Phone app takes paper trail out of farm walk

The app will eliminate the need to enter or convert data files into MINDA once a farmer gets back to the office.

A new app will allow farmers to ditch the pen and paper for their farm walks and record pasture covers on their smartphone.

Once the information is recorded in the MINDA Pasture app, it is automatically uploaded to the co-op's pasture management software at www.MINDA.co.nz, to be viewed as a feed wedge.

The new app has been launched by LIC. Its general manager farm systems, Rob Ford, said the app will replace the pen and paper previously required for many farmers on their farm walks and eliminate the need to enter or convert data files into MINDA once they get back to the office.

"MINDA Pasture is the third app in the MINDA series and like the others, it was developed so farmers can record and review more information in real-time.

"Farmers have told us they want their information with them, on their smartphone, in their pocket, and MINDA Pasture is another piece of that puzzle - it makes sense to have that sort of functionality travelling with them, rather than stuck in the office and being another job to do later.

"With MINDA Pasture, all the data entry and collation is done at the same time they complete their farm walk, it will also calculate the available feed in each paddock and further information like a feed wedge and growth rates will be automatically available to view online once they are back in range of an internet connection."

The app will also allow farmers to view information from the previous farm walk and have multiple people contributing to information for farm walk, allowing the task to be split between the team.

The launch of MINDA Pasture follows the introduction of LIC's MINDA Land & Feed software in 2012, which provided farmers with an easier way to record pasture covers and other farm events, and create a feed wedge.

Rob said almost 3500 farmers and consultants now utilise the software and for many, it has become a fundamental part of their farm walk routines, to get a clear picture of the farm's feed-supply with the feed wedge, and identify whether they are on-track to meet animal demand.

"This app will make the MINDA Land & Feed software even better as it simplifies the data entry side of the job too.

"With the two combined, farmers have a powerful tool to manage their pasture easily, maximise productivity from their land and improve the profitability of their business.

"We are confident MINDA Pasture will be snapped up very quickly by farmers, as they did for the Calving and Lookup apps last year."

MINDA Pasture is available to download now, free of charge, from the App Store and Google Play, and will work on the latest Apple and Android smartphones and mobile devices.

Its use is at no extra cost to farmers subscribed to LIC's MINDApro software, no matter how many staff download it, but they will need to have their farm setup in MINDA Land & Feed, at www.MINDA.co.nz

Future plans for apps from the co-op include updates to MINDA Calving and MINDA Lookup, based on farmer feedback received.