Tackling weeds and boosting yields

Precision and efficiency: How BBLeap transforms spraying at Pendalup Farm

Farming in the great southern region of Western Australia comes with its unique challenges, from variable rainfall to managing large-scale fields. For Rick Carpenter, owner of Pendalup Farm in Ongerup, achieving efficiency and precision in crop spraying is vital. Managing 3,500 hectares alongside his wife Sally and their two children, Rick grows wheat, barley, canola, fava beans, and lupins, all of which require careful attention to spraying practices. In 2023, Rick became the first farmer to integrate BBLeap technology onto a Calibre sprayer, combining cutting-edge innovation with practical farming needs. After a season of using the system, Rick reflects on its impact, from addressing long-standing inefficiencies to paving the way for future advancements in agricultural technology.

“If there’s a difference between the previous sprayer and this sprayer? Massive. Huge,” Rick concluded. “It’s been a great decision. Because we can be so precise with our spray and there’s no other system we can set up and pull along the boom that is so accurate. It’s better than what I expected.” – Rick Carpenter

Tackling the complexities of spraying

Spraying is one of the most labor-intensive and resource-demanding tasks at Pendalup Farm, with fields often sprayed five times per crop each season. The farm’s paddocks vary significantly in size and accessibility, with some fields presenting unique challenges due to their irregular shapes and terrain.

Rick highlighted a key problem with traditional spraying systems: “Even though most of our paddocks are quite arable, big and square, we do have one property that’s small and quite hard to access. There was a lot of overlap with the spraying. So to go to individual nozzle control and be precise with our spraying was very important and that’s why we decided to build a BBLeap system on the sprayer.” The farm’s reliance on rainfall further complicates spraying. As Rick explained, “Without a doubt, the biggest challenge is weeds. Rainfall is our biggest limiting factor. If we can keep weeds down to a minimum, our crops can make better use of the water available, because the crops aren’t competing with the weeds. Spraying plays a crucial role in that process.”

“The smooth ride of the Calibre boom, combined with BBLeap’s advanced nozzle control, creates a system that excels in both accuracy and consistency – critical factors for effective and efficient crop management.” – Rick Carpenter

Why BBLeap? Precision and control

BBLeap technology stood out to Rick for its individual nozzle control and precision spraying capabilities. Integrated with the 36-meter boom of the farm’s Calibre sprayer, the system ensures accurate chemical application, even in the trickiest areas like corners.

“Turn compensation is fantastic,” Rick shared. “The outside gets the right amount, and the inside gets the right amount. I’m confident we’re hitting the target with the correct dose.” The combination of BBLeap and the Calibre sprayer has significantly improved spraying accuracy and weed control. “The spray job and weed kill are much better now, the coverage is better. The nozzle control is incredibly accurate,” Rick said. The system’s ability to adapt to different speeds and maintain consistency ensures thorough coverage without waste. The crops are not getting damaged.

“The biggest benefit is its operator friendliness. It’s just more reliable and there’s less stuff going on for the operator. Just the fact you can go out spraying all day and you don’t have a drama with the technology side of things.”

Adapting to weather challenges

The benefits of BBLeap extend beyond ease of use. Its precision and adaptability have had a tangible impact on Knud’s farms. BBLeap’s ability to adjust droplet sizes also helps operators navigate challenging weather conditions. “The BBLeap system helps with that since we can change the droplet size. If it’s windy, I can easily adjust the droplet size to prevent drift. It means we can just go when the weather’s good, we can achieve what we need to achieve. And when I’m coming near neighbours’ crops and stuff like that, I can do exactly the same thing through adjusting the droplet size,” Trevor explained. This feature allows spraying to continue in less-than-ideal conditions, reducing downtime and ensuring timely applications.

Saving chemicals

Using BBLeap has not only streamlined operations but also improved resource efficiency on Knud’s farms. The impact on chemical usage has been clear. “We’re using less chemicals. You dont have any overlapping issues. It saves us chemicals because it is able to precisely cover a paddock,” he explained. The challenges with the wind are also tackled.

“BBLeap made it easier, more precise, and has reduced chemical use,” Adam emphasized, highlighting BBLeap’s ability to combine speed with accuracy.

Transforming agriculture with BBLeap

BBLeap has proven to be more than just a technological upgrade; it’s a transformative solution for Knud’s farms. By addressing long-standing inefficiencies and simplifying complex processes, the system has enhanced productivity, reduced costs, and minimized environmental impact.

For operators like Adam and Trevor, BBLeap has redefined what’s possible in large-scale spraying. As Trevor put it: “It does its job, spraying, operating, taking pressure off the operator, taking pressure of me, because I know the system is doing its job. That’s all we can ask for.” And Adam’s experiences with the system? “Extremely user-friendly, precise and simple to maintain and deal with as an operator. It just makes sense,” Adam emphasised.

The first farmer to install the BBLeap system onto a Calibre Sprayer

Being the first farmer to use BBLeap on a Calibre sprayer came with its challenges. Rick praised the support he received from BBLeap: “Someone was always there to help, whether it was on the phone or on-site. The backup service has been exceptional. They made sure any issues were resolved quickly.” BBLeap’s adaptability and capacity for future upgrades make it a long-term asset for Pendalup Farm. Rick remains optimistic about what lies ahead: “The system already exceeds my expectations when it’s working, and I’m excited to see how it can improve further.”

The standout advantage of the BBLeap system at Pendalup Farm is the remarkable accuracy it delivers in spraying. This precision stems from the seamless integration of BBLeap technology with the Calibre sprayer. Together, they ensure consistent spray patterns and precise dosage rates across every pass. The smooth ride of the Calibre boom, combined with BBLeap’s advanced nozzle control, creates a system that excels in both accuracy and consistency – critical factors for effective and efficient crop management.

The overall impact of BBLeap on crop quality is promising. While it’s still early to draw definitive conclusions, the improvements in spray quality and weed control are evident. The precise application of chemicals has enhanced the farm’s ability to target and eliminate weeds effectively, contributing to healthier crops and better long-term outcomes. “We’re not damaging the whole crop,” Rick explains.

“The smooth ride of the Calibre boom, combined with BBLeap’s advanced nozzle control, creates a system that excels in both accuracy and consistency—critical factors for effective and efficient crop management.

Turn compensation is fantastic—the outside and inside get the right amount. I’m confident we’re hitting the target with the correct dose. Thus, the spray job and weed kill are much better now since my coverage is better. The nozzle control is incredibly accurate,” Rick adds. “The system’s ability to adapt to different speeds and maintain consistency ensures thorough coverage without waste. Now, my crops are not getting damaged anymore!”

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