The industrial age and the 20th century saw huge changes in farming with new machinery greatly increasing productivity whilst reducing manual labour. The information age now improves our social and work life through computing and mobile technology and such advances have now crossed over into the field of agriculture.
It is estimated that over 70{b28040870e2dde01f25bc5b483275391226143b34751c4bb8f1feeecaec925a1} of Irish adults own a smartphone and today we pick 5 must have apps for farmers.
1: Weather Pro
This app from MeteoGroup, one of Europe’s largest private weather companies, costs €2.99 but comes packed full of features which make this a bargain download. These include a detailed seven day forecast in three hour intervals, a variety of metrics for growing condtions and satellite imaging. To download visit:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mg.android&hl=en
2: Moomonitor
Moomonitor is an app which could be invaluable for a large dairy farmer. Specifically it’s a product which including a data collector which collects data from an animal and then sends the signal to a base station which the farmer can read through the smartphone app. The farmer can then monitor the activity and heath cycle of the herd saving money on fertilisation and improving milk yields. For information and suppliers check out:
http://moomonitor.dairymaster.com/
3: Beef Pricewatch
This is a free app launched by the Dept. of Agriculture in 2014. This App takes much of the existing price information already available and makes it more user-friendly. Once downloaded farmers can check the prices paid for different categories of cattle in their factory of choice.
Download here:
https://publicapps.agriculture.gov.ie/bpw
4: The Firestone Tyre Pressure Calculator
From the tyre manufacturer, this app does exactly what it says on the tin. oad It helps farmers calculate tyre pressure in order to obtain optimal safety and efficiency. Download for free from your mobile store of choice:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/firestone-tyre-pressure-calculator/id456734789?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.uk.rnfmobile.firestone.tpc&hl=en
5: Ross App – Poultry Flock Management
Poultry farmers work in an area of constant and evolving regulation and so this app keeps users in line with EU directives and including a unit converter which incorporates Industry-specific calculations. Find it for free on your app store:
http://agriapps.ie/sub/ross-app-poultry-flock-management/
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.softlabs.ross
