Mzuri Ambassador

From Tradition to Innovation: A Mzuri Pro-Til Journey

In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, innovation and technology continue to play a pivotal role in revolutionising farming practices. One such game-changer is the Mzuri system, particularly the flagship Pro-Til drill, which has been making waves in the agricultural community for its ability to transform traditional tillage methods. Neil White of Greenknowe Farm, Berwickshire, is a forward-thinking farmer who decided to embrace this cutting-edge approach to crop establishment, which has had a profound impact on his farming practices.

Neil’s journey towards the Mzuri system began with a simple yet crucial step: seeking knowledge and learning from those with hands-on experience. Observing YouTube videos of various drills, Neil gained valuable insights into the benefits of modern tillage practices. His quest for more information led him to the Mzuri YouTube channel, where he absorbed further knowledge about this innovative system.

Not content with online resources alone, Neil took the initiative to engage with local Mzuri end-users. These farmers provided invaluable first-hand accounts of their experiences with the drill. Some had encountered challenges, but what impressed Neil the most was Mzuri’s proactive approach in adapting and fine-tuning the system to cater to users’ needs. This commitment to feedback-driven improvements resonated with Neil and solidified his belief in the Mzuri system.

“Farmer to farmer reviews, there is nothing like it, you’ll get an honest review,” remarked Neil, emphasising the significance of peer recommendations in the farming community.

The decision-making process took Neil to the Cereals show, where he had a hands-on experience with the Pro-Til drill. The drill’s robust construction and the team’s exemplary support at the Mzuri stand further reinforced his confidence in the system.

“The drill ticked all the boxes, especially by limiting the amount of soil movement and reconsolidating the soil once sown,” Neil observed.

In 2015, Neil made the transformative decision to purchase a pre-owned Pro-Til 3T drill, after being seriously impressed with Mzuri’s in-depth understanding of the drill’s background and outstanding sales support.

“The sales team personally visited our farm to ensure seamless setup, tailored to our field conditions. The level of assistance we received for a used machine left me thoroughly impressed,” Neil stated.

Neil was convinced that the quality of service offered by Mzuri would remain consistent regardless of the distance. He was committed to embracing the latest technology and reaping its benefits, even if it meant going the extra mile. Fast forward to 2019, and Neil further solidified his commitment by investing in a brand-new version of the drill.

One of the primary reasons Neil opted for the Mzuri system was its precision in tillage, moving just the right amount of soil to create an optimal seedbed without unnecessary disruption. Unlike traditional plough-based systems that often leave farmers at the mercy of weather conditions, the Mzuri system offered Neil the flexibility to work efficiently with minimal soil disturbance. The Pro-Til features a reconsolidation wheel behind each coulter designed to consolidate the soil once sown, enhancing the soil-to-seed contact to ensure strong and even germination.

Transitioning from a conventional plough-based system, Neil had experienced the inefficiencies and limitations it imposed. Unpredictable weather conditions often disrupted his work schedule, resulting in less-than-optimal yields. With the Mzuri system, he found a solution to these challenges.

The Mzuri drill significantly enhanced establishment within the fields, even across varying soil types. Notably, in direct-drilled Spring crops, where timing is critical, Neil observed substantial improvements. While farmers in the area, which were using conventional drills, faced uneven seed depths and stressed crops during the wet Springs, Neil’s crops remained unaffected, thanks to the adaptability of the Mzuri system.

Scotland’s wet climate poses specific challenges, but the Mzuri system’s soil conditioning capabilities proved beneficial for Neil’s farm by enhancing the soil’s nutrient content and promoting healthier plant growth. By promoting adequate soil aeration and reduced soil compaction, the system facilitated nutrient availability and minimised the need for chemical inputs. Neil’s commitment to reducing inputs was evident in his decision to no longer use insecticides on Spring Beans and reduce fungicide applications in Wheat crops, thanks to increased airflow as a result of the Mzuri’s wider row spacings.

Moreover, the Mzuri system brought about notable changes in labour requirements, significantly reducing Neil’s expenses. With just £4/acre spent on labour, Neil handles the majority of the work himself, testifying to the efficiency and ease of the system’s operation.

Beyond the financial benefits, Neil also observed substantial improvements in the health of his crops, particularly evident in wide-row crops’ flourishing canopies. By leaving the stubble long and allowing for proper aeration, Neil protected the soil and created a conducive environment for healthy plant growth.

Neil is acutely aware that new Government policies are requiring operational change for farmers, commenting “While Government policies are raising demands, the Mzuri Pro-Til ticks all the boxes, providing relief to farmers under pressure to meet Government standards.”

Ultimately, Neil White’s journey with the Mzuri system and Pro-Til drill serves as a testament to the transformative power of modern agricultural technology. Embracing this innovative approach has not only improved yields and cost-efficiency but also fostered sustainable farming practices. As more farmers follow in Neil’s footsteps, it is evident that the Mzuri system is revolutionising farming practices, contributing to a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.

To connect with a Mzuri Ambassador, please call the Mzuri office on 01905 841 123 and a team member will then arrange contact.