42 | Maximise returns and minimise wastage The technology is available in all Super Air aircraft. RURAL SERVICES » Super Air Karen Phelps Being named a finalist in the 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards in the Datamars Livestock Technology Award category for its proprietary SpreadSmart system shows how revolutionary the offering is for farmers, says SuperAir general manager John Elliott. “There were a lot of entries so to be selected as a finalist is a real achievement,” he says. SpreadSmart was developed to improve nutrient use efficiency on hill country by getting the designated product applied more accurately using variable rates on areas where increased production could be assured. The aim was to maximise returns and minimise wastage caused by off target applications on unproductive and/or environmentally sensitive areas. According to John what sets SpreadSmart apart is its removal of pilot judgement in terms of where to apply and at what rate of application. “Rather than relying on a pilot’s own assessment of when to open or close the hopper doors SpreadSmart uses computer-controlled hydraulics capable of making ten decisions every second on whether to start, stop or adjust the rate of application. Layered on top of that is AI-generated mapping, used by farmers and nutrient specialists to build fertiliser programmes tailored to each property’s altitude, slope, aspect and stock camps while AI-identified exclusion zones sharpen the definition of the productive area being treated.” Working with more defined exclusion zones brings real benefits: “Studies have shown the need for less fertiliser, better pasture responses and lower environmental effects associated with off target application. This has been substantiated through independent work looking at specific benefits on farm supported by ‘proof of application’ information.” John says that while other operators are now offering similar off-the-shelf hydraulic systems it is the underlying geospatial technology that continues to differentiate SpreadSmart. He adds that SpreadSmart technology is being used by customers to make a material difference to how much pasture is grown from each kilogram of fertiliser applied. “There is no capital outlay or increased costs for the farmers who engage with this technology. In fact SpreadSmart creates a bankable benefit for the farmer of $6/ha for a constant rate application every time an application is undertaken. For a variable rate application, the bankable farmer benefit is $91/ha. This benefit can quite literally cover the cost of application.” The technology is available in all Super Air aircraft with constant rate application used by default across all of SuperAir’s fertiliser work, which John says provides a tangible benefit to the farmer on each and every job. He stresses the ultimate decision on how the SpreadSmart system is used sits with the farmer with variable rate applications providing the biggest bankable benefits. Currently on its third version John confirms there are plans for a fourth iteration that would add another layer of precision. The underlying technology he says is also transferable beyond fixed-wing aircraft to emerging platforms such as drones. Operating North Island wide, Super Air’s fleet specialises in fixed-wing aerial application of solid fertilisers, lime and spray work. John says SuperAir has no preference to the supplier of nutrients and SuperAir will sow any product the farmer requires. 027 840 2211 office@bellmechanical.co.nz Our Services: Heavy Diesel Servicing & Maintenance • Workshop-based and onsite support for trucks and machinery. Auto Electrical Repairs • Qualified auto electricians for all electrical and wiring needs. Air Conditioning Services • Expert installation, servicing, and repairs for all systems. Supporting Super Air & the Aviation Industry GOfuel is your one-stop shop for all your aviation requirements from fuel to oil and fluids. GOfuel’s 24/7 Aero Stop network has 59 sites providing Avgas and Jet A1 at 35 locations throughout the country. We are the New Zealand AeroShell Distributors giving you full traceability for total peace of mind. Contact: Barry Brown M 027 738 0380, E barryb@gofuel.nz FOR ALL YOUR FUEL NEEDS - www.gofuel.co.nz - 0800 42 83 83 “There is no capital outlay or increased costs for the farmers who engage with this technology. In fact SpreadSmart creates a bankable benefit for the farmer of $6/ha for a constant rate application every time an application is undertaken.”
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