Its no surprise to us that over the years agriculture has seen significant changes, why should the machinery and equipment we use be any different? In the constantly changing world of farming, one clear fact stays the same: having the right tools can really make a big difference.
Machinery not only makes work faster and more effective but also plays a role in promoting sustainability, saves money, and makes crop production better. All of which helps farmers keep up with the increasing needs in a world that's changing fast. New farm vehicles and machinery are made to do certain jobs really well. Doing things this way cuts down on waste, saving resources like seeds and fertilizer. They also save time because they make work faster.
New Zealand farmers are getting busier as the farming world keeps changing
New Zealand (NZ) is a big player in the world when it comes to dairy production. It also ships a lot of beef, sheep meat, wool, fruits, veggies, and wine around the globe. As one of the top industries, 13.2 million hectares of land is used for agricultural activity. As such a large industry it shouldn’t comes as a shock that farmers in NZ are known for being open to new technology to tackle problems, increase their output, and make a good impact on the environment.
Farmers are becoming increasingly busier in a constantly fluctuating industry - some because they have to look after bigger, or multiple, farms while others are taking on more roles within the business. On top of all of this, it's also getting tougher to find and keep good employees. So, it's no surprise that Farmers are looking towards new technologies and machinery to help bridge the gap.
While machinery certainly simplifies our lives, it's important for farming businesses to exercise caution
In just the first half of 2023, there were 783 injuries resulting in more than a week away from work - vehicles were responsible for 120 of those incidents. According to Worksafe, there are an average of six to seven farmers killed each year due to tractors, another five in work-related quad bike incidents with hundreds more seriously injured.
Tractors are the heart of farming today in NZ. They're used for everything from breaking up soil to moving heavy loads around, and they're super important for making farms more productive. But, because they're big, they're one of the main reasons for farm incidents. According to FMG insurance who insure over 36,000 tractors, on average, there are more than 36 claims per week for tractor damage.
Quad bikes are a favorite on farms and rural properties too.
It's estimated that there are around 80,000-100,000 quad bikes in use across New Zealand. In 2022, the Country reported FMG insurance had $12.5m claims for quad bikes over a 5 year period - almost one in five accidents happen when the farmer is performing multiple tasks.
The cost factor
Buying heavy machinery involves a significant initial investment, making it challenging for many farmers. It isn’t just the upfront cost, but ongoing running expenses such as insurance, operating hours, fuel consumption, maintenance and repairs. You not only need the farm equipment and machinery, but you also need suitable storage facilities and well-trained, qualified employees.
New Zealand farmers are not strangers to technology
When things keep changing and getting more complicated, sometimes it's best to step back and figure out how to make what you're already doing easier. The best agtech are the ones that make your tasks easier and streamline the way you tackle them.
Have you heard that Safe Ag Systems goes beyond just safety? It can actually enhance parts of your farm management system too! A safety system that supports reduced production costs and increased profits for farmers. As for your machinery and equipment? Safe Ag Systems lets you keep track of your inventory records from anywhere, whether you're at the office or out in the field.
Use Safe Ag Systems digital records, checklists, procedures and quick scan QR codes to:
- encourage good habits and a safe work space
- keep track of who's using your machines
- protect your employees and your investment
- encourage consistency
- remind employees on how they can stay safe
- provide accurate details about your machinery
- mark machinery as unsafe and shouldn't be used
Using Safe Ag Systems, mechanics, employees, and contractors can easily update the machine's records every time they do a check before using it, regular maintenance, or when it's being serviced. With the app, they can find all the info they need right where they are.
You've probably heard the saying that it's better to prevent than to cure. This holds true for machinery upkeep as well. When you take care of your machines and keep them in good conditions, you're letting them work at their best. This helps avoid any downtime when things are busiest.
Performing daily checks allows you to:
- catch problems early
- hopefully avoid big, expensive fixes
- spot trends in your repair logs and maintenance plans
- cut down on running costs of your machines
- track machinery maintenance to assist with warranty claims
In recent years, NZ has been kicking off the use of digital tech in farming. The integration of drones, sensors, blockchain technology, and online platforms are revolutionising New Zealand agriculture. There are still some hurdles to overcome, but the future of New Zealand's farming is looking up and digital. After all, new tech and machinery can really simplify farming, making it safer and helping to get things done faster.
Topics: Health and Safety Management System
Disclaimer: Content on this blog may be of relevance to users outside of New Zealand, but content links and examples are specific to New Zealand. Please check with your local authority for your country and industry requirements.
