84 | Interest in auto-steer systems booms The Swannanoa based business has built its reputation on precision spraying, engineering, agricultural contracting, and technology. Kelly Deeks RURAL SERVICES » Gilchrist Brothers Auto steer technology is shifting from niche innovation to mainstream farm equipment, and North Canterbury’s Gilchrist Brothers is finding itself at the centre of that momentum as farmers and contractors look to improve efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability. The Swannanoa based business has built its reputation on precision spraying, engineering, agricultural contracting, and technology. Director Peter Gilchrist says interest in auto steer systems has accelerated over the past year as operators recognise the gains they can deliver. “We’ve been working on this for quite a while. It’s been a slow burn, but we’re now seeing real traction,” Peter says. That interest was on full display when Gilchrist Brothers hosted an on-farm field day with NuFarm Chemicals. More than 80 members of Rural Contractors NZ travelled from throughout the country to see the technology in action, including Topcon GPS guidance and auto steer systems fitted to spray trucks. The event generated immediate enquiries, with multiple contractors now planning retrofits for their own fleets. Gilchrist Brothers is the only business in New Zealand legally fitting and certifying auto steer technology on spray trucks and fertiliser spreaders. The company also installs both Topcon and Trimble systems across a wide range of agricultural machinery, whether on new vehicles or older machines requiring retrofits. For Peter, the benefits extend well beyond taking the steering wheel out of the driver’s hands. The technology delivers straighter runs, greater repeatability, reduced operator fatigue, less overlap, and significantly less chemical wastage. It also makes training new staff much easier because the quality of application no longer depends solely on years of operator experience. “It doesn’t matter who’s sitting in the seat. They’ll still produce nice straight lines every time.” Those efficiencies are becoming increasingly important as farmers look to maximise every input while keeping costs under control. Alongside engineering and technology, Gilchrist Brothers continues to operate a diverse farming and contracting business, grazing dairy stock while providing precision spraying, cultivation, planting, and bulk liquid fertiliser cartage throughout Canterbury. Weather continues to test even the best planned farming systems. “The last season was one of the worst we’ve ever had. If it wasn’t windy it was raining, so it’s definitely been challenging.” Those conditions reinforce the value of precision technology that helps farmers reduce waste and make every pass count. Despite growing demand, expanding the auto steer side of the business is not without its challenges. Every installation presents a different engineering problem, with numerous vehicle makes, Your trusted agribusiness growth partner. We leverage specialist accounting and taxation expertise to drive your farm’s success. 03 365 8400 admin@alexanders.net.nz www.alexanders.net.nz Frompaddock to town. 144 Percival Street, Rangiora 7400 | 03 313 8186 | rangioratoyota.co.nz Without missing a beat. models, mounting configurations, and customer preferences requiring bespoke solutions. “There are so many variants and different scenarios that it’s difficult to create scale.”Even so, Gilchrist Brothers sees significant opportunity ahead. With appearances planned at upcoming industry events, including South Island Agricultural Field Days at Kirwee. Peter and his brother Andrew are confident precision technology will continue gaining ground as farmers and contractors search for practical ways to improve productivity, reduce waste, and future proof their operations.
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