That's where HALO Systems comes in. Its effluent systems were originally designed and continue to be failsafe. They shut down pumps and alert farmers when flow, pressure, movement or levels are breached, to prevent spills or over-application. Now, the system can calculate organic nitrogen (N) application rates too.
"We had a customer ask if we could tell them how much organic N they are applying," HALO sales manager Blake Lattin says. "After some market research we realised there was a real demand for this information. Using our proof of placement and geo-fencing GPS technology along with flow, storage N value and application rate, we can calculate and display how much organic N has been applied within a customised timeframe. This has been deployed on several pivots in partnership with Nairn Electrical and will be released soon for traveling irrigators."
Feedback from farmers has so far been good. Culverden-based farmer David Croft needed to manage how much nitrogen he was applying through his pivot irrigator. HALO and Nairn Electrical delivered a solution that met David's needs and set his farm up well for the future.
"We needed a good robust system that would be future-proofed," David says. "The HALO system provides proof of placement and control of effluent. The system is really easy to use, I can look at my phone and turn it on and off, and I can see exactly what's going on. The system is providing us with 100% reliability and allows us to get on with our day without worrying about it, which allows us to achieve a lot more."
As Blake sees it, complying with rules is one of the main challenges for farmers when it comes to managing and optimising effluent ponds and tanks. "That's never been more important," he says. "HALO helps them address this challenge by achieving compliant nitrogen levels, flow rates, and volume."
Rising costs of synthetic fertilisers, which affects material and transporting costs is also a challenge. "This adds to the increasing level of financial pressure on farmers. The cost/benefit advantage of calculating and controlling nitrogen application allows farmers to optimise their organic N, minimising how much synthetic fertiliser is required," Blake says.
For more information, visit halosystems.co.nz or talk to your Farm Source TSR.