Precision with a high yield

It is now 9 years since Gourmet made the switch to the WIFO precision planter. The reason for switching at the time was the equal distribution of the planting material in the row which should result in a better yield. Gourmet, which has been active in the cultivation and selection of shallots and onions for more than three generations, has now gained extensive experience with WIFO's Precision Planter.

The planter has proven itself for us. This is the third WIFO Precision Planter we have purchased. We are very satisfied with both the performance of the machine as well as the result of the harvest, says Evert Bakker of Gourmet.

The new precision planter was delivered this spring and has been used for shallot planting. This involves a total of 60 ha. Among other things, the new planter is equipped with a new computer which is more user-friendly and intuitive, making setting up the planter even easier. We therefore expect to be able to plant even more efficiently with this in the coming seasons. Looking at the current situation, we already see a healthy and uniform crop stand.

Gourmet plants shallots with the Precision Planter at a row spacing of 30 cm. This involves planting between 12 and 15 shallots per metre. This means 8 boxes of +/- 7200 kg per hectare. The precision planter has 6 rows on a 225 cm track and is equipped with a hydraulic drive for the planting elements. The hydraulic drive is equipped with a Reichhardt 7" Smart Command Terminal that allows easy adjustment of the planting quantity per hectare. Counting sensors monitor the delivery of planting material. When a different size grading is planted, the computer is easy to adjust. In addition, the planting depth can be accurately set so that the planting material is planted in the desired manner.

The equal distribution ensures that planting material has room to develop and therefore gets the right shape and size. Also, the careful deposition ensures a straight row in which even more precise hoeing can be done.

The good distribution ensures that we make optimum use of our planting material and are able to get the best possible result from this, says Evert Bakker, Agronomist at Gourmet.