Top Ten Essential Tools for Farmers

Whether you’re new to the farming world or are looking to update and expand your existing farm, it’s essential to have the right tools for the job. Farming equipment has changed a lot over the centuries and a large number of labour saving devices have been introduced to make it easier for the modern farmer. Here we list our top 10 essential farming tools you’ll want to invest in if you haven’t done so already.

Tractor fitted with GPS

That’s right, the GPS system is no longer just for the road user. In recent years the traditional tractor has been given a modern enhancement with the addition of GPS. This means that it is possible to put the tractor on autopilot so that it can accurately drive itself around the field. Simply set the required destination on the device  and the tractor goes to work, freeing up time to perform other tasks.

Fence Post Driver

This handy tool makes setting fence posts extremely quick and easy. The fence post driver features a heavy iron tube which is placed over the top of a T-post. The iron tube has handles at the side which are used to effortlessly point the fence post into the ground. Simple yet highly effective.

Electric Hoe

Say goodbye to back breaking digging work with this modern tool. The electric hoe works in exactly the same way as a traditional hoe used to dig the garden, except that it is powered by electricity. Not only does it make digging work much easier, the electric hoe also has the added advantage of never running out. It’s rechargeable and on average can be used more than two hundred times before it needs to be charged. Making it not only a labour saving device, but also an economically and environmentally sound investment.

Air Compressor

An industrial grade air compressor makes tackling demanding jobs a breeze. Air compressors are much more powerful than usual electrical tools and deliver a higher RPM to get the job completed quickly. The compressor can be fitted with a wide range of different accessories such as an angle disc grinder, a sander and different types of nailers allowing it to be used to perform a wide range of different tasks around the farm, such as mending fences, cutting and smoothing panelling.

Electric Fence Tester

To really modernise a farm, choosing an electric fence instead of a traditional wooden fence is a perfect way to achieve this. Although the initial cost of an electric fence tends to be higher than a wooden fence, it has the advantage of being more durable and secure. Electric fences are efficient, economical and safe. Make sure to purchase a fence tester so that you can check the voltage from time to time and make sure that the fence is in full working order.

Crop Sensors

This type of cutting edge technology allows farmers to really make the most of modern, efficient devices to enhance crops and determine exactly what’s needed at a glance. Special optical sensors are used to regulate exactly how much fertiliser a plant needs by the amount of light that is reflected back to the sensor. This helps with applying the perfect amount of fertiliser, leaving no waste and allowing the crops flourish.

Livestock Trailer

If looking to upgrade an existing farm to hold large livestock such as horses and cows, then it’s essential to have a good quality livestock trailer to transport animals to various locations when necessary. It is also a good idea to pay out for a reasonably large trailer, as this can then serve various other functions when required,  such as hauling firewood, removals and even as a storage shed when not otherwise in use.

Manure Spreader

This is an essential tool for farms that do hold animals. Spreading manure accumulated from livestock thinly over farmland dramatically improves the soil fertility, while also reducing contaminated runoff and fly numbers. There are various different types of manure spreaders available and a little research will determine which version best suits the size of the land.

Ultrasounds for Livestock

These days, more and more modern farmers are investing in ultrasounds to check on their livestock. These machines check the babies growing in the womb, allowing the user to make sure that the pregnancy is going well and determine if there are any complications. However, ultrasounds can also be used in a number of other ways, such as checking the quality of meat on the animal before it is sent to market, as well as DNA testing animals to discover if they have pedigree qualities, which ultimately improves their value.

CCTV

Farmers no longer need to rely on guard dogs to alert them to the presence of intruders, thieves and scavenging animals like foxes. Strategically placed CCTV’s can be used to capture any activity on camera and relay the images to a screen inside the farmhouse, or even on mobile devices. The perimeter of the farm can be fitted with motion sensors, which turn on the CCTV when triggered, enabling full control and security over the premises at all times of the day and night.

 

 

 

 

*Compensation for this post was provided. All opinions are my own.