Read about us in the News and Media

Stellar Industry Showing in 2024 Australian Export Awards

Pasture.io has been recognised as a finalist in the Advanced Technologies category of the 2024 Australian Export Awards. Featured alongside leading Australian exporters, the company’s satellite-backed pasture measurement platform supports farmers across New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, the US, and more. This recognition highlights Pasture.io’s commitment to empowering sustainable and profitable grazing solutions worldwide.

Former Tasmanian dairy farmer's high-tech pasture system goes global

In an interview with ABC Rural Reporter Meg Powell, Pasture.io founder and CEO Ollie Roberts shared the journey from managing grazing rotations on his family dairy farm to creating a global SaaS agtech platform. Ollie discussed how Pasture.io leverages satellite-backed technology, weather data, and machine learning to provide real-time insights, empowering farmers in over 13 countries to improve profitability and sustainability. Celebrating their recent win at the Tasmanian Export Awards for the 2nd year running, Ollie highlighted the platform’s transformative impact on modern farming.

Biotech company Marinova crowned Tasmanian Exporter of the Year

Pasture.io was proud to be recognised as the winner of the Advanced Technologies category at the 2024 Tasmanian Export Awards, standing alongside industry leaders like Marinova, whose achievements continue to showcase Tasmania’s global impact.

Accounting for minimum datarequired to train a machinelearning model to accuratelymonitor Australian dairy pasturesusing remote sensing

In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, Pasture.io’s satellite-based decision support tool (DST) was evaluated for its ability to monitor Australian dairy pastures using machine learning. The research demonstrated that minimal training data, specifically pasture biomass measurements from 5 paddocks representing 10% of a farm, collected fortnightly, significantly enhanced the accuracy of the DST. This study highlights the effectiveness of integrating satellite imagery and machine learning with traditional farm management data, positioning Pasture.io as a leading solution for precision pasture management in dairy systems.

Hunter Local Land Services Dairy UP Pla Case Study: Improving Pasture Utilisation using Satellite Technologies

In collaboration with Dairy Up, Pasture.io has been implemented on 15 dairy farms across NSW to improve pasture management through satellite-derived data. The tool, customised for mixed kikuyu/ryegrass systems, is helping farmers like Tim Bale make more informed grazing decisions by predicting pasture growth rates and available feed. While still refining its accuracy, Pasture.io is recognised for its reliable trend predictions, enhancing confidence in farm management. The ongoing project demonstrates the potential for Pasture.io to revolutionise pasture management, with promising improvements in accuracy and usability for mixed pasture systems.

Innovative Farming Technology : Pasture.io

Pasture.io, founded by Oliver Roberts, addresses the challenge of lost profits from poor livestock grazing management by automating pasture measurements. The platform leverages satellite data, weather information, and paddock records to provide timely insights that enhance farm profitability. By collaborating with Australian universities, Pasture.io has become a leader in integrating advanced technology and machine learning into farm management, significantly boosting the profitability of farms like Oliver’s dairy operation. With a strong global presence, the company continues to expand its innovative solutions across pasture-growing regions worldwide.

Grazing Intelligence project to predict stock and grazing outcomes

The Grazing Intelligence project, a collaboration between NSW Department of Primary Industries, Food Agility CRC, and Pasture.io, leverages artificial intelligence to provide predictive insights on animal performance and grazing management. By utilizing machine learning models trained on long-term data, the project aims to give farmers actionable predictions to optimize grazing decisions.

Research Project: Grazing Intelligence

In collaboration with Food Agility and NSW Department of Primary Industries, Pasture.io has provided a software interface for NSW DPI's machine learning models that help sheep and beef producers shift from subjective to data-guided decision-making. These “Grazing Intelligence” models predict animal performance and daily pasture availability, empowering farmers to improve farm profitability by up to 20%. Through the Pasture.io platform, producers gain confidence in making informed grazing and livestock decisions, optimising paddock use, and planning for livestock management.

Case Study: Getting started in using farming software platforms

In a recent case study by Local Land Services, George Tiedeman and his agronomist, Josh Hack, implemented Pasture.io on their dairy farm in Wingham, NSW. Pasture.io is used to track grazing, fertiliser, and irrigation management, allowing George to make informed decisions based on real-time data. The platform’s satellite imagery and forecasting tools help optimise pasture growth and reduce input costs, while ensuring compliance with animal health safety protocols. This case demonstrates how Pasture.io empowers farmers with actionable insights for better farm management.

Celebrating Australia's top exporters

At the 2023 Australian Export Awards, Tasmania was well-represented by nine businesses, including Pasture.io, which was a finalist in the Advanced Technologies category. The event highlighted the achievements of leading Australian exporters, showcasing their contributions to the national economy.

