Smart Farm Systems, and its sister company Gateway Data Services, point out that the New Zealand Farm Data Code of Practice requires data to be encrypted and stored securely, to allow proof of placement of effluent on land (rate and depth), and to confirm that a farm's water usage is in line with its consent and with new vat monitoring rules in force from August 1 this year.
The companies say they have developed a managed 'gap redundancy' system with high data integrity and secure cloud backup.
Gateway Data Services collects farm data from onfarm sensors such as soil moisture tapes, water meters and effluent applicators on dairy, goat and pig farms -- in fact anywhere sensors need monitoring.
The company's GDS app monitors in real time, allowing rapid response by farm staff; notifications and critical alerts can be customised to a farm. "Just what you've been looking for," says the company.
Gateway Data Services says it sets a high priority on farm safety and recognises what it takes to farm in a remote location or just to manage a business.
The app includes an emergency safety alert which will send out a GPS co-ordinate to names on a contact list, so the closest can tell the manager that help is on its way.
The app helps a farm to meet compliance conditions and can help economise on animal health products in water troughs. It will signal any spike in water usage above set levels, caused by, say, a leaking water line or above normal rate of drinking by a sick animal or fowl.
Technology of this calibre is the future of farming, the company says. "Providing real time applications in a corporate farming environment provides an audit trail of responses to alerts to assist in on farm training and accountability."
As regional councils favour compliance reports from accredited data service providers, Gateway Data Services is positioned to provide encrypted data for environmental plans, industry reports and operating reports.
