Watch: How precision spreading is paying off for this Tyrone contractor

For Gordon Snodgrass, a machine operator with Trevor Black Contracting based outside Strabane, Co. Tyrone, fertiliser spreading is not just a job—it’s a commitment to precision, efficiency, and reliability. Working across a variety of crops, including winter cereals, spring cereals, and grassland, Gordon relies on the Kverneland EXACTA TL GEOSPREAD fertiliser spreader to deliver consistent results for both his contracting business and their customers. This investment in technology has proven to be a game-changer for the company, as they strive to provide the best possible service in the field.

Trevor Black Contracting has been running Kverneland spreaders since 2018, when they made the switch from another brand in search of greater precision and control when spreading fertiliser. The decision to adopt Kverneland machinery was driven by a desire to improve accuracy and reduce waste, ensuring that fertiliser is applied exactly where it is needed. The current machine, their third Kverneland TL GEOSPREAD since making the switch in 2018, offers a larger hopper capacity, allowing them to carry close to 4 tonnes of fertiliser on board. This increased capacity not only enhances efficiency but also reduces the number of trips required to cover the same area, saving time and resources.

Gordon explains that the move to precision spreading and section control was a strategic decision. “Accuracy is everything—you don’t want crops lying and you don’t want double spreading,” he emphasises. The focus on precision has paid off both in the field and for their customers. One of the key advantages of the TL GEOSPREAD is the 1-metre section control feature, which allows the spreader to automatically shut off small sections when overlapping areas or working on awkward field shapes are encountered. This technology ensures that fertiliser is applied only where it is needed, minimising waste and maximising efficiency.

“With the 1m section control, we’re not getting crop lying in beds when it comes to harvest,” Gordon says. The GEOSPREAD section control automatically adjusts the spreading width in 1-metre sections using GPS, reducing overlap and ensuring that fertiliser is applied only where it is needed. This level of precision has had a significant impact on both the home farm and when working with customers. “We’ve seen savings on fertiliser on the home farm here, and when we’re out contracting, a lot of customers have come back and said we’ve saved them tonnes over the year compared to their previous spreading,” Gordon highlights.

The savings are not just in fertiliser—they also translate to financial savings. “It’s all about accuracy; no fertiliser wasted—saving fertiliser and saving pounds,” Gordon adds. The investment in precision technology has not only improved the efficiency of the contracting business but has also built a strong reputation for reliability and quality service. Customers appreciate the consistent results and the reduced costs associated with more efficient fertiliser application, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

In a world where agriculture is increasingly focused on sustainability and efficiency, Trevor Black Contracting’s adoption of precision spreading technology like the Kverneland EXACTA TL GEOSPREAD is a testament to their commitment to innovation and excellence. By prioritising accuracy and reliability, Gordon and his team have not only improved their own operations but have also provided significant benefits to their customers. As the demand for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices continues to grow, the success of Trevor Black Contracting serves as an inspiration for other businesses in the industry to embrace technology and prioritise precision in their operations.