Leading Edge Innovation and Fleet Technology

We don’t rest on our laurels – innovation is welcomed by us and we are always looking for ways to modernise, introduce efficiencies and further promote safety in our operation.

In 2011 we undertook an evaluation and major modification process on our original Pacific Aerospace 750XL. This involved removing unnecessary weight, installing a lightweight high strength carbon fibre hopper, and incorporating a barrier air filter into the streamlined cowl which, in turn, improved performance. From this project, the Falco XL was born. You can read more about our fleet here.

GPS Application Accuracy

Nothing pleases us more than delivering a great result for our customers – and we will work day and night to do this.

If there is a superior and more cost-effective way to deliver our service, we will be the first to explore this, because saving our customers money is a key focus.

As part of our commitment to this, we use New Zealand owned and operated TracMap – a GPS guidance tool that ensures optimum accuracy and proof of release with regards to fertiliser spread. TracMap Online also helps us improve the efficiency of application.

Advanced Spreading Technology

As an independent operator, we control our costs and operations from the ground up – giving customers the best team & equipment to ensure they get the best result in the most cost effective manner.

Our internally developed computer controlled gatebox has the ability to be coupled to GPS prescription maps for variable rate spreading. This is now considered the industry standard for variable rate application, along with our independently audited gatebox and spreader attachments giving a very even spread across the paddock. This technology coupled with our industry leading aircraft makes for the most efficient platform to spread fertiliser by air.

Safely, or Not At All

Whilst we can be counted on to do what we say we will do and get the job done – we never jump the gun or take short cuts along the way.

Safety is paramount in everything we do – we set our standards high so we can ensure our team return home safely to their families each night.

We are well versed in the risks we face and what it takes to mitigate them. We are always looking for ways to enhance the safety of our pilots, our ground crew and of course, our customers – be it to person or property.

Farmers Air is an AIRCARE accredited operator – an integrated programme for aviation businesses. It brings flight safety, environmental safety and other safety related functions together in one safety assurance programme.

We like to often say, we do the job properly and safely or we don’t do it at all.

AdaptaRate – Variable Rate Technology from Farmers Air

You might have heard a bit about a new technology spreading system called Variable Rate. We’ve pulled all the facts together to explain the what, why and how so you can easily understand what it means for you and your farm.

What is Variable Rate technology?

Variable rate (VR) is a new technology that helps aerial top dressers apply the right amount of fertiliser to the right parts of hill country farms to reduce nutrient run off, minimise input costs for farmers by avoiding wasteful application to unproductive land, and promote environmental sustainability.

VR takes into account slopes, sensitive land, boundaries, aspect, stocking rate, soil fertility, production yield. It connects wirelessly to the plane’s computer which automatically controls the door release.

Why it is being used now?

Local councils have been researching variable rate technology for years in partnership with MPI. It has taken time for them to map all farm land and create the technology to take advantage of that mapping to aid more precise fertiliser applications that cater for the environment at the same time.

How does it benefit me?

VR allows you to be more efficient and effective in the way you spread your fertiliser saving you money. You can then deploy fertiliser you might have previously spread on sensitive or unproductive land and make it go further on more productive yielding areas.

VR also provides you with accurate and precise proof of placement.

By using VR you are protecting yourself from the volatility of fertiliser prices by only using what you need, and nothing you don’t. That’s a win for you, your bank balance and the environment.

How does it work?

VR works with any farm mapping software (May My Farm, TracMap, FarmIQ, Ravensdown and Ballance).

Once we have an accurate 3D map, they get run through our ArcGIS algorithm to produce a slope and aspect map that can be set at different slope angles to help identify areas on your property that meet the 10% slope regulations for cropping.

Want to know more?

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/46729-The-use-of-variable-rate-fertiliserapplications-in-NZ-hill-country