Rapeseed growers at a field demonstration near Assens were pleased to note that biodiesel from Emmelev A/S is helping to drive climate and environmental development in the right direction.
The field robot from AgroIntelli, which operates on biodiesel supplied by Emmelev A/S, recently took center stage when it was showcased to rapeseed suppliers on a spinach seed field at TH-Agro in West Funen. Robotti, the field robot, had planted 10 hectares of spinach seeds in the spring and has since been actively involved in spraying and hoeing. This approach shows significant promise, according to Torben Thomsen, co-owner of TH-Agro, who explained the benefits to the attending rapeseed growers, all of whom supply to Emmelev A/S.
One of the standout advantages is a substantial reduction in chemical usage, with reductions of up to 70 percent, as noted by Torben Thomsen. TH-Agro, which manages 850 hectares and oversees a total of 1,000 hectares, is among the first spinach seed producers to implement the Robotti field robot from AgroIntelli this year.
“We save a lot of chemicals. If this works, the robot in spinach seed can both plant, band spray, and hoe,” explained Torben Thomsen.
Robot Plants 10 Hectares
At TH Agro, 25 hectares of spinach seeds have been planted this year under contract with Jensens Seeds, with Robotti responsible for planting 10 of those hectares. The West Funen farmer was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the robot, particularly how it manages turns at the headlands at a “reasonable pace.”
“There is a lot of future potential in the robot, but it’s clear that everything needs to be fine-tuned,” said Torben Thomsen. He also expressed excitement about the potential reduction in fossil diesel usage. “We use about 100,000 liters of diesel a year, and if we can save here, that’s great. We must try to do a little better all the time, and biodiesel is a step in the right direction and a good signal for the future. Let’s try to do it smartly instead of just deciding something,” he added.
Big Ambitions
Member of Parliament Lars Chr. Lillelund was also present at the demonstration and discussed the potential for political support for biodiesel. “The political ambitions in the climate area are high, but it takes quite a long time to achieve results and actions, which is why the government has now incorporated biodiesel, which is known and well-tested, into its plans until 2030. The Folketing is also aware of the potential of biodiesel,” said Lars Chr. Lillelund.
“I believe in the potential of Emmelev’s biofuels for the future. It will take a massive effort to reduce emissions, and the transport sector will play a big role here. I think we will see heavy transport using many different fuels,” he concluded.
