On a mixed organic farm in Germany, farmer Nils Maßmann has been exploring new ways to manage his crops efficiently and sustainably. With 40 hectares divided equally between grassland and arable land, Nils’ main focus is on maize, but he also grows potatoes, rye, and is experimenting with a variety of other crops.
The challenge of time
For Nils and his father, time is a precious resource. “The biggest problem on our farm is actually time,” Nils explains. “There are only two of us, and tasks like hoeing maize and potatoes often overlap. That’s why it is very practical to rely on a robot for some of the work.”
Discovering FarmDroid
Nils first learned about FarmDroid through YouTube. “I found it quite interesting and we were looking for a new hoeing machine for maize. We were not completely satisfied with the results from other machines, so before investing in camera-guided hoeing technology, we decided to look into robots and see what they could do.”
The decision to invest in a FarmDroid robot was driven by the desire to save time and reduce the need to spend long hours on the tractor. “With the robot, you don’t have to sit on the tractor yourself. You save working hours, and that makes a big difference for us.”
Focus on maize, curiosity for more
The FarmDroid is primarily used for maize, covering around eight to nine hectares this year. Nils is also testing the robot with onions, beetroot, and carrots to see how it performs with different crops. “We want to see what else we can grow with the robot. It’s about getting a first impression and learning what is possible.”
Practical insights and learning curve
Nils describes the robot as reliable and precise. “The sowing is very accurate. The maize kernels are exactly where they should be. We used to have some problems with other machines, but the robot does its job well.” He notes that there is a learning curve, especially at the beginning. “It is a challenge at first, but after a couple of days, you get used to it. The system is quite intuitive, especially if you are familiar with other types of machinery.”
Support and community
Nils appreciates the support from FarmDroid and the dealer network – in his case he gets support from the FarmDroid partner Solar-Energie Andresen GmbH. “Support is good. There is always someone available, and if not, you get a call back quickly. There is even a WhatsApp group where you can ask questions and get answers fast.”
Looking ahead
For the coming seasons, Nils plans to continue using the FarmDroid for maize and to expand trials with other crops. “Next year, we want to try onions and beetroot on a larger scale, hoping to manage without seasonal workers or hand weeding. The goal is to see what we can achieve with the robot in the future.”
Advice for other farmers
Nils’ main advice is to pay attention to seedbed preparation and to use the right equipment for the soil. “Preparation is important. Make sure there is no organic matter left on the field, and use the right plough and weights if needed. On our sandy soil, weights made a big difference.”
He also highlights the practical design of the FarmDroid. “Everything is made of stainless steel, and you only need a couple of standard tools to adjust or dismantle parts. It’s well thought out and easy to handle.”
Conclusion
Nils’ experience shows how integrating robotic technology can help organic farmers manage time and labor challenges, especially in maize cultivation. By experimenting with new crops and sharing his insights, he contributes to a growing community of farmers who are shaping the future of sustainable agriculture.
