In an article on page 37 of this issue of Farmer’s Weekly, we speak specifically about Aerobotics and the apps the company uses to improve on-farm production and efficiency. However, there are many other apps that have been developed to help farmers improve crop productivity, on-farm efficiency and even marketplace trading. In this article, we list a few more that may be of interest to new and established farmers.
SMARTFARM
SmartFarm is an innovative app designed for growers and agricultural advisers to help them keep crops healthy. According to the developers, the app enables farmers to effectively respond to disease pressure and determine the optimal timing for applying crop protection products.
“Our app integrates advanced artificial intelligence-driven weather models with in-depth knowledge of crops, weather risks and crop protection. This is made possible with insights from leading experts like Dr Joost Nieveen and Erno Bouma, and knowledge from agricultural universities such as Wageningen University & Research,” say the app developers.
The app translates general weather data into specific information for the microclimate of crops. Sixty-five crops are covered in the app.
The SmartFarm app provides crucial data for crop health, including:
Disease pressure warnings for more than 70 crops and 160 diseases;
Advice for choosing the optimal spraying time for crop protection products;
Details on spraying conditions for ideal application;
Current and historical weather data at the plot level, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed and direction;
Unique agricultural parameters, such as leaf wetness period, evaporation, dew point and solar radiation;
The most accurate weather forecast specifically for your crops; and
Esta historia es de la edición June 21, 2024 de Farmer's Weekly.
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Esta historia es de la edición June 21, 2024 de Farmer's Weekly.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
