Before reliable connectivity, around 80% of the farm had limited cell coverage, making calls and data transfer difficult across most of the property. Precision tools already on the machines - VR maps, CropScan protein monitors, live harvest tracking - couldn't reliably get their data back to the farm's systems, and staff often had to drive to a known reception spot, or into UHF range, just to make a call.
Connected Farms deployed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) devices, CommsXtend units, and a Connected Farms SIM in the operation's SwarmBot across the property.
"With reliable connectivity we get a lot better use out of our current systems," Rogers says. "The technology the operation already had in place is now being used to its full potential rather than working around coverage gaps." Live data now feeds straight back from headers fitted with CropScan protein monitors and a FarmWVE AI losses camera, giving real-time harvest tracking without needing to be out in the paddock, and VR maps and job data can be sent straight to tractors and sprayers.
The change has also cut travel time - previously up to half an hour to an hour driving to a reception spot - and given the team peace of mind on safety, since anyone in trouble anywhere on the farm can now call for help.