The Vicon DM sensor is designed for disc mower conditioners and is an efficient tool to measure dry matter value of the crop harvested
Managing the forage harvesting cycle in the most efficient way to produce high quality silage is a puzzle that required overview and correct decision-making. Kverneland Group now introduces a new sensor-based solution to monitor the dry matter value at the start of forage harvesting process, when the mowing job begins.
Harvest more value by real time information
There is an increasing pressure within livestock farming to produce high-quality forage while minimising cost and losses. A key challenge in this equation is achieving the optimal dry matter value during the harvesting process and optimise the complete cycle to match the requested dry matter level.
The new Vicon DM sensor is designed to enhance productivity in the silage and hay making process by providing real time data on dry matter value. It is an enabler for smart decision making in the quest to control the wilting process and achieve more profitable forage production and better silage and hay quality.
Per Sørensen, Product Director, disc mowers, says, “The DM sensor is a fully automated solution that provides real time data and facts during mowing. Today the dry matter value is typically measured at the end of the harvesting cycle, when the forage harvester enters the field or when the crop is already harvested and stored. With the DM Sensor information is available from the beginning of the operation where it is possible to impact the complete process the most”.
The DM sensor is designed for disc mower conditioners and works by means of a sensor positioned above the conditioner rotor. The sensor detects and measures the crop as it passes and provides the operator with real time data of the dry matter value currently being processed by the disc mower.
Impact the forage job where it matters the most – at the start of the process
The DM sensor provides real time information of the dry matter value as you do the mowing job. The operator will immediately see actual value live on his screen and can use the information to instantly react and optimize the mowing job and adjust machine specifications. This can be used for decisions that impact drying intensity of the crop. For instance, adjust the conditioning intensity or changing swath application from wide spreading to merging the crop into one large swath.
Optimize the complete harvesting cycle
The DM sensor provides a heat map of each field harvested. This gives the operator and farm manager full overview of the job done and valuable insights. This supports planning the complete harvesting cycle more effectively. If the dry matter value is lower than expected, then tedding operation might be needed. In addition, the tool can be used to decide the optimal timing for the rotary rake or merger to be sent out to collect the crop or when it would be the right time for baling or forage harvesting.
In addition, the heat map overview can be used to optimize field priorities and harvesting route of the complete chain, so for instance the dry fields are prioritized first in the route and the more wet field are at the end of the workday.
Harvest data to optimize output of following seasons
Users gain access to live field data and historical insights to plan harvesting operations more effectively. The heat map provides valuable insight into performance and condition of each field and can be used to optimize future harvests.
The data can be shared between various stakeholders. The contractor can share the data with customers and customers can share the data with agronomists to enhance advisory and planning tasks.
The Vicon DM sensor concept will be introduced and presented at the Kubota Group Solutions Hub in Hall 5 during Agritechnica in Hannover.
