First Valley pivot irrigation system in the Netherlands

Press Release

First Valley pivot irrigation system in the Netherlands with innovative double 'Bender' and corner arm

Ulicoten / Heerenveen, December 2024 - Irrigation of agricultural crops is labor intensive, hence the interest in an automated solution. The pioneering installation, designed and implemented at the Verheijen family's farm in Ulicoten, is a first in the Netherlands, includes unique features such as a double 'Bender'-, and Corner-arm and is partly extra high so as not to impede traffic on the country road.

This project was a collaboration between the APH Group, official dealer of Valley Irrigation®, and the client, the Verheijen family. Together with Valley, the APH Group worked closely on the design and implementation for the specific challenges around the farm.

Revolutionary technology: The first pivot irrigation system in the Netherlands

For the Verheijen family, this installation represents an important step in modernizing their irrigation process, providing a more efficient, labor-saving and even watering of their irregularly shaped plot. In the past, brothers Gudo and René Verheijen, relied on a time-consuming irrigation system with reels. Gudo Verheijen, who runs the family farm's dairy farm, explains: “In the high season, we worked with three reels, which we moved every few hours, which was incredibly labor intensive. We were looking for a solution that would save time and give us more control over our irrigation.”

After extensive research, the Verheijen brothers sought contact with APH Group. The result was a custom-designed pivot irrigation system that addressed the challenges of the plot's irregular shape, tree-lined borders and intersecting roads.

See our video here

Why this project is unique
The system has a number of unique features that make it a technological marvel in the field of agricultural irrigation:

Double 'Bender' arm: This system is the first in the Netherlands with a double 'Bender', which provides two additional pivot points. This innovation allows the pivot to effortlessly bypass more complex obstacles and irrigate a larger area. The double 'Bender' provides unprecedented flexibility, making this irrigation system extremely versatile.
Corner Arm: In addition to the double 'Bender, the irrigation system is equipped with a corner arm, allowing it to reach even further into the corners of the field, maximizing coverage and ensuring that every inch of land is adequately irrigated.
High Profile (raised structure): The pivot crosses a country road, which required additional height to allow vehicles to pass safely underneath. To achieve this, the first two spans were constructed as “high profile” for sufficient clearance.
Triple wheelbase: To improve stability and carrying capacity, the last span has a triple wheelbase, with all three wheels driven.

The challenge: irregular plot and labor efficiency
The irregular shape of the plot and obstacles such as trees and a country road made a conventional Pivot system impractical. In addition, the labor-intensive nature of the existing irrigation system with reel required an upgrade to an automated solution. Gudo Verheijen looks back on his search for the right solution, “It all started when I saw a pivot symbol on one of our reel control panels. That piqued my curiosity and after researching pivot systems, we realized that this could be the answer to our challenges.”

Through their reel supplier, the Verheijens got in touch with APH Group, which led to collaborative discussions that resulted in this unique solution. “APH Group and Valley were determined to find a way to make this work for us,” Verheijen said. “They brought innovative ideas to the table and together we designed a system that fits our country perfectly.” In cooperation with Remco Tuijtelaars VOF, who was responsible for the water supply, the pivot was successfully installed.

A leap forward for Dutch agriculture
Pivot irrigation systems, often used in countries with large, open fields, have historically been less common in the Netherlands because of the smaller, more irregularly shaped plots. The success of this project opens up new opportunities for Dutch farmers looking for more efficient irrigation solutions.

As the Verheijen brothers prepare for their first season with the pivot system, they are optimistic about the benefits it will bring. The system is expected to significantly reduce labor costs, provide more even water distribution and improve efficiency in their farming operations.

Looking ahead: A model for future innovation
This Valley pivot system, combined with a double 'Bender' arm, angle arm and high-profile structure, sets a new standard for irrigation in the Netherlands. It shows how technology can be used to meet the unique challenges of modern agriculture, even in regions where pivot systems have traditionally been considered impractical.

For APH Group and Valley Irrigation®, this project is a milestone in their commitment to providing innovative solutions for farmers around the world, anticipating uncertainties caused by climate change.

In November, the official handover of the Valley Pivot irrigation system took place at the Verheijen family's farm in Ulicoten. This symbolic event was attended by the Verheijen brothers, Mindert Pool, Sales Director of APH Group, and Raúl Marcos Antón, Sales Manager Europe of Valley® Irrigation. During the ceremony, Pool and Marcos Antón emphasized the importance of this collaboration and praised the innovative breakthrough that this project represents for the Dutch agricultural sector.

Be sure to check out the photos and video of this impressive project at to see it in action! See our video here.

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