What perfectly straight lines. When I was in France a few years ago a friend showed me her new piece of farm equipment which was not only massive but had a cab that was better equipped in terms of personal facilities than anything I'd ever seen. However what really struck me was that on their fields (which are small compared with yours of course) the whole thing was actually controlled via satellite navigation so that there was minimum overlap or wastage of time and fuel. So much progress since the old Fordson or Massey-Ferguson of my youth.
Yes our mower that cut this paddock also uses satellite navigation. This means that once you have mowed the outside round of the paddock you can set the mower to do runs up and back with no steering required other then turning at the ends. This is all within 2cm accuracy. It is pretty incredible that a satellite somewhere out there can pinpoint our position down to 2cm. It blows my mind this type of technology!
The raking tractor doesn't use this type of navigation, but rather just the driver following the straight rows, which is pretty easy!
Anything can be 'pretty easy' when you're good at it. When I lived in NZ I used to mow the croquet lawns on occasion with a three-gang ride on. It took me a couple of seasons to become fairly competent at getting straight lines. I bet if I tried your raking tractor you'd weep.
Graham's comment and the lines of your cut lucerne have led me to share this link that I have just found on Facebook, through George the Farmer's page. The photographer is able to capture these amazing images from the air because of the satellite navigation. His aim is to make people more aware of the amazing job our farmers do.
Great page, I follow them on Instagram. And I also follow George the Farmer. It is awesome what they are doing to raise awareness about farming and agriculture in general.
The photo that you linked to of the strawberry field is actually taken with a drone, not via satellite. Drones are becoming more popular in rural areas and are being used on farms to check on stock, watering points, crops etc. The photos are just awesome - a birds eye view of the countryside. We had a drone come in to do footage a few years ago for our Hay Cap video. I must admit I was pretty excited when I knew videographer was bringing in a drone!
![[Farm-ily]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuDYSq5EPweb5CZ7W8NcUY4_T4lFZkLVN0DwbOwni4ZXBAAOxDyJGxvLd_RDakNspup1Q0RZBYzARRIbF_c4gb9v6EaIzJSk32VP4vEm1C7UkUYZFoueUzhGZvdTeK207GRyMDOZSIzE/s1028/76.+May+2021+Blog.jpg)
So much better than the view out of most offices...
ReplyDeleteNice view and lovely colours.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo. Were you at the controls?
ReplyDeleteYes I am at the controls. Many a morning I have spent raking over the years.
DeleteWhat perfectly straight lines. When I was in France a few years ago a friend showed me her new piece of farm equipment which was not only massive but had a cab that was better equipped in terms of personal facilities than anything I'd ever seen. However what really struck me was that on their fields (which are small compared with yours of course) the whole thing was actually controlled via satellite navigation so that there was minimum overlap or wastage of time and fuel. So much progress since the old Fordson or Massey-Ferguson of my youth.
ReplyDeleteYes our mower that cut this paddock also uses satellite navigation. This means that once you have mowed the outside round of the paddock you can set the mower to do runs up and back with no steering required other then turning at the ends. This is all within 2cm accuracy. It is pretty incredible that a satellite somewhere out there can pinpoint our position down to 2cm. It blows my mind this type of technology!
DeleteThe raking tractor doesn't use this type of navigation, but rather just the driver following the straight rows, which is pretty easy!
Anything can be 'pretty easy' when you're good at it. When I lived in NZ I used to mow the croquet lawns on occasion with a three-gang ride on. It took me a couple of seasons to become fairly competent at getting straight lines. I bet if I tried your raking tractor you'd weep.
DeleteGraham's comment and the lines of your cut lucerne have led me to share this link that I have just found on Facebook, through George the Farmer's page.
ReplyDeleteThe photographer is able to capture these amazing images from the air because of the satellite navigation. His aim is to make people more aware of the amazing job our farmers do.
https://www.facebook.com/thankafarmerforyournextmealaus/photos/a.651958538234495.1073741829.651871561576526/1308681275895548/?type=3&theater
Great page, I follow them on Instagram. And I also follow George the Farmer. It is awesome what they are doing to raise awareness about farming and agriculture in general.
DeleteThe photo that you linked to of the strawberry field is actually taken with a drone, not via satellite. Drones are becoming more popular in rural areas and are being used on farms to check on stock, watering points, crops etc. The photos are just awesome - a birds eye view of the countryside. We had a drone come in to do footage a few years ago for our Hay Cap video. I must admit I was pretty excited when I knew videographer was bringing in a drone!
That picture and your response Lynda have been quite educational (as well as enjoyable).
DeleteWow--- perfectly lined up. Well done!
ReplyDelete