Broadband internet touted as way to collect and use farm data

Information, computers and telecomunications companies are promoting "remote monitoring" tools for farmers that use broadband internet connections to boost farm productivity, and improve risk management.

A sophisticated form of remote monitoring technology allowing farmers to gather and track critical farming data, from milk vat temperatures to security information and ground temperatures, was launched at the national agricultural expo at Mystery Creek today.

The "remote monitoring service" has been extensively trialled on-farm, according to the promoter, Baycity managing director Barry Payne.

Data collected from sensors of soil moisture and temperature, air temperature and humidity, wind speeds and direction, water flow, effluent flow, pump settings, milk vat temperatures and volume, security, and other on-farm conditions could be stored, interpreted and managed on secure networks and computer servers, he said.

The service could enable farmers to see what was happening around the farm at any given time from their mobile phone, handheld, notebook or PC, and manage that activity.

"This technology has the potential to completely change the way we manage our farms in New Zealand," Mr Payne said.

Telecom's head of consumer marketing Victoria Crone said broadband internet was available to every farm, at a range of costs.

The potential for such connections to improve efficiency and productivity has made them a worthwhile business investment, she said.

- NZPA