Nestled in the picturesque village of Wedde, adjacent to Winschoten in the northern part of the Netherlands, a sprawling farm has made a name for itself through the diligent cultivation of silage grass over the years. This season, their large fields, covering over 100 hectares, are ablaze with the vibrant green of lush ryegrass, specifically nurtured for silage production.
However, their farming business also has its tough spots: the weather can change fast, and there aren't enough workers. This means they need to be super precise in everything they do. This is where the farm's journey with FJD autosteering begins. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the practical applications of FJD autosteering on the farm, exploring how they conquer the labor-intensive grass cutting season with a blend of FJD AT1 and AT2 autosteering systems.
What Is Forage for Silage?
Silage is a way farmers make "pickled" food for animals like cows and sheep. They cut fresh plants (like grass or corn), pack them tightly, and seal them away from the air in places like big plastic wraps or tall towers called silos. Without air, the plants change and become a tangy, nutritious food the animals love. Unlike hay, which is dried, silage stays moist, which is great for places where the weather can be tricky.
Farmers grow special crops just for silage, such as certain types of grass, clover, or corn. The process starts by cutting the crop when it's just right – not too early (or it won't have enough bulk) and not too late (or it loses nutrients). After being chopped, the crop is pressed down to squeeze out all the air, and then sealed up. It ferments for a few weeks, turning into a long-lasting, high-energy food that keeps livestock fed all year.
Why Silage Rules in the Northern Netherlands
The northern Netherlands is a prime dairy country, with over 1.5 million dairy cows producing a huge amount of milk each year. To feed all these cows well, farmers there depend on silage. It gives their herds the consistent, good-quality food they need, no matter the weather. In fact, almost 80% of Dutch dairy farms use silage as their main feed.
The Netherlands often has rainy weather, which makes drying hay a risky business. But silage thrives in damp conditions. Farmers can cut grass even after it's been drizzling, let it ferment, and keep its nutrients without needing days of sunshine. This dependability is why silage is so popular there.
Beyond being practical, silage also saves money. It lets farmers save extra summer grass to feed their cows in winter, so they don't have to buy as much expensive feed. Plus, tightly packed silage bales or pits take up less room than hay, which is a big plus in areas where land is limited.
Precise Silage Grass Cutting with FJD Autosteering Tech
Mowing silage grass isn't just about cutting—it's about cutting right. Crooked lines or uneven rows can damage grass, reducing yield. Fatigue from long-hour tractor steering also led to mistakes. "During peak season, every minute counts," said the farmer. "We needed to work faster and smarter."Tech Investment
They started with two budget-friendly FJD AT1 autosteer units. Impressed by the simplicity and precise results, they later added the advanced AT2 model for another tractor. "The AT1s were so easy, we trusted FJD to handle bigger jobs," the farmer explained.So the farm now has three autosteer systems from FJDynamic working for their silage season. These systems are installed in their three Fendt tractors: Fendt 922 tractor pulling a Claas Triple 9200 mower, Fendt 412 with a Claas Rake 3100, and Fendt 712/718 with a Claas Tedder 1320T.
Working Comfort
FJD's autosteer systems make long days in the tractor cab far less tiring. Thanks to RTK accuracy (2.5 cm), the tractors drive in perfectly straight lines, like they're on invisible rails. This precision means no overlapping rows or gaps, saving time and protecting the grass from damage.Operators can also activate autosteer mode, letting the tractor steer itself while they focus on monitoring the equipment. This reduces arm and back strain, turning exhausting work into a smoother, more comfortable job.
Farmers don't need to be tech experts to use these systems. After a quick on-field training from FJD's local team, they’re ready to go. There's no complicated setup or manuals—just simple buttons and clear on-screen guidance. Whether it's their first time using GPS steering or they're upgrading from older tools, farmers can start working faster, smarter, and with less stress right away.
Happy Results
FJD's navigation system helped the farm finish cutting 100 hectares in just a few days—10–15% faster than their old methods. With smart path planning, the system helped farmers to automate the tasks along the preset routes precisely and perfectly, which meant cleaner cuts and zero damaged grass. There was no more wasted time fixing crooked lines or re-cutting messy patches. With the hardest part done quickly, the team is already prepared to tackle the next 45 hectares without slowing down.Operators love how FJD's autosteer works like a "smart co-pilot" that guides the tractor precisely along the preset paths. One operator shared, "We finish faster, and nobody’s tired at the end of the day." The FJD systems handle the steering, so crews stay fresh even after working. Better results, happier workers, and more land covered—everyone was satisfied with FJD's tech.
The Future of Farming Is Getting Smart
In the northern Netherlands, silage grass isn't just a crop—it's a legacy. And this farm's story shows that respecting tradition doesn't mean rejecting innovation. By pairing FJD's autosteer tech with their deep-rooted expertise, they've turned grueling silage seasons into streamlined operations.The numbers speak louder than words: 100 hectares mowed with robotic precision, 10%–15% time saved, and zero compromise on quality. For northern Dutch farmers, tools like FJD's systems are the key to thriving in a demanding, weather-driven agricultural industry.
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