Tama Assist How GPS Plate Meters in Precision Farming Help Grassland Management
Grassland management is vital for determining and managing pasture quality for effective feed budgeting. For this, technology like GPS (Global Positioning System) plate meters are helping farmers manage their forage and grassland.
Tools like GPS plate meters, part of a growing lineup of precision farming technologies, help you get accurate, real-time data from your fields. Plate meters allow farmers to determine when paddocks should be harvested or brought into the grazing. Whether you’re planning a hay cut or adjusting grazing, it’s a smarter way to monitor forage growth. Being proactive in grassland management will enable better use of forage and improve grazing, hay and silage quality.
For many forage growers, precision farming to increase efficiency depends on good data. Estimating dry matter yield is at the heart of grassland management, yet many producers still rely on averages, guesswork, or time-consuming sample cuts. GPS in precision farming is a more efficient way to collect accurate, relevant data.
The GPS plate meter combines a weighted disc with a measuring rod. As you walk your paddock, the plate compresses the grass, and the meter records the compressed height. A GPS unit attached to the device logs the geographical location of each reading. This reading is converted to forage yield, which can then be used to estimate the proper stocking rate.
This isn’t high-tech for the sake of being high-tech. It’s hands-on and designed with busy producers in mind and don’t need to overhaul your operation. Just walk the paddock, take your readings, and the device does the rest.
To use a GPS plate meter, walk in a zig-zag pattern across your paddock. Every 50 to 100 steps, stop and let the plate rest on the forage. The height of the crop and location are then recorded. Once you’ve covered the field (about 30 to 40 readings) the data is uploaded into your farm management software.
The software uses forage-specific formulas to calculate dry matter per hectare (KgDM/ha). The resulting map will highlight strong growth areas and underperforming spots across your paddock.
With accurate forage data, you can make more informed decisions that impact your profit, such as where to fertilise or irrigate. You can also have a better idea of harvest timing and can better plan grazing rotations.
This helps you:
- Maximise dry matter yield
- Avoid harvesting too early or too late
- Prevent silage waste
- Improve pasture rest and regrowth timing
What makes GPS in precision farming so effective is its scalability. You can start with one field and build from there. Over time, the data you collect helps you track seasonal trends and make yearly improvements.
Tama’s range of baling products, stretchfilm and other harvesting solutions improve baling efficiency and forage management. If you’d like to learn more, the Tama team is always here to help.