Irrigation Allows Brazilian Growers to Plant and Harvest Year Round

Known for robust agriculture, the Campos de Holambra region near São Paulo, Brazil, has many unique characteristics.

“Our climate allows us to grow anything from wheat to cotton,” said grower Simon Veldt. “So we have this crop diversification, which allows us to plant and harvest year round.”

Veldt is one of many Dutch immigrants in the community, which was founded in 1960.

“I came here with my parents when I was six-years-old,” he said. “My dad started growing flowers in Holland, and he brought that over here. After a while, he expanded to grain production.”

Wheat is one of the crops now grown on Veldt’s 320-hectare (790 acres) operation.

“Irrigation is the key to good looking wheat,” he said. “The weather here can be quite difficult. We can suddenly have a dry spell of 15, 20 or 30 days without any rain. To me, the pivot is an amazing piece of equipment, because it makes it rain when I need it.”

Veldt is not alone when it comes to irrigation. He said most growers in the area started investing in center pivot systems in the 1980s.

“We now have approximately 1,800 pivots across the region, which allows us to grow crops year round – even in sandy soil,” he said. “Every farmer today, whether they are looking to buy or lease land, will ask about pivots – whether they can put them up and if there’s water. They need irrigation in order to get those high yields and to grow and harvest all of their crops throughout the year – so they can have steady income all year long.”

To maximize efficiencies, Veldt integrated FieldNET^® remote management technology into his irrigation system. It gives him the ability to monitor and control his entire system from the palm of his hand.

“It’s a real benefit – especially with some of our more remote farms,” he said. “I can turn the machines on and off, increase or reduce depth and control how much we irrigate. We’re using the right amount of water and the least amount of electricity possible, so we have maximum efficiency.”

“FieldNET has become a must-have for Simon and other producers in the area. With this technology he saves water, energy and trips to the field,” said Jesley Carriel of Lindsay Brazil. “FieldNET makes the farmer’s life so much easier, and it lowers operational costs and leads to higher profits.”

To learn how FieldNET can help you maximize efficiency, talk to your local Zimmatic dealer or visit www.myfieldnet.com.