WEED-IT Technology – The next step in sustainable and profitable summer spraying
Dryland broadacre farmers in Australia have been a driving force behind innovation in farming systems – always looking for new ways to profitably improve their production. One of the biggest leaps in the last 30 years has been the widespread adoption of no-till and minimum-till farming systems, preserving plant-available water through stubble retention post-harvest and through the summer to preserve water available in the soil. The symbiotic partnership in successful no-till systems in dryland farming is formed between direct drilling sowing equipment, and broadacre boom sprayers that maintain a clean fallow in summer.
Eradicating weeds in paddocks during summer that suck up moisture without providing a profitable product to harvest has been proven to be one of the most profitable approaches to broadacre farming possible. Now, new technology is providing a more sustainable and profitable approach.
It is with this in mind that both O’Connors and Croplands are pleased to announce a new partnership with the appointment of O’Connors as authorised dealers of Croplands market-leading WEED-IT optical spot spraying technology.
“Our customers are some of the most innovative farmers in the world and we need to ensure we can supply them with equipment that keeps them at the forefront of profitable and sustainable farming practices.” explained Tom Sheridan, Group Sales Development Manager at O’Connors. “The WEED-IT Optical Spot Sprayers by Croplands are widely respected as the industry leaders in spot spraying technology, with a calculatable and achievable return on investment for farmers who are dedicated to achieving a successful summer fallow. When we were presented with the opportunity to market the product across our fifteen dealership locations it was a simple business decision for our group.”
Designed with the challenges that growers face in mind, WEED-IT technology provides more control to growers who want to reduce their chemical inputs while taking efficiency to the next level. That’s why it’s the best-selling optical spot spraying system in the world.
Using advanced sensors, WEED-IT detects chlorophyll in actively growing weeds in fallow fields, identifying and targeting them with unrivalled accuracy. This saves water and time, preserves precious soil moisture and minimises the weed seed bank. It also drastically reduces herbicide use, which maximises return on investment.
With a combined 108-years of experience in the farm machinery game, machinery dealer group O’Connors and sprayer manufacturer Croplands share a passion for delivering world-class technology to Australia’s world-class farmers.
It is with this in mind that both O’Connors and Croplands are pleased to announce a new partnership with the appointment of O’Connors as authorised dealers of Croplands market-leading WEED-IT optical spot spraying technology.
Established in north-west Victoria in 1964, O’Connors is an award-winning machinery dealership offering an extensive range of both new and used agricultural equipment, precision agriculture products, innovative technology and exceptional customer service.
Along with community engagement this makes O’Connors a reliable, local partner. Having developed teams of high-quality staff at each location with extensive knowledge and a high level of technical training, O’Connors confidently offers farmers the level of support they deserve to be at their best.
WEED-IT Technology is the optimal system for effective optical spraying – potentially saving farmers thousands in chemical bills during the important summer fallow period.
O’Connors Staff recently undertook technical training in the WEED-IT system and the capabilities of the product. O’Connors Machinery Sales Rep Alex Noonan, one of the staff involved, was impressed with the capability of the equipment, “It’s certainly a product that our customers have been asking after – the opportunity the reduce chemical use in the summer fallow management period is a high priority for broadacre farmers.” he said
The addition of Croplands WEED-IT to the O’Connors dealer network represents another significant step for the group as they also celebrate a recent expansion through the acquisition of the former Sunrise Ag Case IH dealerships in Swan Hill, Ouyen and Mildura. These acquisitions take the group’s footprint to fifteen locations and allow the organisation to enhance its product, parts and service offering for the benefit of their customers now and into the future.
Since Croplands inception in 1972, it has grown to become one of the most popular sprayer brands on the market, servicing the broadacre, horticulture, viticulture, tree crop, compact and home garden sectors. “Croplands has a long history of delivering practical solutions for Australian farmers,” says Jeremy Rennick, Croplands National Sales Manager. “WEED-IT is a great example of this. It is a technology that has been instrumental in helping Australian farmers gain the advantage in weed management and control.”
O’Connors will be offering the full range of Croplands WEED-IT optical spot spraying solutions and parts as well as retaining the Broadacre Trailing and Compact Sprayers and Components product offering in the acquired Sunrise dealerships.
O’Connors is joining Croplands at an exciting time as the sprayer manufacturer celebrates 50 years of operations in 2022.
Talk to you’re local dealer for more information.