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Livestock – Weather and Climate

Jan 07 2024

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With weather patterns shifting and increasingly variable conditions to contend with on-farm, it is now more important than ever to have accurate weather and climate information to support on-farm decisions.

There have been significant advances in digital technology that provide tools and support that can monitor, analyse and predict conditions right down to the paddock with on farm weather stations, rather than relying on commercial weather stations that can be located some distance away.

There are a wide range of data producing products on the market, such as weather stations and soil moisture probes, and satellite and drone imagery. 

In livestock, these tools offer improvements in animal tracking and provide a better understanding of:

• Animal health
• Movements
• Feeding rates
• Growth rates

The benefits of using digital technology for weather and climate management  means farmers can monitor, analyse and predict conditions with ever-increasing precision. Using existing and emerging technologies, growers are able to:

• Integrate weather monitoring devices and smart ear tags to increase accuracy in animal tracking, and improve understanding of animal health, welfare, movements, feeding rates, and growth rates
• monitor temperature and humidity in feed lots to help predict and manage Excessive Heat Loads (EHL)
• Collect more precise, real-time information about pasture and soil moisture conditions
• Utilise data for improved input (i.e. feed, water) efficiency and farm planning
• Determine when to purchase supplementary feed
• Plan ahead and reduce risk
• Detect conditions that promote parasites and diseases