A new approach to precision farming

Precision agriculture is a subject increasingly frequently commented if only because today more and more farmers are aware that without applying the latest technologies in practice, it is impossible to be effective.

Given the fact that farmers are facing pressure from increasingly higher to produce more with lower costs, they are in a position to seek solutions that help maximize the efficiency and operation of a profitable manner, in compliance with the regulations concerning environment protection and preservation of natural resources.

The Frizon group falls within the pattern of farms focused on applying technology in agriculture, that’s why Teofil Dascalu is a passionate farmer who appreciate the benefits of new technologies and application of precision agriculture solutions on the farm that spares.

How did you start the business in agriculture?

I started to work as a manager at a farm located in the Maicanesti village, Vrancea County. In the period 2010-2013, we did everything possible to succeed in a tough business environment. But eventually, I realized that a small farm can not support adequate development so I decided to start on their own farm. To open my farm, initially thought the location very much, but then I realized that the best decision is to open in the same area or near the farm earlier because I knew very well the local environment. Of course, to start a farm requires a considerable capital, which is why I started looking for potential investors and together we launched Frizon group in 2013 Nanesti, a village about 15 km from the previous farm.

How you developed over the years?

I opened Frizon farm with 500 hectares – leased land, but given that the development process was done quickly, already after three months we rented another 550 hectares. At first, I was the only administrator of the farm and four other operators, but in 2015 we were able to expand much more. As an entrepreneur, I seized the opportunity and took other 1100 hectares. In the same year old farmhouse that we managed it, she had serious financial problems and I bought it. Thus, we added 780 hectares. All this was possible only by recruiting new team members, so far, we have 21 employees. In 2016 we continued to expand, but with a more limited by only 400 hectares.

How do you manage your farm?

At first I worked just me, but now is like a teamwork, and this is a considerable advantage because of new technologies that we use in our farm.

What kind of tools did you use to help in making decisions?

Years pass and agriculture remained at a fairly unevolved in Romania, so we really need a new approach to things by using all available sensors in a single data structure. We try to achieve our long-term objective, based on the logical decision making through an artificial intelligence program.

For taking a decision, I use all available sensors on my equipment, satellite guidance systems, fleet management, weather stations, satellite images, etc.

What kind of technology and ethical issues do you use for precision agriculture?

Tractors and combines automated guided by Trimble systems with RTK precision, imagery, geolocation, etc.

How do you see the return on investment using these technologies? How much you save using them?

The return on investment can be achieved not only on large-scale agriculture, but small, the only condition being that these new technologies are used to make better management decisions.

Return on investment for technology purchased a farm are divided into the following categories and after a lot of calculations, we concluded that in our case we will save about 15% of direct costs per hectare:

Fieldwork

-RTK accuracy provided by the system is 2.5 cm, which leads to reduction of overlaps, less wear on the machinery, less fuel, more in an hour ha worked to reduce losses in the input and reduction of losses during harvesting

-Productivity (night shift, fog conditions, discharge directly into the trailer during harvest, better quality the application of pesticides, reduced operator fatigue)

-Depth control for processing work the land in compliance with the texture and soil stricture

-Avoid obstacles (less damage in case of obstacles, irrigation hydrants, rocks, etc.)

-Planting precisely (without overlap, depth control for seed and fertilizer, etc.)

Improving soil – leveling soil management to prioritize areas in chemical and physical possibilities drainage, traffic control.
Management –real-time view of the work of planning tools and precise work on the ground (improve work efficiency, paying people properly, better logistics, etc.), theft prevention, disease data forecast weather forecast irrigation, higher efficiency labor, a good estimate of the quantities of all inputs.
Accounting – creating cost centers suitable for crops and equipment, direct access to data within seconds, stock management, cash management adequate provision for salaries accurate to the hours worked, appropriate supervision of personal property overview contracts and payments.
Decision.

How do you manage to use these technologies, given tractor operator training, financial investments, the support provided by the suppliers of technologies?

One of the main “lessons of life” is that people with the same principles and ideas are like magnets to “attract” each other.

Why did you choose Vantage as your supplier? For the technology applied in precision agriculture?

Vantage is one of the most proactive providers of technologies in precision agricultural and also supports us in order to make the best decisions.

What’s the vision of the Frizon’s group of companies?

The main objective is to become a successful model for the Romanian society and for other agricultural companies.

What do you think is generally the future of agriculture cereal?

“Internet of Things” and artificial intelligence to make better decisions in agriculture.