Satellite technology delivers online farm management
Landgate
Website: https://pfs.landgate.wa.gov.au/
Cutting-edge technology is set to save farmers time and money by helping them monitor and manage their properties from a computer or mobile device.
The online tool Pastures from Space Plus (PfS Plus) was officially launched by Lands Minister Terry Redman at Wagin Woolorama earlier this month.
PfS Plus is the new and improved version of Landgate’s Pastures from Space, which was developed in association with DAFWA and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Landgate worked with farmers and agronomists to redevelop the online monitoring tool to more closely meet industry needs.
PfS Plus uses high-resolution satellite imagery and climate data from the Bureau of Meteorology to deliver near-real time, paddock-level information that will assist farmers in tactical and strategic decision making.
PfS Plus gives farmers access to two different satellite platforms – the weekly composite collected on a daily basis at 250 metres ground resolution, or the higher 30 metres resolution imagery, updated every 16 days. The service is compatible with Apple, Android and Windows mobile devices (tablets).
The service provides a vegetation health index (NDVI), weekly Pasture Growth Rate (PGR) estimates during the growing season, as well as estimates of available pasture (Feed on Offer) and total dry matter. With a stocking rate calculator and charting tools that have historic information dating back to 2004, farmers can prepare customised charts and calculations in a few minutes to assist with feed budgeting, stocking rates and fertiliser application.
Trialled by registered participants since August, a recent survey conducted with these users found that 94 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that PfS Plus would increase efficiencies in their business. The results also showed that 87 per cent of the trial users would recommend PfS Plus to other farmers.
The aim is for farmers to get more productivity out of their properties and ensure Western Australia remains a high end producer on the world stage.
Learn more about PfS Plus.