The idea, led by Farmers Guardian machinery editor Toby Whatley, was brought to life by maze design experts Mazescape, showcasing just how far innovation in the industry has come.听
Using precision mapping software, Mazescape created the detailed design before it was uploaded into the farm's John Deere 6R195 tractor operating with RTK GPS guidance which controlled a V盲derstad Tempo F8 precision seeder, which planted the intricate pattern with2.5cm accuracy. The project was made possible thanks to local farmer Rob Beaumont, who offered up some of his crop as the canvas.听
Tom Hockaday, founder of Mazescape, said he wanted to showcase technology and show 'people what we can do'.
"Farm24 is a great opportunity to highlight that and support British farmers," he said.
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Technology
FG's Toby Whatley said it was a chance to highlight some of the off-the-shelf technology available in agriculture, and how it can be used at some incredible levels of accuracy.
"The ability to effectively print the crop like a desktop printer relies on the tractor operating with a pre-loaded map of the logo. This was remotely transferred to the tractor from the desktop, and acts as ultra-accurate guidelines which are followed. The tractor is steered using a highly precise GPS signal which works in tandem with the precision planter which is able to count and place every single plant - 105,000 per hectare.
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The combination of these three systems automatically turns the planter on and off in accordance to the map, and presents the amazing result we can see in the crop.
"We have worked with the technology before but never for a project like this, and its been really interesting and quite spooky to see it emerge from the field."
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