges
For many farmers, timeliness in spraying is one of the biggest challenges. Applying crop treatments at the right moment is critical to achieving optimal results. As Hewson explained, “It’s about getting it done when the timing is right. It’s a logistics problem, and most farming problems are logistics problems. There’s only a short window to get everything done, factoring in the weather and the season.”
Complicating matters are factors like high temperatures and wind, which can disrupt the timing and execution of spraying operations. BBLeap addresses these challenges with innovations that not only enhance efficiency but also simplify operations. One significant improvement is the elimination of manual nozzle changes—a previously time-consuming and cumbersome task.
“Now we don’t have to change nozzles,” Hewson shared. “We’re using one nozzle that works for both high and low rates, and that’s certainly easier. Before, changing nozzles regularly was a pain, but with BBLeap, adjusting settings is quick and easy. The system also allows us to adapt droplet sizes and spray pressure with flexibility.”
With solutions like these, BBLeap not only solves logistical challenges but also helps farmers operate more efficiently and effectively in an increasingly demanding agricultural environment.
Experiences of the first season with BBLeap
The practical benefits of the BBLeap system are evident in Hewson’s day-to-day operations. With a 36-meter boom width, his sprayer can cover a significant number of hectares efficiently. “Yesterday, we started after lunch and still managed to spray 300 hectares by early evening,” he shared. This level of efficiency is crucial for large-scale farms like Birkby Estate, where meeting seasonal demands often hinges on maximizing productivity within tight timeframes.
For Ben, the turn compensation feature of the BBLeap system has been the standout benefit, ensuring even application across the boom during field turns. Additionally, the system has provided greater flexibility in its first season of use. “The flexibility to adjust droplet sizes and spray in different conditions has been a game-changer,” Ben explained. “If it’s windy, we reduce the pressure to push the droplets down into the canopy. It’s also incredibly easy to adjust to a different water rate.”
These features not only enhance efficiency but also allow for more precise and adaptable spraying, meeting the demands of modern large-scale farming.
Preparing for the future
Looking ahead, Hewson sees significant potential in emerging technologies. While he is not currently using BBLeap’s LeapSpace or other data-driven tools, he recognizes their value for the future. Conducting on-farm trials to optimize fertilizer and chemical use is one area he is eager to explore.
“In the past, we haven’t been too particular about it,” Hewson admitted. “We just want to see if there’s a noticeable difference, perhaps a bit more productivity. But as land becomes more expensive and scarce, we’ll need to focus on making better returns from the land we already own. That means we have to be more precise in spraying as well.”
This shift reflects a broader trend in Australian agriculture, where maximizing land productivity is becoming increasingly critical. By embracing precision technologies like BBLeap, farmers like Hewson can stay ahead of these challenges and adapt to the evolving demands of the industry.
The BBLeap system exemplifies how precision farming tools can enhance efficiency. For farmers like Ben Hewson, these technologies are not just about convenience—they’re about building resilience in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape. By improving application accuracy and simplifying operations, BBLeap is helping farmers like Hewson make the most of their resources today while preparing for the innovations of tomorrow.
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