The new equipment will improve labour efficiencies, optimise the land usage and improve yields at Gilpin Farms.
(Kenneth Gilpin enjoying the weather out sowing carrots at Gilpin Farms this Spring)
By utilising signals from satellites, the new GPS Technology in the precision pneumatic carrot sowing machine enables our farmers to navigate and manage their sowing requirements with high accuracy by using GPS functionality. The GPS signal allows each of the 27 individual sowing elements to be controlled separately ensuring that no seed is wasted with overlaps.
This guarantees that our yields are maximised and consumers will get a more consistent high-quality product when it reaches the shelves.
The carrot drill came equipped with 27 cameras, this allowed the operator in the tractor to see exactly how the machine was performing and enabled early intervention when an issue arose. We also chose to go with a hydraulic driven fan instead of PTO, by removing the PTO from this machine we have eliminated one of the major safety issues encountered on farm machinery when drilling carrots at our Gilpin Farms site.
(Gilpin Farms Family - Back from Left to Right: Kenneth, Thomas, William, Front from Left to Right; Richard & Alastair.)
This equipment was part funded by DAERA through the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme (FVAS). For more information on Producer Organisations contact NI Horticulture PO Limited directly or visit www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/fruit-and-vegetable-aid-scheme.
