The Hacienda Los Quillayes is located in the commune of Sagrada Familia, in the Maule Region. Thanks to the vision and dedication of its Agricultural Manager, Samuel Venegas, who leads this field, they have radically changed the way in which agricultural resources are managed, leaving a notable mark on the sector.
With an area of 230 hectares dedicated to the production of early cherry varieties from different genetic programs available today in Chile, Hacienda Los Quillayes is a benchmark in the technological and sustainable management of the national agricultural industry.
One of the farm’s innovation tools is the use of the WiseConn telemetry system and its DropControl platform. This system allows for precise monitoring of soil moisture sensors, a weather station, as well as irrigation control and monitoring. Samuel Venegas explains: “The use of the DropControl platform began with the search for irrigation control. With this tool, we can adjust irrigation programs precisely, avoiding water losses.”
Optimal results: Savings of 15% in water usage
The adoption of DropControl has radically transformed irrigation efficiency on the farm. The platform provides a complete view of water status across all crop hectares. This data-driven approach has allowed Samuel and his team to make adjustments in real time, optimizing water use and maximizing crop health.
The results speak for themselves. Hacienda Los Quillayes has achieved water savings of around 15%, without compromising the quality or productivity of its crops.
In addition, the implementation of tunnels to protect the cherries has extended the production season, consolidating the farm as a benchmark in the region.
For Venegas, WiseConn has unique features that make it different from the rest. “I am happy with the platform. I am interested in all the people in the field having the sensitivity in their hands of what we are doing in irrigation. Today everyone is on the platform, we see tables of efficiency of the programmed irrigation versus the executed one. Before, when the season ends, we analyze how the irrigation had developed. Today we have a tool that provides day-to-day information on the humidity parameters in the soil profile. The platform is atomic and very user-friendly for all workers.”
The effort and vision of Samuel Venegas and his team have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Hacienda Los Quillayes was awarded “Field of the Year”, highlighting its excellence in productivity, quality and sustainability. Looking to the future, the farm continues its constant search for improvements, exploring new varieties and technologies to remain leaders in the agricultural industry.
