Smart water monitoring takes the stress out of summer

Few things add to the stress of a hot summer’s day on a dairy farm more than discovering a problem with the water supply.

Sam Waugh is farm manager at Donald’s Farm, which is owned by NZ Young Farmers. He knows firsthand the challenges that come with hot, dry summer months - especially when it comes to keeping his cows well-watered.

“Water supply is one of those things that, when it’s working well, you don’t think about. But when it’s not, it quickly becomes a top priority,” says Sam.

As farm manager, Sam is responsible for the health and welfare of the farm’s 125-head Jersey herd. While Donald’s Farm operates as a commercial dairy farm in Clevedon, it also serves as a learning centre, inspiring the next generation to consider careers in the primary sector.

That dual responsibility means running an efficient farm while also making sure Sam and his team set a positive example for those coming through. Looking after the health and well-being of the herd and managing water efficiently plays a big role in that.

“Water is essential for us, really,” says Sam. “If we don’t have enough water, we’re not meeting the needs of our stock. And if we start to run low, you can see the impact of that pretty quickly -production starts to drop, and it doesn’t take long before that’s reflected in the vat.”

In the past, water issues have caught Sam off guard.

“All of a sudden, the tank is empty, and we’ve got to figure out what’s causing the problem,” he says. “When you first realise there’s an issue, it’s panic stations. It always seems to happen when you’ve got a lot on.”

That’s where Gallagher’s Satellite Water Monitoring System has made a real difference. Installed to track water levels, the system provides up to four level readings daily, ensuring Sam stays informed throughout the day.

“If we get an early warning, it really takes the pressure off the response,” he says. “It means we can fix a small problem before it turns into a big one. Instead of discovering an empty trough, I get a notification on my phone and can sort it straight away.”

Rather than relying on manual checks or remembering to check the tanks when passing by, Sam now has access to the information he needs in his pocket.

“You always think you’ll check it when you drive past, but you rarely do,” he says. “Now, with the system, I can check it anytime, anywhere. That really puts me at ease knowing we’ve got security of water in the tank.”

The monitoring system app is refreshed regularly with level data, ensuring Sam has up-to-date information. Alerts notify him of potential issues such as overflow or underflow. Notifications are sent via SMS, email, or both, giving him peace of mind that he’ll know about problems before they escalate.

For Sam, introducing this kind of technology on-farm has been an easy transition.

“The technology ensures we’ve got really reliable data and information,” he says. “Having the right tools in place saves me a lot of time. It’s made things a lot simpler and means I can get more done in the day.”

It also makes a big difference when Sam needs to step away from the farm.

“When I’m away, we have relief staff that don’t know our systems as well as I do,” he says. “But I can still see what’s happening, and that gives me a real sense of security.”

With the ability to check in remotely, Sam finds it easier to take a break, knowing he can check in on his levels anytime.

“Having a good water monitoring system means I can track what’s happening wherever I am. It gives me the confidence to step away without worrying.”

At the end of the day, the biggest benefit is peace of mind.

“It really has taken the stress out of the system,” he says. “On a farm, there are never enough hours in the day. But having the right tools means you can get jobs done faster and more efficiently. That makes a big difference.”