New high-tech tools can optimize grass harvest

In nordic countries of Europe harvested grassland is the most widespread use of agricultural land, forming the base for livestock industries in the region. The economic importance of forage production is really important. However, there is a lack of adapted decision support tools to help farmers make the best management decisions, such as when it is the best time to harvest.

Delay can cost

Using a standard Swedish dairy farm with 70 cows in 150 hectares as a case study, a 5-day harvesting delay may cost about 75,000 SEK, highlighting the economic impact of sub-optimal management. 

”Optimal land use is one of the main factors of farm financial performance, and it is crucial across the entire project region”, says Julianne Oliveira, researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and leader of the CyberGrass 2.0 project.

Three focuses

In the coming three years the partners and associated organisations from Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland will focus on three outcomes:

·      a satellite-assisted tool for forage yield, quality and harvest predictions, 

·      support low-cost drone-based field scouting, and 

·      explore future technologies to assess grasslands. 

A starting point will be a comprehensive analysis of the current status of harvested grasslands using free accessible satellite data and low-cost drones. This will be gathered to develop a support system for grassland management accessible to the target group through digital platforms.

”This initiative will create a unique transnational approach to improving agricultural sustainability and competitiveness in rural communities”, says Julianne Oliveira.