Westerhalm B.V.
This machine gives us 3% more area to work with
Welcome to Frank de Schutter’s arable farm in the northern part of the Netherlands. Established in 1970 when his grandfather relocated to the region, the farm has since evolved into a thriving business. Frank, born and raised on the farm, took over the reins a few years ago. Today, the operation spans 250 hectares, focusing primarily on seed potatoes, sugar beets, grain and fiber hemp. In collaboration with a neighboring farmer, they also grow onions.
High savings, maximum yield
The company operates an Agrifac Condor 5 with WideTrack option equipped with an AirFlowPlus boom, specifically chosen for its ability to work with wide track widths, allowing four rows of potatoes to pass under the machine at 325 centimeters. “The main benefit is that it gives us 3% more area to work with. Another advantage is the number of functions. You can spray directly on the row, in between the rows and thanks to the pulsating nozzles, you maintain consistent pressure and water volume, regardless of the machine’s speed.” says Frank.
In just the first year of using the new sprayer, the farm has seen remarkable results. The additional 3% working area translated into an increased turnover of €50.000. On top of that, the farm saved €15.000 in resources and input costs, highlighting the efficiency and financial impact of the investment. “We start spraying the potatoes very early, from just 10% emergence. Before, it was really wasteful, you’d end up spraying 90% of the area unnecessarily. Now, with band spraying, we can target the rows directly. That alone saves us around 60% in resources.” Frank explains.
Frank de Schutter standing next to his Agrifac Condor 5 with WideTrack and AirFlowPlus boom
The Agrifac Condor 5 operating in a potato field
Frank de Schutter sitting in a potato field in front of his Condor 5
Ultimate precision and cleaning
One of the most impressive features of the machine is its ability to apply very fine droplets with pinpoint precision, made possible by AirFlowPlus technology. This system creates a windshield-like effect that guides the spray directly into the crop, enhancing coverage and minimizing drift.
The cleaning system is another standout, according to Frank. With the push of a single button, the entire sprayer or just the boom, can be thoroughly cleaned. “For example, if we finish spraying potatoes and need to switch to another crop the next day, the entire machine can be cleaned in just five minutes,” he explains.
Easy to use, powerful results
Frank is highly enthusiastic about their Agrifac Condor, which he describes as the perfect combination of advanced technology and ease of use. The band spraying capability allows for precise application both on and between the rows, while the AirFlowPlus system and drift reduction solutions ensure fine droplets are applied exactly where needed. This results in enhanced crop protection and significant reductions in resource use.
The machine’s excellent balance and wide track width contribute to greater efficiency by increasing the tillable surface area with every pass, boosting both productivity and sustainability.“It’s a very complex machine, but I can teach it to my four-year-old son with ease. It’s very simple.” Frank says.
