In the heart of the Northern Cape, Willie Kruger, a dedicated farmer from Hartswater, has embraced innovation to take his farming operation to new heights.
Willie farms with a diverse range of crops, including pecans, maize, and popcorn, and has always sought ways to optimise his yields and streamline his processes.
This pursuit led him to Cerealis, a company that specialises in agricultural precision systems designed to enhance and upgrade farming equipment for better performance.
Willie uses the latest John Deere planting equipment, known for its reliability and advanced technology.
Yet, with Cerealis Precision Planting, he has taken his planting efficiency to new heights. By integrating Cerealis systems such as vDrive, DeltaForce, and FurrowForce into his planter, Willie has truly unlocked the benefits of precision agriculture.
DeltaForce: Row-by-row downforce automation
DeltaForce provides controlled downforce and uplift hydraulically five times per second, based on readings taken 200 times per second from each individual row. These readings measure how firmly the depth gauge wheels press on the soil. As a result, DeltaForce prevents excessive soil compaction along the seed furrow while ensuring seeds are placed at a consistent planting depth, promoting even crop emergence.
FurrowForce: Adjustable two-stage system
The final step in the planting process is carefully closing the furrow, which is crucial for germination. FurrowForce adapts to planting conditions with its two-stage system that removes air pockets from the soil and firmly presses the soil around each seed to retain moisture and ensure good seed-to-soil contact. This gives Willie confidence that his crops have the best chance to grow evenly and uniformly — something he has observed across all his fields.
A farmer’s perspective
Willie testifies that with the integration of Cerealis systems, his maize crops are more uniform than ever before. “The uniformity and consistency in my fields now give me peace of mind. I know my harvest will be good,” he says. This even growth has improved the overall productivity and profitability of his farm.
Cerealis proves the power of precision agriculture and demonstrates how advanced technology can enhance existing equipment to optimise performance. For farmers like Willie, the result is a blend of innovation and tradition — ensuring that every harvest is a success.
Visit https://www.cerealis.co.za/ for more information.
