While many companies have promised a sensor-driven revolution for farms, they have often failed to deliver, simply because mobile service coverage across properties is often lacking, unreliable or expensive.
A new partnership between two Australian companies has promised to deliver the goods, by utilising satellite-connected technology to ensure every hectare is connected.
Initially targeting water monitoring equipment, GoannaAg has partnered with Adelaide-based internet-of-things firm Myriota to develop a remote monitoring, low-cost farm sensor solution, specifically tackling water monitoring.
Initially deployed by GoannaAg across a number of farms, the new connected rain gauges and water tank monitoring devices are set to be commercialised in the next few months, with a release expected in October.
Goanna Ag chief operating officer Tom Dowling said the devices had been in development for some time.
"Our clients know the value that comes from remote monitoring, but until now, the industry has been restricted by coverage and cost issues," he said.
"We have been working toward a solution like this for over a decade, and thanks to our partnership with Myriota, have developed a game changing solution that will drive on-farm efficiencies, particularly around water management and optimisation."
Using Myriota's direct-to-orbit satellite network, the GoannaAg water monitors are able to be remotely monitored from any location on the farm.
Myriota business development executive Tom Rayner said the partnership would deliver strong results for farmers, eliminating the issues around black spots in connectivity on farm.
"We are able to provide an everywhere communication solution that is ideally suited to agriculture," he said.
"With ground based communications requiring capital and geographical prioritisation, there will be 'black spots' where data is lost, but through this collaboration with Goanna Ag, we have been able to overcome these challenges of cost and connectivity."
In a joint release, the companies said they were in the process of expanding their respective capabilities to deliver more sensors and satellites to solve problems facing the industry where real-time insights were critical.
"Future iterations of the rain gauges will see Goanna Ag integrate smart functionality, including point specific weather forecasting generated by the Bureau of Meteorology, aggregated and granular rainfall mapping, and an initial on-the-go yield forecaster for dryland cropping," it said.