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IoT sensor based farm asset monitoring

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PLF delivers a non-proprietary network of sensors and actuators, primarily using LoRaWAN infrastructure, providing accurate, timely measurements of: water flow (volume and rate), water level, soil moisture, temperature and salinity over multiple layers, on-farm weather station, cattle ear tags and GPS units for equipment location and personal safety, all onto a single integrated online platform that is accessible on any mobile device.

Pricing Model

Due to the varying nature of farming from geography, topography and size, to the nature of operations ie. livestock (cattle, sheep, goats etc.), irrigated cropping, dry land cropping, as well as the farmers’ willingness to engage in innovation, there can be no fixed pricing model. Once the farmer’s needs have been identified, the network can be planned and costed. Gateways range from $2,000 with mains power, to $6,500 with a solar package. Most sensors with their respective loggers with long range antennas are less than $1,400 and the weather stations around $3,500. Once the network is established the farmer pays a monthly monitoring fee, which again varies, but is generally between $200 and $350. The cost of access to the platform, which is set up to suit the specific wants of the individual farmer, as well as the mobile connection to the server, is included in the monitoring fee.

Installation Process

PLF, or our contractor do the initial installations, with the farmer, so they get to understand the system and devices. Sensors are pre-configured to the gateway, and connectivity is tested to the platform prior to installation. This can be online within an hour of installation. Water level sensors are generally installed on tanks, while water flow meters (with their pulse sensors) are connected into a water line typically downstream from a bore, pump, or reservoir tank. Weather stations can be deployed anywhere they can get a 4G connection, in some cases on a farm airstrip, which provides a dual purpose.

Ongoing Maintenance Required and Support Provided in Australia

Most maintenance, if/when required can be undertaken by the farmer (usually just changing batteries). Any connectivity issues are dealt with by PLF and its technology team, usually via remote connection. We also provide phone support during normal working hours.

Units Deployed Commercially
We are a start up company, originally based in Emerald, Central Queensland, but now relocated to Brisbane. We currently have operations in Queensland and New South Wales and about to commence in Victoria and South Australia.
Energy Source
Gateways can either use mains power, or a solar cell and battery. Virtually all the sensor devices are battery powered, using normal 'AA' of 'C' batteries can can be replaced. Under normal use the batteries should last over 2 years.
Communications Capability
We tend to use LoRaWAN on farm and 4G back to the server. However, NB-IoT, Cat-M1 and satellite are also options.
Data Ownership Policy

“Customer owns all data and has complete autonomy to choose if/when/how to provide access to data to third parties”

Data Privacy and Security Policy

“We maintain a secure cloud environment where data is curated, quality controlled and stored, so it can be re-purposed for a positive benefit.”

Supported Regions
NSW, Qld, Vic, SA
Company
PLF Australia
Sector
Broadacre Livestock Horticulture
Focus Areas
Nutrition and Water Whole Farm Management Connectivity Pest and Disease Management Weather and Climate Animal and Herd Management
Solution Type
Smart Irrigation & Water Visualisation & dashboarding Farm Management Software