Did You Know? The Top 5 Farm Tech Gadgets Saving Kiwi Farmers Time and Money in 2024
Here in Aotearoa, farmers are embracing some incredible tech to make their lives easier, save a few bucks, and boost their productivity. Did you know these nifty gadgets can completely change the way you work the land? Here’s the lowdown on the top 5 sensors hitting the Kiwi agri-tech scene this year—and how they’re helping you save money while keeping your farm humming.
1. Soil Moisture Sensors
How They Work:
These clever sensors measure how much water’s sitting in your soil and send real-time updates straight to your phone.
Why Kiwi Farmers Love Them:
You’ll know exactly when to water and when to hold off—no more guesswork!
Stop overwatering and give your plants just what they need to thrive.
Better yields mean a healthier paddock and a bigger return.
Money-Saving Potential:
Farmers using these sensors have cut water use by as much as 20%. That’s less on the water bill and more in your back pocket.
2. Weather Stations
How They Work:
These handy stations track everything from rainfall to frost warnings, giving you hyper-local data tailored to your farm.
Why Kiwi Farmers Love Them:
Perfect for planning irrigation or dodging a dodgy frost.
Know when it’s time to sow, plant, or harvest—spot on every time.
Stay ahead of surprise weather events that can wreak havoc on your crops.
Money-Saving Potential:
Avoiding unnecessary irrigation and keeping crops safe from frost damage can save you thousands every season.
3. Livestock Sensors
How They Work:
Strap these to your cows, sheep, or deer to keep tabs on their health, location, and behaviour.
Why Kiwi Farmers Love Them:
Spot illness early and save a heap on vet bills.
No more lost stock—GPS tracking ensures your animals are always accounted for.
Manage feeding more efficiently to keep stock in top nick.
Money-Saving Potential:
Catch health issues before they get serious, saving 15-20% on vet costs while avoiding unnecessary losses.
4. Water Tank Sensors
How They Work:
These sensors keep an eye on your tank levels and alert you when they’re running low—or if there’s a sneaky leak.
Why Kiwi Farmers Love Them:
Prevent water shortages when you need it most.
Detect leaks early and avoid wasting water (or money).
Free up time by automating water management.
Money-Saving Potential:
By catching leaks early, you could save up to 30% on your water bill—not to mention the time saved from manual checks.
5. Pest Monitoring Sensors
How They Work:
Using high-tech detection, these sensors keep an eye out for pests that could damage your crops.
Why Kiwi Farmers Love Them:
Less guesswork, more targeted pest control.
Spot infestations early and stop them in their tracks.
Reduce pesticide use, protecting the environment and your bottom line.
Money-Saving Potential:
Targeted pest control means less money spent on sprays and fewer losses to crop damage—saving up to 25% on pest management.
Kiwis Leading the Way in Smart Farming
It’s no secret: investing in these farm tech gadgets makes life easier and saves a pretty penny. From saving water to cutting back on wasted resources, these sensors are helping Kiwi farmers get ahead in 2024.
Curious about how these tools can work for you? Book a FREE On-Farm Consultation with ZIV today and see how we can help you take your farm to the next level.
