In the Netherlands, 80% of farmers use global positioning systems to capture farmland information and conduct scientific analysis of farmland conditions. Recently, our reporter visited Vandenborn Farm in North Brabant Province of the Netherlands to explore how the farm can use high-tech means such as sensors and unmanned aerial vehicles to timely and accurately obtain and analyze information such as land and crops, so as to achieve maximum output with minimum energy consumption.
Just in the traditional slack season, Vandenborn Farm in North Brabant Province of the Netherlands is a busy scene. In the office, farm general manager and data analyst Paul Vanzog was staring intently at the screens of two computers, each displaying monitoring maps of farm land and dense data tables. “This is the data of all the land on the farm collected through the global positioning system. We will make a reasonable planting plan for each piece of land based on these data. This is the first link in the production cycle of Precision agriculture on our farm.” Fan Zuoge pointed to the different color bars in the table and told reporters.
Vandenborn Farm is a family farm established in 1952. The farm initially only had a few plots of land, but later it continued to develop and expand. Today, the farm has 180 plots of land with a total area of 900 hectares, mainly growing three crops: potatoes, sugar beets, and corn. However, the entire farm, including Paul Vanzog, has only six staff members.
This area is one of the agricultural bases in the Netherlands, with many family farms, each with an average size of over 100 hectares. Our farm has the largest planting area in this area, “said Van Zog. They can run a large farm with six people, one relying on mechanization. The farm has over 30 agricultural machinery, some of which are highly automated. The second is relying on digitization. Obtaining data through many sensors placed in the field. These data are our magic weapon for improving efficiency. Sensors are applied in every aspect of agricultural production
Farmer Jacob Vandenborn is 38 years old and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. As early as 2006, when he took charge of the farm, he began to use Precision agriculture technology, and was a pioneer in advocating Precision agriculture in the Netherlands. “Precision agriculture can enable agricultural production to achieve both high yield and environmental protection, which is conducive to the sustainable development of modern agriculture. Precision agriculture requires timely and accurate grasp of land and crop information, which is difficult for traditional agriculture to achieve, and can only be achieved with the help of digital technology.”
After years of exploration, Vandenborn subdivided the whole process of Precision agriculture into 14 links, of which the first three links need to be completed in winter. After surveying and planning the land, it is soil scanning and rutting calculation. In a video of on-site operations, it can be seen that a tractor is towing a long strip sensor running on the soil. In the past, farmers only relied on experience to understand soil. Now, we can use information technology and digital technology to accurately analyze soil. After sensors scan the soil and obtain clear images of the internal structure of the soil, we can more targeted fertilization, irrigation, and planting.
Scientifically and reasonably designing motor vehicle routes can increase production by an average of 7%! “Fan Zog pointed to a schematic diagram and said excitedly. During the process of farmland cultivation, the land crushed by motor vehicles is no longer loose, which is not conducive to crop growth. The crushed crops will also be damaged, which will reduce production. In order to minimize the impact of motor vehicles on farmland, we first develop a motor vehicle driving route map on a computer based on the global positioning system before farming begins, for operators to follow when working in the field
From fertilization and sowing in spring to harvesting and storage in autumn, every aspect of crop protection, irrigation, monitoring, and other aspects cannot be separated from data collection and analysis. In addition to various sensors, we also have some ‘secret weapons’ used for data collection. With a finger press, a hidden door slowly opened on the wall, displaying drones of different sizes and other high-tech products. The Vandenborn Farm has obtained approval from the Dutch air management agency to use drones for timely monitoring of farmland and crops within a specified time frame.
Precision agriculture has shown great competitive advantages. According to relevant reports, the average global yield of potatoes per acre (approximately 0.4 hectares) is about 9 tons, and at Vandenborn Farm, the yield of potatoes per acre can exceed 20 tons. “By analyzing the data collected by machinery in the farmland, we can optimize the production mode and obtain the maximum output with the lowest energy consumption.” Vandenborn said, “The purchase of digital equipment increases the cost. But after the completion of the Precision agriculture system, you can focus on farming, rather than watching the weather passively, and the harvest can also be doubled.”
The Netherlands has a limited land area and relatively poor agricultural natural conditions. However, since the 1950s and 1960s, the Netherlands has gradually become a global agricultural powerhouse, known for its high-quality and high-yield agricultural products. Its agricultural and food exports are second only to the United States, ranking second globally. In addition, the Netherlands is also the world’s second largest exporter of vegetable crops. According to the data of the Statistics Netherlands, in 2018, the total exports of vegetables and fruits of the Netherlands reached 17.774 billion euros. Where does the extraordinary competitiveness of Dutch agriculture come from? Many people believe that the excellence of Dutch agriculture lies in its precise and efficient innovative technologies. The acquisition of this innovative technology is mainly attributed to the unique “Golden Triangle” agricultural innovation mechanism in the Netherlands.
This mechanism is based on the actual needs of farmers and enterprises, coordinated and encouraged by government policies, and targeted technology development is carried out by professional research institutions. A stable and smooth triangular cooperation relationship has been formed between the government, enterprises, and research institutions, greatly shortening the time for technology to transform from research and development to actual productivity. For example, Wageningen University in the Netherlands holds multiple information exchange meetings with businesses, farmers, and government officials every year to ensure timely understanding of farmers’ needs and provide the best solutions with government support. Even many of the innovation and solutions of enterprises come directly from the ideas of farmers.
No reply content