That’s why John Deere machinery and equipment distributor, Haeusler’s Group, has partnered with Verge Ag to make Launch Pad️, Path Planner️ and Equipment Explorer️ accessible to growers through Haeusler’s dedicated digital consultant team.
Haeusler’s production systems (ag tech) manager Jordan Lee said the new Verge Ag offering raised the benchmark in precision path planning for Australian growers.
“For broadacre growers seeking to get the most out of their machines and time in the paddock, this is the technology to look at,” Mr Lee said.
“What we’re offering through Verge Ag is a package of tools that helps growers plan their optimal path for machinery and equipment before entering the paddock, reducing in-field decisions and eliminating guesswork.
“In addition, the input costs and engine hours saved through optimised route efficiencies can unlock incredible scope for enhancing your operation at large.”
Mr Lee said Equipment Explorer, for example, takes paddock-level data and applies it across the entire farm.
“This results in endless possibilities when it comes to getting the most out of a fleet.
“If one grower is looking to upgrade to 60–80ft, what does that mean when we go across the farm? Sowing at this speed, with the metrics we’re currently doing, it would typically take 500 hours.
“But with Verge Ag’s new technology, say we’re able to reduce it by 110 hours. And it doesn’t stop at the reduction of hours spent in-field.
“The flow-on effect means slower depreciation, reduced wear and tear on the fleet, less maintenance, and being able to set up your paddock for best fit like never before.”
Verge Ag said tools like Launch Pad️, Path Planner️ and Equipment Explorer️ have been designed to help maximise every acre, while minimising economic and environmental costs.
“With Haeusler’s sharing our commitment to innovation, this partnership will be instrumental in putting the next generation of ag tech in paddocks across [northern] Victoria and southern NSW,” Verge Ag said.
Mr Lee said Haeusler’s was “all about continuous improvement, and we’ve always been fortunate to work with very progressive growers”.
And for growers who might be wondering whether the Verge Ag package is right for them, he said early adoption of tools like Launch Pad️ can benefit operations of all sizes and stages.
“If your first thought is ‘oh, well Granddad did it this way’, we need to stop and think about why,” Mr Lee said.
“That was then, but we’re looking at the here and now. A lot has changed over the past few generations — and adapting to new technologies is key.
“Wondering whether you’re making the best decisions, or what technology’s right for your operation?
“When you have access to the right data, these answers become clear — and that’s where we see Verge Ag’s solutions coming in.”
Launch Pad️, Path Planner️ and Equipment Explorer️ was officially rolled out in the summer of 2023 to Mildura and Sea Lake, with Echuca and Shepparton to follow in early 2024.