MACHINERY

Miller goes green-on-green spraying

Bilberry's spot spraying technology is now available on Miller self-propelled sprayers.

Staff writer

This article is 3 years old. Images might not display.

The Bilberry Intelligent Spot Spraying System, from the namesake tech start-up company, uses an embedded camera network, artificial intelligence and deep learning software to identify weeds in-crop or in green-on-green applications.

The high speed, high definition cameras are installed at 3.0-metre intervals along the booms to scan paddocks and the company's weed recognition algorithms are constantly evolving to ensure specific weeds are precisely targeted with the appropriate herbicide in real time.

Bilberry Australian sales manager, Josh Johnson, said blue lupin was expected to join the broadleaf weeds currently identified for green-on-green applications, while grass weeds in some broadleaf crops could be added in 2023.

In addition to the technology's use in wheat, barley and oat crops, Johnson said it also was set to be available for lupins in 2022 and soon-after for broadleaf break crops and pastures.

Peter Vella, national Miller sales manager with its Australian distributor, McIntosh Distribution, said the recent move was part of a continued focus by Miller to offer end-users the latest in spray application technologies.

He said Bilberry was the leading provider of green-on-green technology in a nice, easy format and the partnership also would help further grow the company's business in Australia.

Green-on-green trials with the Bilberry Intelligent Spot Spraying System have shown an average hit and kill rate of 80 per cent, as well as chemical savings of up to 90 per cent.

Another bonus with the technology is its ability to map weed populations, helping to further prevent herbicide resistance.

Vella said growers also could potentially gain an understanding of crop growth stage and disease status and receive GPS-logged data that could assist nitrogen and fungicide applications, as well as their overall farm management strategy.

The Bilberry cameras can be used at travelling speeds of up to 20 kilometres per hour, allowing growers to maintain high capacity spraying operations.

The system fully integrates with Miller's electronics and is available on the Miller truss booms up to 41.5m and the Pommier 48m aluminium boom. The full integration also allows users to easily change from spot to blanket spraying.

A limited number of the Bilberry systems will be available with Miller sprayers for 2022.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Sealable Storage Options (August 2025)

Kondinin Group researchers in collaboration with the GRDC Grain storage extension team test dozens of gas-tight sealable grain storages to Australian Standard AS2628-2010 identifying best and worst features in the ultimate grain storage buyers guide.

editions

Research Report: Cordless Impact Wrenches (July 2025)

Six battery-powered impact wrenches were bench tested in this month's Research Report, focusing on their ability to get nuts done up and undone.

editions

Research Report: Mouse Bait Applications (June 2025)

Mice remain a significant issue for cropping regions and the June Research Report, supported by an investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, brings together the latest research and practical recommendations for bait spreading and machinery performance to help growers improve mouse control strategies.

editions

Research Report: Farm Labour (May 2025)

Farm labour, whether temporary, casual, contract or permanent staff, is an essential part of agriculture. This Research Report provides insights to help better source and manage one of the farm’s most valuable assets – its people.