Next-gen nutrient tech set to unlock big farm savings

The wait is almost over for dairy farmers ready to get more precise, productive, and efficient with their fertiliser application.

Ravensdown’s next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, will be available to dairy farmers across New Zealand from late February.

The technology, designed specifically for New Zealand farming systems, has been available for sheep and beef farmers in a limited release since September 2025.

For dairy farmers, HawkEye Pro introduces new functionality that predicts capital phosphate requirements using whole-farm soil tests and incorporates pasture information.

In addition to producing fertiliser maintenance recommendations currently available to sheep/beef farmers, new features include the ability to factor in effluent application for dairy farms, apply fertiliser by paddock or block, and align plans seamlessly with grazing rotations.

Ravensdown chief science officer Mike White says farmer input has been critical to the successful delivery of this release.

“We have been developing this technology alongside dairy farmers over the last two years which included their involvement in the pilot in early 2025.

“We talk with farmers every day and get a lot of feedback that dairy farmers can’t wait to use this technology.

“They can see the real value in HawkEye Pro for their operations.

“Our team is also engaging with aerial and ground spreaders across the country to ensure the benefits are not just theoretical – the practical application of the technology on farm is there too.”

HawkEye Pro helps optimise pasture production, balance feed supply and demand, and improve profitability.

Precision fertiliser plans can deliver savings of $50 – $150 per hectare through efficient placement and rate selection, reducing waste and boosting productivity.

Fully integrated with the existing HawkEye platform, the patent-pending software uses previous soil data to generate variable rate fertiliser maps with 10x10 metre precision.

Superphosphate-based products, based on their physical characteristics, are naturally well suited for carrying out variable rate plans, working with HawkEye Pro to ensure fertiliser goes where it creates the most value.

Ravensdown’s investment in HawkEye Pro reflects its commitment to nutrient use efficiency and shareholder benefit.

“Regardless of fertiliser costs, we’re leveraging digital capability and spreader technology to maximise returns,” says Mike White.

“This is about smarter farming - delivering accuracy, efficiency, and sustainability.”