Celebrating 60 years of agricultural science

The article highlights Ollie’s journey from his academic roots at the University of Tasmania to his current role as CEO of Pasture.io. With a decade of farm management experience and advanced degrees in agriculture and business, Ollie has significantly contributed to the agtech landscape. His passion project, Pasture.io, has grown into a global platform, helping farmers achieve efficiency and sustainability. The piece underscores how Ollie’s academic background and practical experience have been instrumental in shaping the innovative solutions provided by Pasture.io.

Getting by with a little help from their friends

Peter and Marnie Kerr, through their involvement in the WestVic Dairy Focus Farm program, have made significant improvements to their dairy farm in south-west Victoria, addressing challenges in water infrastructure, feeding, and staffing. With guidance from a support group of farmers and service providers, they are planning future investments, including possibly integrating Pasture.io, to further enhance farm efficiency and management. The program has helped them refine their farming approach, boosting production and confidence.

2023 Tasmanian Export Awards

Pasture.io proudly secured the top position in the Advanced Technologies category at the 2023 Tasmanian Export Awards. This achievement underscores our commitment to driving agricultural innovation and enhancing precision farming worldwide. By continuously refining our technology, we empower farmers with smart, data-driven insights that streamline operations and boost productivity. Stay tuned as we aim for even greater recognition at the Australian Export Awards, continuing our mission to support and revolutionise farming practices.

How Pasture.io Uses Planet Satellite Imagery To Transform Pasture Management

Pasture.io, founded by CEO Ollie Roberts, has revolutionized pasture management by integrating Planet’s high-frequency satellite imagery into its machine learning models. This innovative approach enables farmers to make more informed grazing decisions, optimizing pasture growth and boosting profitability. By delivering satellite-backed pasture measurements multiple times a week, Pasture.io provides real-time insights, helping farmers manage their land more effectively, even in challenging weather conditions. As a long-time partner of Planet, Pasture.io continues to refine its platform, empowering farmers with advanced tools for regenerative grazing.

Precision technologies to improve dairy grazing systems

The article explores how precision dairy technologies (PDT) are transforming pasture-based dairy farms by enhancing animal welfare, farm efficiency, and cost reduction. These technologies, including wearable sensors, virtual fencing, and satellite imagery, offer promising solutions for monitoring animal behaviour, pasture biomass, and overall farm productivity. Pasture.io is highlighted as a key provider of satellite-enhanced forage biomass prediction, offering dairy farmers a practical tool to optimize grazing management and track farm performance efficiently.

Satellite-based estimation of herbage mass: comparison with destructive measurements and UAV model’s estimation

A study published in Grassland Science in Europe compared the accuracy of herbage mass (HM) estimations using different methods, including UAVs and Pasture.io’s AI-driven satellite-based model. Conducted on Swiss dairy farms, the research found that Pasture.io’s model delivered more accurate HM estimates with a lower RMSE of 342 kg DM ha-1 compared to 447 kg DM ha-1 from the UAV model. The results highlight the potential of Pasture.io’s technology for efficient pasture management, even on small farms, and suggest areas for further model improvement.

Smarter Irrigation For Profit Webinar: Using Pasture.io on your farm

In a Dairy Australia webinar, experts, including Dr. James Hills from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, along with Ollie Roberts and Juan Molfino from Pasture.io, discussed the significant role of Pasture.io in the Smarter Irrigation for Profit 2 project. The webinar highlighted how Pasture.io automates dry matter measurements and integrates satellite imagery, local weather, and paddock data to enhance on-farm decision-making. The discussion also explored the broader benefits and future potential of Pasture.io within the project, showcasing its value to farmers.

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture & University of Tasmania

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture 2021 Highlights

Pasture.io is proud to partner with the University of Tasmania’s TestLab SmartFarm project, which is funded by the Australian Government. This initiative aims to introduce Industry 4.0 technologies to improve farm management. As part of the project, Pasture.io’s software demonstrated how on-cow GPS trackers can automatically register grazing patterns, providing farmers with valuable insights for efficient pasture management. This collaboration highlights the potential of smart technology to enhance productivity and sustainability in the dairy industry.

Top 9 FAQ’s for Buying New Farm Tech

This article, written by an Account Manager at Pasture.io, highlights the most frequently asked questions from farmers considering new farm technology. It showcases how Pasture.io’s Smart Grazer App provides automated, satellite-backed pasture measurements and insights, supporting farmers in making informed grazing decisions. The article addresses key concerns such as accuracy, cost, and comparisons with other tools, emphasizing Pasture.io’s robust technology and its role in enhancing farm management across various grazing systems.

