80 | nzdairy DAIRY SERVICES » MF Agri Utilising top technology to help farmers Karen Phelps Harnessing technology to help farmers get the most from every hectare is at the heart of the work carried out by Otorohanga-based agricultural contracting business MF Agri. Founded in 2017 by owner Davin Mudford, the company provides a wide range of contracting services across the Waikato and King Country, from hay and silage harvesting to maize planting, cultivation, direct drilling, fertiliser spreading, cartage and earthmoving. But while the services themselves are familiar to most farmers, it is the level of precision and data behind each job that sets the business apart. “Precision farming is about giving farmers the information they need to make better decisions,” explains Davin. “We can supply detailed maps and crop data from the machines we run so farmers can see exactly what is happening in their paddocks.” Davin’s connection to farming runs deep. He grew up on a dairy farm in Otorohanga, where his father also operated as a contractor. “Farming and contracting have always been part of my life,” says Davin. “My dad passed away when I was young, so from an early age I was involved in helping out on the farm and with the contracting side of the business.” At one stage he and his mother milked 480 cows between them while running the family farm, an experience that instilled both a strong work ethic and a practical understanding of what farmers need from contractors. “Growing up that way gives you a real appreciation for how important it is to get the job done right and on time,” explains Davin. When he launched MF Agri in 2017, he already owned much of the machinery required. “I had always done a lot of my own agricultural work, so starting the contracting business was a natural step,” says Davin. Today the business operates an extensive fleet that includes two forage harvesters, around 14 tractors and a wide range of cultivation and planting equipment, along with a digger and bulldozer. Many of the tractors are from the Case IH Optum and Puma series, supported by modern digital platforms that allow machinery performance and operations to be monitored in real time. “We run the FieldOps system which brings all the information from our equipment together in one place,” explains Davin. “It allows us to monitor machines, track progress on jobs and analyse performance across a season.” However, it is the technology used in forage harvesting that particularly excites him. MF Agri operates New Holland forage harvester equipped with the NutriSense system, which uses near-infrared sensing technology to analyse forage quality as it is harvested. “This system measures things like moisture, protein, starch and fibre levels in real time,” says Davin. “It also measures dry matter, which means When Davin launched MF Agri in 2017, he already owned much of the machinery required. we can make adjustments on the go to optimise silage quality.” Information gathered during harvesting can then be turned into detailed nutrient and yield maps that farmers can use for planning future crops. “Being able to provide that level of information is hugely valuable for farmers,” explains Davin. “They can see exactly what different parts of a paddock are producing and plan fertiliser or cropping decisions accordingly.” Precision is also central to the company’s maize planting operations, where careful calibration and mapping help ensure crops are established as efficiently as possible. Alongside technology, Davin believes the success of the business also comes down to the people behind it. MF Agri employs nine full time drivers plus seasonal drivers as well as Davin and office staff, enabling it to meet the seasonal demands of its farming clients. “Our focus has always been on doing a good job and using the best technology available to help farmers get the most from their crops,” says Davin. “That passion for precision is really what drives the business.” 07 377 6380 | info@bfa.co.nz | www.bfa.co.nz Partner with BFA and let our expert agri advisory team help you get the best from your farming business. PROUD TO SUPPORT DAVIN & MEGAN MF AGRI LIMITED “I had always done a lot of my own agricultural work, so starting the contracting business was a natural step.”
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