Client
Randy’s Vegetables is a family-owned farm in Dundee, Illinois, specializing in the production of sweet corn. The farm and its popular farm stand have been in operation for over 50 years.
Problem
Jerry Gaitsch, a co-owner of Randy’s Vegetables, said the farm struggled to control birds for years. Gaitsch estimated that a staggering 80% to 85% of his family’s crops were damaged by birds annually.
In an attempt to deter nuisance birds from the farm, Gaitsch tried a variety of bird control strategies, including:
- Streamers
- Noise makers
- Cannons
- Shot guns
Each solution, according to Gaitsch, “worked to a little degree… then quit working.” The family knew it needed to implement a long-term solution that would keep birds away for good – and stanch crop and profit loss.
Actions
In 2018, Wild Goose Chase installed an AVIX Autonomic Mark II laser on the farm. The laser, which is fully automated, humanely eliminates up to 90% of bird nuisances when installed correctly.
Unlike the short-term deterrence solutions the farm experimented with, the laser has provided continuous and lasting bird control. The beam of the laser, which birds perceive as a threat, sweeps a targeted area in random patterns that birds cannot habituate to.
The result? Effective, sustainable bird control – and a fast return on investment.
Impact
“With the automated laser system… our returns have been much better,” said Gaitsch. “Our losses have improved tremendously.”
Crop losses now hover at around 15% – an impressive 70% reduction. Gaitsch believes the laser paid for itself within the first one to two years.
“It is a huge improvement,” said Gatisch.
To learn more, watch the video below
