Aggregate Farming in the Cloud

Purpose and goal

AFarCloud offered cloud services for agricultural crop production and animal husbandry. The cultivation of cranberries, grapes and vegetables in greenhouses also was further areas for development in same of the 11 test farms in the project. In Gamleby was a Swedish dairy farm with 2000 cows provided with maps and sensors for precision farming and support for animal husbandry. UAVs were used to monitor plant cultivation but also wild and own animals. Through analysis of various sensor data, early detection of the risk of drought was given and irrigation with brackish water was initiated.

Expected results and effects

Expected effects were to increase production and its sustainability with a reduced climate footprint. This succeeded in part but cultivation is so weather dependent and the project short. Animal husbandry is already very optimal and we could not show increased animal health. Methods to measure feed content and avoid wild animals contaminating the feed will certainly, in the long run, lead to a lower climate impact through less methane emissions from the cows and reduced transport work in agriculture. Irrigation, at the same time improved under drainage and reuse of surplus melt water.

Planned approach and implementation

The project consisted of more than 50 partners, which was a challenge. The various work packages were developed both individually and in collaboration between the various parties - with focus on a special demo site with its special conditions and need for improvements. The number of practical demonstrations was limited by Covid19, but the presentations for evaluators have been carried out in a good way. Generally, the project has received good marks and great interest and commitment from the public and farmers concerned. Data and algorithms are stored on a common server for the future.

External links

Presentation av projektet och de olika aktiviteterna samt inblandade lokala och övergripande demonstratorer.