The Burkinshaw family operate a mixed farming operation to the west of Wagga Wagga. As part of the 5G Innovation Initiative (5GII) project that Zetifi delivered with Australian Government funding they were provided a 5G-enabled ZetiRover unit to evaluate whether it could address the patchy coverage on their property.
Craig Burkinshaw and his son William were very pleased with the results. The ZetiRover helped with timeliness of data entries, access to agronomist recommendations in real-time via the AgWorld platform, and making phone calls while out and about in the paddock.
In contrast to some of the other triallists that participated in the 5GII project, the Burkinshaw’s also moved their rover around onto different machinery and vehicles depending on the key activities on farm. During sowing William had it set up on the cabin of their Case IH tractor so he could be entering data into AgWorld whist spraying and sowing. AgWorld is an online farm management software package that allows users to capture any information they want to about what is happening in each paddock as well as help keep farmers and their advisors connected with any changes made to plans updated in real time. Prior to using a ZetiRover there would often be delays in receiving recommendations from their advisor. Syncing data entries also had to wait until Will travelled through an area with better service or back at home on the computer. With the ZetiRover, however, there were no such delays. At other times of the year when more hours are spent elsewhere the ZetiRover was moved to his dad’s ute so he could keep business ticking over by being able to make and take calls whilst travelling around the farm.
Photos: 5G ZetiRover unit mounted on the Burkinshaw’s Case IH tractor on their farm west of Wagga Wagga, NSW.
NOTE: This case study was researched and written by Birchip Cropping Group as part of the Australian Government-funded 5G Innovation Initiative (5GII) project. The 5G enhanced mobile broadband ZetiRover unit was provided to Burkinshaw Farming free of charge for the period of the trial.
