Taking the pain out of farm data management

FarmIQ Systems is promoting a new land management app on the basis it offers a simple, low barrier way for farmers and growers to get started with digital tools.

Chief executive Gavin McEwen says the app has been designed as a painless and easy entry point.

“We know from experience and research the barriers and concerns that prevent farmers and growers from adopting or even trying new technology, but we also know the huge benefits that smart digital tools provide,” he says.

The app, called Grow, was launched at Mystery Creek Fieldays where it featured in the Innovation Hub as part of the Innovation Awards.

It is primarily a mobile app with additional web functionality and is built to give users a clear view of their whole operation.

Grow brings together mapping, health and safety, staff management, planning tools such as a diary, calendar and lists, land event tracking and animal recording in one place.

The core version is free, with additional features available through paid add ons or upgrade options.

McEwen says removing upfront cost was important.

“Having a free version was essential for us to reduce barriers of farmers and growers seeing the benefits of digital technologies.”

He says FarmIQ’s background in farm software development has shaped the product.

“Our team has been building farm management software for over a decade so we understand the huge difference in time savings, accuracy and performance a good farm management tool can make in a farm or land based business.”

The system is designed as a mobile first tool so information is always current in the field.

“Grow is a mobile first tool, meaning everyone in your team will have the latest information in their pocket, as things change, in real time.”

It has been developed for a wide range of land based sectors including dairy, pastoral, horticulture and viticulture, as well as smaller or more specialised operations such as beekeeping and poultry.

FarmIQ head of sales and marketing Russell MacKay says voice functionality is expected to be a strong drawcard.

“Using some clever AI technology, Grow lets users record a voice note or task on the app, without having to type it in.

“It’s a pain when your hands are covered in who knows what and you need to write something down, so the AI voice features make it much easier simply talk to the app and Grow will create a task, assign it to a staff member if needed and add it to the diary. Easy as.”

The app has been built so users can start small and add features as required, rather than taking on a full system from the outset.

If more capability is needed, users can move to a FarmIQ package.

McEwen says the aim is to complement rather than replace practical experience on farm. “These benefits apply to both individual operations as well as the NZ agriculture industry as whole growth in production and profit could be significant if more Kiwi land based business embraced digital tools and technology,” he says.

“There is no replacing the connection and gutfeel that comes with working the land and we don’t want to.

“We just want to help farmers and growers embrace technology that lightens the load a little and lets them get on with the job they love.”