Today, world-first technology that could revolutionise grassland farming has been announced by technology companies Origin Digital and Aspia Space. The new technology will allow farmers to accurately measure the height of grass from space, enabling them to make better-informed decisions which can result in less waste and a more stable, sustainable food supply.
Duncan Robertson, Head of R&D at Origin Digital, said: “This is a game-changing moment for grassland farmers and the businesses that partner with them. For the first time, they can remotely and automatically calculate the quantity of grass in their fields and paddocks, on a regular basis and at scale.”
Kieran Holden, Grassland Digital Specialist at Origin Enterprises, added that the technology will save Irish farmers around 2 hours per week, or €1,600 per year, in measurement costs alone. He continued: “But the main benefit is in how farmers like me can use this data through the GrassMax app to increase grass utilisation on their farms. Integrating this automated grass measurement data into GrassMax will give it even more power to help farmers optimise their grass use.”
Devlyn Hardwick, GrassMax Product Manager at Origin Digital, outlined the numerous benefits the technology can bring businesses that partner with grassland farmers. He said: “The businesses that partner with grassland farmers can also benefit through our GrassMax service, which uses this game-changing new technology alongside the on-farm decision-support app to build a real-time picture of aggregated farm insight…This insight has many applications, from helping businesses and farmers achieve sustainable growth to verifying sustainability practices and scope 3 emissions on farm, and enhancing supply chain security and sustainability.”
The technology has been developed by Origin Digital and Aspia Space, with the latter providing cloud-free imagery of the ground. Aspia Space co-founder and Director of AI Dr Mike Smith said: “Our algorithms allow us to provide physically meaningful insights that enable better decision making here on Earth. We are proud that this technology is being rolled out in the GrassMax product.”
GrassMax will launch in Ireland later this year, with Origin Digital and Aspia Space then planning to localise their breakthrough remote measurement technology to more countries and climates around the world.
Today marks a world-first technology breakthrough that could revolutionise grassland farming. Announced by technology companies Origin Digital and Aspia Space, the new technology accurately measures the height of grass from space, offering ground-breaking insight for increasing farm productivity and profitability while also enabling organisations and businesses to verify sustainability practices in the livestock supply chain. The technology will be rolled out in the GrassMax product which will launch in Ireland later this year, with plans to localise to more countries and climates around the world.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.