These data points for the basis for a predictive model that says, in essence, over the next seven days, X amount of water is needed in each field. ![]() This tracks temperature, rainfall, and evaporation. These sensors tell the client how much plant available water remains in the soil, and coupled with weather data (see below), that forms the basis for a decision on irrigating. ** placement of soil moisture sensors for each pivot based on soil types. We wanted to know more about the water holding capacity of the different soils, and since there are no published soils maps in this part of the world, the sampling was in order. ** soil sampling of each field to determine soils types. We developed a management system for this client based on the following: In other words, decisions were nothing more than a guess. Prior to our involvement, there was no means of determining when to irrigate, and how much to irrigate. We are currently working with a client in Zimbabwe that has a large acreage of center pivot irrigation, which is used to produce corn, alfalfa, and wheat. Guessing does not cut it.Īnother example of fact based decision making is best illustrated in the context of irrigated farms. Further, in terms of environmentally responsible use of, say, fertilizer, it matters to clients and to the farm operators (regardless of the type of farming arrangement), to have fact based decisions on how much to use. In order to measure the amount of carbon sequestered, it is helpful to have current knowledge about soil organic matter so that the benefits of improved farming practices can be quantified. For example, there is a great deal of chatter (and rightly so), about carbon sequestration in farmland. But we still like to collect relevant data because it helps us to pinpoint ways to enhance the value of the land, and the income stream, and serves as somewhat of a roadmap for creating benchmarks for sustainable practices. All of these things help to leverage a grower’s time, and allow a focus on specific issues within a field.Īs far as the level of service, a cash leased farm generally requires less than a farm that is operated on a lease or custom basis. The tech tools include the VERIS zone mapping, the satellite based NDVI imagery, soil sampling, and plant analysis. That said, there have been significant advances in ag related technology that will help any farm manager, even those with deep experience. ** tracking of all expenses, and comparison shopping for inputs where applicable.įrom decades of experience, we have learned that there is truly no substitute for eyes on the land, and boots on the ground. ** placement of field level data on a platform that allows us and our clients to overlay such items as yields, with soil types, fertility use, and the like. ** monitoring of conservation measures on the land, and the degree to which sustainable practices are put in place, and adhered to. ** trends in grain prices, and identification of marketing opportunities. ** monitoring of land sales and similar events in each area. ** tracking of crop progress through NDVI imagery, and boots on the ground scouting during the growing season. ** timely collection of data on growing season conditions, use of fertilizer and pesticides, seeding and harvesting dates, crop yields. ![]() That said, there are common themes for all of the farms. The level of management that we provide on our clients’ farms varies to some extent based on the nature of the farming arrangement.
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