Smart Farming Gets a Head Start at CUT Farm

Smart Farming Gets a Head Start at CUT Farm. Pastures play a crucial role in animal farming, providing natural feed that directly impacts the quality and quantity of animal products. Traditional pasture management methods have been known to be costly and labor-intensive. However, with the integration of technology in farming, the concept of smart farming has revolutionized pasture management, making it more manageable and cost-effective.

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What is Smart Farming?

Smart farming involves the integration of advanced technological methods such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and cloud computing. These technologies enable tracking, monitoring, automation, and complex operational analysis, transforming the way pastures are managed.

Challenges in Pasture Management

One of the significant challenges in pasture management is the impact of climate change. Climate variability makes it challenging for livestock farmers to predict weather conditions accurately. This unpredictability affects decision-making processes related to pasture management.

However, the digital twin concept has emerged as a promising solution to tackle these challenges. This concept utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques to make accurate predictions.

Smart Farming at CUT Farm

At the Central University of Technology (CUT) farm in Bloemfontein, a groundbreaking project is underway to enhance pasture management using smart farming techniques. A weather station has been set up to collect data on temperature, soil moisture, and rainfall. This data is then processed using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithm.

According to Dr. Baby Kuriakose, Senior Lecturer in Electrical Electronics and Computer Engineering at CUT, “Based on this algorithm, we are able to predict temperatures with an accuracy of 1.6 degrees Celsius and forecast pasture height for future months. This project adds significant value to the CUT farm as it allows farm managers to plan feed for the animals more effectively.”

Conclusion

Smart farming is revolutionizing pasture management, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Projects like the one at CUT farm are paving the way for sustainable agriculture practices. As the veracity of these models is established, they can be extended to benefit small and medium-scale farmers, helping them mitigate the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring the future of farming is smart and sustainable.