Big Brother keeps tabs on Claas combines

More computer optimisation of field operations comes from Claas and farm computer expert Agrocom.

Telematics offer a continuously growing list of machinery monitoring services in real time via the internet.

On combines, engine and threshing performance can be observed by the dealer service department and crop quality can be checked from the farm office along with automatic machine malfunction alarms.

New, too, is the use of Google Earth satellite imagery to give a view of the real field scene. Agrocom software can overlay coloured areas to indicate stoppage times, headland manoeuvring, grain unloading and just how long in every hour actual cutting and threshing is taking place.

All this information and more is fed into the already established “Combine League” benchmarking service with field performance right down to fuel consumption listed and compared with other working machines for instant comparison on the internet – Big Brother is watching you.

Agritechnica takes place in Hanover, Germany from 13th-17th Nov.

Flights leave from Stansted, Manchester and Birmingham.
The Agritechnica website has details of accommodation.
If you don’t have time to organise it yourself contact the Agricultural Travel Bureau – 01636 705612. A typical two night stay with flights will cost in the region of £340.
Admission to the show costs 20 euros (Students 10 euros).