Spalding company Trailer Vision, which specialises in wireless camera systems and trackers, has developed a new TVC remote irrigation pump controller with local farming company G&D Matthews.

The TVC controller uses GSM mobile technology to remotely control irrigation pumps. A simple three-wire installation connects the controller to the pump’s water flow-switch, so it can be fitted to almost any pump.

Farm technical director James Matthews said, “Last season we grew 350 acres of trickle-irrigated potatoes on land spread over 16 miles. We utilise numerous irrigation pumps, which can be located at some very isolated sites and the new TVC allows us to remotely switch them off via a text message. We also receive a text message if a pump has shut down; it’s very important to know if any of our pumps have stopped running”.

Trailer Vision plan to sell the TVC directly for DIY retro-fit by irrigation pump owners and users. Cost is likely to be £350-400.