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 more than 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 continue to prioritize accuracy and control when spreading fertiliser.

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. The decision to adopt Kverneland machinery was driven by the need to ensure that fertiliser was applied evenly and efficiently, without wasting resources or risking crop damage. 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 needed to cover the same area, further saving time and fuel.

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. This technology allows the spreader to automatically shut off small sections when overlapping areas or working on awkward field shapes are detected. “With the 1m section control, we’re not getting crop lying in beds when it comes to harvest,” Gordon says.

GEOSPREAD section control works by automatically adjusting the spreading width in 1-metre sections using GPS technology. This ensures that fertiliser is applied only where it is needed, minimising overlap and maximising efficiency. “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. “It’s all about accuracy; no fertiliser wasted—saving fertiliser and saving pounds,” he adds.

The benefits of precision spreading extend beyond just fertiliser savings. By ensuring that fertiliser is applied evenly and consistently, Gordon and Trevor Black Contracting help farmers achieve better crop yields and overall health. This not only benefits the farmers but also strengthens the reputation of the contracting business as a reliable and efficient provider of agricultural services.

In a world where fertiliser prices are constantly fluctuating and environmental concerns about nutrient runoff are growing, the ability to apply fertiliser precisely and efficiently is more important than ever. For Gordon Snodgrass and Trevor Black Contracting, the investment in Kverneland EXACTA TL GEOSPREAD fertiliser spreaders has been a smart move that has paid off in terms of both financial savings and improved customer satisfaction. As they continue to work across the diverse landscapes of Co. Tyrone, their commitment to precision spreading remains a testament to the power of technology in modern agriculture.