Agrovista aims to put an end to disparate farm data sources with the launch of its new cloud-based agronomy tool, Axis this summer. The pioneering tool has been developed by Agrovista and a number of partner companies, including Muddy Boots.
"With the growing adoption of decision support and precision farming systems, the information being generated by farmers is growing exponentially," explains Lewis McKerrow, Agrovista's Precision Technology Manager. "For some time there has been an increasing onus for the industry to find a way of streamlining our record keeping processes and data flow."
Agrovista sees the new Axis system offering a "leap ahead" for collating multiple data sources onto one easy-access platform.
"Our intention was always to make the system cloud-based so that farmers could access and add to their information via multiple platforms, including smartphones, satellite-mapping equipment and their PCs," he explains.
"Hosting the information in the cloud also means that farmers can give their advisors access to their account for the two-way exchange of information and advice."
Axis Field Pro is integrated with Muddy Boots' Greenlight Grower Management system and will incorporate its online crop management system, field recording and data sharing.
"But what makes Axis invaluable as a business tool is the system's ability to exchange information between devices, people and software systems. "Over the coming years we will continue to develop Axis to allow farmers and advisors to integrate all of their devices, systems and advisory information into the Axis cloud."
Cloud technologies have been growing in prominence and importance within the wider business community for real-time storage, file-sharing and web-based communications. Lewis McKerrow says that it makes perfect sense for farming to harness the power of the cloud.
"Axis will target a common frustration amongst growers - the paperwork and record-keeping associated with compliance," he points out. "Whilst we have been well aware of the efficiency benefits of using precision farming, we have missed one crucial element - integrating their use with the all-important recording - and reminding - of key dates and times for the field tasks. This management element is lacking in many of the simple systems farmers are using."
"Axis will be a useful tool for coordinating these types of disparate - but valuable - data sources and will help in the production of complete and accurate records. Within the next few years we will find that live data connections between tractor and office will be commonplace. Farmers will be able to send prescription plans like spray recommendations in real-time to both the operator and the machinery and will receive the completed data back all as one complete streamlined affair. This type of full farm operation integration is very much the focus of the Axis vision "
He suggests that Axis will be very practical to use and with an intuitive App style access screen. "It will include a host of really practical management aids like yield and soil mapping, compliance date alerts, technical agronomic updates, 7-day weather forecasts, spray-window forecasts and variety information."
Axis has been actively trialled by a group of Agrovista growers who have provided very positive feedback and have recommended some useful tweaks ahead of this summer's launch.
There will be three Axis package options:
- Axis Info – free to register for, including recommendations from Muddy Boots, 3-day weather forecasts, variety information, product labels and data sheets, basic mapping package, weekly fertiliser market update, Agrogate diary of compliance dates (i.e. SFP, NVZ, renewable, etc.)
- Field Pro – Adds Greenlight Grower Management (GLGM) and GLGM iPad app, 7-day detailed Plantsystems weather sections, including spray window wind chart, technical agronomic updates, up-to-date trials data.
- Mapper Pro – Adds a fully functional Google based precision farming mapping package, including yield map upload, sensor mapping, soil mapping, zone maps and variable rate plan creation. Complimented by the Mapper Pro iPhone/iPad app to use out in the field.
Mapper Pro app
Farm maps in your pocket, synchronise with Axis Mapper Pro to keep all farm maps on your mobile device. View a whole farm map view or select individual fields to see their name and area. Scout GPS points such as weeds/pests/disease or other areas such as manure heaps, drains, etc. The inbuilt GPS and compass in the device can navigate you back to these points at a later date, simply follow the arrow on the screen and count down the distance. Directions can also be sent via email to give sat-nav directions to the field, useful for contractors or seasonal staff. Fields can be created within the app, given a boundary, then uploaded to Axis.
Axis is available for subscriptions from late summer 2014. To register your interest in Axis go to www.agrovista.co.uk.
For more information
Agrovista UK Limited
Nick Rainsley, Head of Marketing
T: 01328 700014
M: 07770 981 859
Lewis McLerrow, Agronomist/Head of Plantsystems Precision
T: 07917 228050