Friday, March 29, 2024

New app for pasture

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LIC has launched a new app that allows farmers to record pasture covers on their smartphones.
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Once the information is recorded in the MINDA Pasture app, it is automatically uploaded to the co-op’s pasture management software at www.minda.co.nz, to be viewed as a feed wedge.

LIC farm systems general manager, Rob Ford, says the app will replace pen and paper and eliminate the need to enter or convert data files into MINDA once back in the office.

“MINDA Pasture is the third app in the MINDA series and like the others it was developed so farmers can record and review more information in real-time.

“With MINDA Pasture, all the data entry and collation is done at the same time they complete their farm walk. It will also calculate the available feed in each paddock and further information like a feed wedge and growth rates will be automatically available to view online once they are back in range of an internet connection.”

The app will also allow farmers to view information from the previous farm walk and have multiple people contributing to information for the farm walk, allowing the task to be split between the team.

The launch of MINDA Pasture follows the introduction of LIC’s MINDA Land and Feed software in 2012, which provided farmers with an easier way to record pasture covers and other farm events and create a feed wedge.

Ford says almost 3500 farmers and consultants now use the software and, for many, it had become a fundamental part of their farm walk routines. It gave a clear picture of the farm’s feed supply with the feed wedge and identified whether the farmer was on track to meet animal demand.

“This app will make the MINDA Land and Feed software even better as it simplifies the data entry side of the job, too.

“With the two combined, farmers have a powerful tool to manage their pasture easily, maximise productivity from their land, and improve the profitability of their business.”

MINDA Pasture is available from the App Store and Google Play and will work on the latest Apple and Android smartphones and mobile devices.

Its use is at no extra cost to farmers subscribed to LIC’s MINDApro software, no matter how many staff download it, but they will need to have their farm set up in MINDA Land and Feed at www.minda.co.nz.

Future plans for apps from the co-op include updates to MINDA Calving and MINDA Lookup, based on farmer feedback received, and three new apps to record health treatments, matings, and animal taggings and movements.

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