TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

NSW farmers can host weather and soil moisture monitoring technology

Farmers in NSW can help improve weather and soil monitoring networks by hosting technology.

Staff writer

This article is 2 years old. Images might not display.

NSW DPI technical specialist - Drought Information Systems, Kim Broadfoot, said the network is part of the NSW government's Future Ready Regions program, focused on improving the resilience of the rural economy in the face of climate extremes.

"The Seasonal Conditions Monitoring Network will consist of a number of highly instrumented sites in key locations that will gather meteorological and plant available water data," Broadfoot said.

"In this first stage of roll out, we will be focusing on establishing sites that fill important gaps in our existing monitoring network. This will target the western, central west, southeast and hunter areas in the state."

Broadfoot said over 200 farmers and advisors across NSW recently provided feedback on NSW DPI's climate and seasonal conditions information, which contributes to improvements like the roll out of the Seasonal Conditions Monitoring Network.

"Farmers have told us that a lack of trust and low accuracy of data is one of the main barriers to fully using climate information in decision making," she said.

"More localised data collection through infrastructure like our Seasonal Conditions Monitoring Network will enable DPI to more accurately assess what is happening across NSW."

NSW DPI says it continues to improve climate and seasonal conditions information available to farmers. The improvements are part of the Future Ready Regions EDIS Development Project which aims to provide farmers with world-leading weather and climate data so they can make better business decisions.

Growers and producers can submit an expression of interest to host the weather and soil moisture monitoring technology on their farm by visiting the DPI website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi

Growers can see farm-scale seasonal conditions such as rainfall, soil moisture and crop and pasture growth indices here: https://edis.dpi.nsw.gov.au

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Large Square Baler Testing (March 2025)

This month Kondinin Group has capacity tested four high-density, large square balers in what is believed to be a first for Australia. Balers from Krone, Kuhn, Massey Ferguson and New Holland were put through their paces, working in windrowed straw.

editions

Research Report: Rural Communications (February 2025)

With the departure of 3G technology and the emergence of 5G and satellite options, there are significant changes on the connectivity horizon. This month Kondinin Group engineers Ben White and Josh Giumelli investigate what is the best way to stay connected in regional and remote areas.

editions

Research Report: Chaser Bins (January 2025)

Chaser bins play a vital role when it comes to on-farm grain logistics. The January Research Report features a comprehensive round up of the latest chaser bins of 30 tonnes-plus capacity.

editions

Research Report: Succession Planning (December 2024)

This month's research report, compiled with the input of John White, Rural Generations, is a great resource for succession planning. A key message from the report is to start succession planning as soon as possible.