THE AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF THE RIO GRANDE DO SUL REGION, BRAZIL.
Located at the southernmost tip of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul is a major hub for agriculture and livestock within the country. The climate is characterized by temperate conditions. In winter, cold air currents from the south bring significant rainfall, while in summer, northeasterly winds bring drier and hotter weather. In particular, the state is home to the vast Paraná Plateau, one of the largest lava plateaus in the world, with elevations ranging from 600 to 900 meters above sea level. This diverse landscape supports the cultivation of a variety of crops, including wheat, corn, grapes, and tobacco.
Figure 1: A farmer working on the slope of a field in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Figure 2. Crops grown by many farmers in Rio Grande do Sul: corn, wheat and soybeans.
Meet Fernando Santos Mendes [name was changed to protect privacy], a dedicated farmer who comes from a lineage deeply rooted in agricultural heritage. He is the fourth generation of his family to be entrusted with the management of more than 400 hectares of farmland in Passo Fundo, a town in the northern part of the state. Being passionate about farming and embracing innovative technologies, Fernando dedicates himself to growing soy, corn, and wheat each year, in addition to raising cattle. His expertise and progressive management approach have earned him the respect of the local farming community; he is always willing to help fellow farmers.
HOW AUTONOMOUS PRECISION AGRICULTURE ADVANCES FARMING EFFICIENCY
Over time, Fernando noticed that fatigue sets in more quickly, especially during lengthy tractor drives on his expansive farm. The complex nature of managing multiple tasks while inspecting fields requires intense focus. With his meticulous eye for detail, Fernando couldn't overlook gaps or planting errors that often took 3-4 minutes to correct. But with rising fuel prices, each return trip to the field was a financial drain. Fernando's experience is not unique - manual labor remains a fundamental aspect of agriculture, even in regions where machinery is prevalent. As a result, the imperative for increased autonomous farming has grown exponentially due to the need for greater efficiency and sustainability.
Fernando has found that minimizing errors such as overlaps or skips is paramount to increasing efficiency. This requires precise operation of equipment such as tractors, planters, sprayers, and harvesters in the fields, ensuring high accuracy under varying lighting conditions. In addition, accurate recording of vehicle and equipment locations and movements is essential for subsequent analysis. Equally important is the judicious application of inputs such as seeds, fertilizer, and pesticides, targeting specific areas that need them rather than spreading them evenly across the field. These goals can be achieved with state-of-the-art technology, which requires some investment. The outcome? Increased yields, reduced input costs, and a commitment to improved environmental practices.
HOW CHC NAVIGATION CONTRIBUTES TO THE FARMING BUSINESS
Fernando's encounter with a CHCNAV demonstration in Rio Grande do Sul proved to be a pivotal moment. He discovered the NX510 autosteering system, a solution that perfectly met his needs. What impressed him most was the ease of installation and calibration, which took less than 40 minutes with initial technical support. Once set up, he could easily transfer the system between vehicles without external assistance, instantly adding autosteering capabilities to any farm vehicle. In addition, the system was affordable and offered exceptional pass-to-pass accuracy of up to ±2.5 cm, eliminating the risk of overlap or skips.
Figure 3. Installation and calibration of CHCNAV NX510 in Brazil.
The smooth, automated steering wheel operation meant Fernando could use his time more efficiently, even enjoying a cup of coffee in the cab - a welcome convenience. During the peak planting and harvesting season, the system proved its worth, working seamlessly day and night. Fernando confidently told his friends that he envisioned another 20 years of productive work thanks to this amazing automated steering system.
Operating equipment on the uneven terrain of the plateau presents unique challenges compared to the flat plains. Hilly terrain requires specialized technology, such as Integrated Terrain Compensation, a feature designed to detect the vehicle's roll and pitch motion in real-time. Using GNSS RTK positioning and IMU data, this technology ensures that the tractor stays on the planned path, even over varying topography.
A key factor in Fernando's investment was the reliable GNSS RTK signal provided by the NX510. The advanced guidance controller uses multiple correction sources and taps into five satellite constellations: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, and QZSS. In addition, the NX510 auto-steering system is equipped with a range of connectivity options, including multiple CAN ports, serial ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, a 4G modem, and an onboard UHF radio modem. This extensive connectivity ensures uninterrupted GNSS RTK corrections reception even in remote areas, providing unmatched flexibility for precision operations.
HOW BECOMING A DEALER CAN BRING IN ADDITIONAL INCOME FOR FARMERS
After two years of benefiting from the NX510 auto-steering kit, Fernando's mind was made up: "Farming has always been my main activity! I have a lot of experience and knowledge to pass on. Why not promote this excellent product in addition to my daily agricultural work? Following this idea, he applied to become a CHCNAV franchisee in his hometown in Brazil, and the CHCNAV LATAM team quickly confirmed the partnership.
Figure 4. Moments of partnership between farmers and the CHCNAV team in Brazil.
Undoubtedly, Fernando embodies the ideal dealer profile. His passion for agriculture, coupled with decades of hands-on experience, set him apart. With two years of direct product utilization, he has honed his skills to a level akin to a professional technician, intimately familiar with the system and its components. Leveraging his local farming community networks, he established a robust foundation for his dealership. Over the past year, he successfully automated numerous tractors and farm equipment, integrating auto-steering kits.
For experienced farmers looking for a solid source of additional income, joining the CHC Navigation Dealer Network is a promising opportunity. CHCNAV provides the essential resources for a successful business, including a range of navigation and positioning systems, comprehensive training and support, attractive profit margins, and access to a burgeoning market.
Seize this advantageous opportunity and embark on a rewarding entrepreneurial journey with CHC Navigation, maximizing your income potential in the rapidly growing agricultural technology industry!
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About CHCNAV
CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) creates innovative mapping, navigation, and positioning solutions to make customers' work more efficient. CHCNAV products and solutions cover multiple industries such as geospatial, construction, agriculture, and marine. With a presence across the globe, distributors in more than 120 countries, and more than 1,700 employees, today, CHC Navigation is recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in geomatics technologies.
