Satellite grass-measuring service combats cloud cover

Measuring the grazing platform using satellite technology is now possible even on a cloudy day, thanks to a new modelling solution for grassland managers.

The technology accesses both space and private satellites to measure grass covers every day to within 50kg dry matter (DM)/ha of plate metering.

It forecasts grass growth without the need to walk every paddock, every week, says co-founder Jared Bainbridge of Omega Crop. This makes it useful for large grazing platforms, or businesses with more than one unit.

See also: How to set up electric fencing to optimise grazing

It is also a good way to maintain consistency on farms where several people are measuring grass growth. “It gives more time back to people for focused decision-making,” he adds.

© Mole Valley

Predictive growth backup

When cloud cover makes it difficult to assess grass covers using satellite technology, the software reverts to its built-in predictive growth function using field-level weather forecasts, as well as models and simulations based on data at paddock and farm level.

The only input from farmers is the date that stock left the paddock. From this, the app can predict grass yields for the next seven days.

Predictions can be made up to 3,200kg DM/ha and a silage model with higher covers is being tested. This would allow users to forecast optimal silage cutting dates.

Currently Omega Crop works just on ryegrass swards, but Jared is developing the service following feedback from 16 pilot farmers. He hopes the system will be able to measure multispecies leys, as well as allow feed budgeting, by the end of the year.

Omega Crop is available on annual subscription from Mole Valley Farmers for £6/acre on desktop and iOS devices. A version for Android will be released later this year.