How Precision Ag Technology Helps Arron Daniel Ag Contracting

Arron Daniel Ag Contracting services Gippsland farmers with baling, silage, sowing and spraying. The business's owner, Arron Daniel, who is predominately based from Korumburra, 140km south-east of Melbourne, uses a John Deere fleet fitted with industry-leading innovation to differentiate his business. Arron Daniel has increased their customer base recently by adopting precision ag technology into its operation.

"I could see there was a gap in the market to provide precision agriculture capabilities," Arron said. "The biggest factor comes down to cost. Using our GPS system running through our John Deere fleet, I can move across the paddock at the cheapest possible rate because I am not doubling up on anything. We are also utilising the maximum working width, which reduces time spent in the paddock and increases overall efficiency". He stated. 

By using precision ag technology, Arron Daniel has seen the cost-saving benefits. He mentions, "Through our GPS technology, I have saved one farmer six runs, which goes to show how many kilos per hectare you can save in seed."

However, the most powerful reason driving Arron's technology uptake is its ability to help ensure his farming clients achieve maximum yields. "We want to make sure everything we do is working to increase productivity," he said. "Not only can we achieve this with precision agriculture, but we can prove it by using the recorded data we are accumulating and ultimately use the data to help build better relationships with our customers." Arron states. 

Arron relies on his local John Deere dealership, Brandt Agriculture, for backup support and technical expertise, which he firmly believes has helped establish his business's reputation as trusted and reliable with his client base. 
 

Return to agriculture

Arron grew up working alongside his family in the dairy industry. Although his business focused on the earthmoving sector for several years, he always had a desire to return to agriculture. Five years ago, he made this ambition a reality and pivoted to focus solely on farming in 2016. 

"Growing up on the farm, I realised I enjoyed working machines a lot more than I enjoyed milking cows," Arron joked. "The switch from earthworks to agriculture is purely because I love working on farms." 

Arron Daniel Ag Contracting's current equipment fleet encompasses a John Deere 6155R, an older 6830, 5090R, and V451R. It is complemented by a Silvan spray unit running a fully integrated section and rate control sprayer digitally connected to ISOBUS. "This covers all our basics, as we can collect data through the John Deere Operations Centre and, at the same time, covers our legal requirements for spray recording," Arron said. 

Arron said learning the ropes of precision agriculture was streamlined for him by Brandt's training and swift backup support. "I spent one hour with Integrated Solutions Manager ANZ, Siobhan Lynch, a precision agriculture expert at Brandt, and after that, I was well on my way," he said. "From there, if I ever have a question, I can just call up, and they can talk me through what to do." 

Arron believes farmers should take advantage of precision ag technology. "I think it's a little bit of a shame, in an industry like agriculture which is very progressive, that I do still see farmers driving tractors who are not using the equipment to its full potential." 
 

Keeping the fleet running

As a contractor, Arron said it was vital for his fleet to be working at maximum capacity all season long. "This is hands down why I think Brandt is a step above," Arron said. "If for whatever reason, something breaks down or goes wrong, they do all they can to get you up and going again straight away."

Brandt Agriculture takes pride in helping customers get back to work with little downtime. Arron mentions, "If they can't fix the issue immediately, they bring out a loan tractor for me to use, and they always have the answer. There is never a problem they can't fix." 

Contact your local Brandt Precision Ag specialist to learn more about technology and your operation.