Don’t know your farm? Ask Agra

Announcing their new farm mapping service, Agra Provision said a good farm map forms the basis for successful planning for dealing with livestock and rangeland management. A farm map is also usefull when discussing events or infrastructure development.
Although most farmers already have a basic map of their farm, in many cases these are out-dated, or have not benefited from the latest technology.
Agra ProVision now offers customized farm maps that can be compiled with different levels of detail, depending on the client’s needs. Maps provide a clear image of the farm boundaries, inner fences and the location of infrastructure such as boreholes and water points. It enables the farmer to plan ahead, assist staff to carry out day to day operations and provide accurate measurements of the area for herd and crop management. Farm maps are essential for rangeland management and rotational grazing. Maps can be plotted in a range of sizes, the standard size being A1. Farmers working with maps can utilise technology to optimize their operations, to target applications thereby substantially improving production and returns. Frank Wittneben, Agra ProVision’s Technical Advisor for Livestock Production, who oversees the production of maps, notes that farm size matters, because land is the foundation from which the entire operation runs. “As a farmer, you need exact data about your land to be able to maximise your farm’s potential production. Farm mapping is fast becoming the most accurate way to obtain essential information to assist the farmer to develop meaningful budgets for the farms sustainability,” he said. He continued by saying, “in unfortunate cases such as veld fires, the farmer can submit the maps to the labourers and neighbours for assistance. This is how important and relevant the maps are to a farming set up.” To catch Wittneben’s attention, farmers are invited to send an SMS to 40404 just saying “maps”.