How satellite imagery is helping precision agriculture grow to new heights

In this article by Nick Measures, Pasture.io is highlighted as a leading example of how satellite imagery is revolutionizing precision agriculture. Founded by Ollie Roberts, Pasture.io integrates high-resolution satellite data from Planet Labs with machine learning to enhance pasture management. This platform, initially developed on Ollie’s family farm in Tasmania, now supports farmers worldwide by offering automated, near-daily pasture growth measurements and insights, enabling more efficient and sustainable farming practices. The technology-driven approach of Pasture.io exemplifies the future of smart, data-driven agriculture.

Farmer group to hear from satellite grass measuring company

The South Tipperary Young Farmers Discussion Group will host a Zoom meeting featuring Pasture.io, an Australian company specialising in satellite-based grass measurement. Founded by Tasmanian dairy farmer Ollie Roberts in 2005, Pasture.io’s innovative application helps farmers save time and reduce mental fatigue by efficiently managing pastures. The meeting highlights Pasture.io’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its technology for diverse farming needs.

Satellite imagery for forage plants

In an article discussing the potential of satellite imagery for forage crop assessment in Quebec, Pasture.io is highlighted as a key example of successful implementation. Originating from Australia, Pasture.io leverages satellite data to measure grassland yields, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for pasture management. The article suggests that with the right investment, similar technology could be developed and adapted to Quebec’s agricultural landscape, potentially revolutionizing how forage yields are monitored and managed in the region.

50 Most Trustworthy Companies of the Year 2019

Farmers rely on grazing pastures as their primary source of feed for their livestock. Accurate and timely pasture biomass is integral for effective grazing management practice, however few farmers record pasture mass or growth rates objectively. Keeping that in view, a system using satellite images has been developed to measure pasture biomass at a paddock-scale in Australia. The system has borne fruit in empowering farmers to be the best at what they do with leading agtech.

15 Most Promising Agtech Startups in APAC - 2019

Pasture.io's satellite-powered, remote automated pasture management platform has optimized decision making on many farms across Australia, New Zealand, the US, and the UK. Pasture.io's pasture management technology leverages satellite imagery, weather data, and farming records in a machine-learning environment to enable farmers to make daily tactical decisions and optimize their farm resources with ease.

Finding pasture management's holy grail

Pasture.io, highlighted in Australian Dairyfarmer, offers a system that integrates satellite measurements with farmer input to enhance pasture management. Experts discuss the importance and challenges of perfecting pasture management in dairy farming, exploring the latest advancements in the field.

SMARTfarm Learning Hub: Next generation technologies for agricultural education

The University of Tasmania’s SMARTfarm Learning Hub has integrated the Pasture.io platform into its curriculum, using real-time data from dairy farms in north-west Tasmania. This tool aids students in understanding pasture management and dairy feed rations, enhancing both tactical and strategic decision-making skills. The practical module, part of the Pasture and Animal Science unit, was positively received by students, with 76% acknowledging the module’s relevance to their future employment. The initiative highlights Pasture.io’s role in advancing agricultural education and its impact on future industry professionals.

Pasture Measurement Data Improves Timeliness and Confidence in Grazing Management Decisions

An 18-month study by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture highlighted the financial and managerial benefits of using pasture measurement data for dairy farmers. The study, involving four advanced pasture managers, found that regular access to pasture biomass and growth rate data, provided via Pasture.io, improved decision-making confidence and led to profitability increases of up to $550/ha for three of the four farmers. The study underscores the value of integrating tools like Pasture.io in modern grazing management, even for experienced farmers.

Pasture focus key to surviving volatility

Australia and New Zealand are known as predominantly pasture-based dairy systems. This is due to our unique geographical position of growing perennial pastures such as ryegrass and kikuyu. In a recent study by Beukes et al. (2018), a group of New Zealand researchers modelled the difference between actively managing pasture with measurements as opposed to using your eye could yield approximately $40,000 to $60,000 in profit on 100 grazeable hectares.

Pasture Driving Profit

TIA ran a project encouraging farmers to measure and monitor pasture and asked the farmers how they would want the information displayed. Some opted for spreadsheets, others for a feed wedge graph. Stuart Burr chose an online platform Pasture.io "The first year we found it a bit tough to analyse the data to make good changes," he says. "The more we've used it the more we've been able to make better decisions earlier. Our cows are milking better because they are getting better grass allocations."

Newsletter Volume 9 Issue 1

We're founded on grass roots passion. Here is Ollie (our founder) providing a brief look into his vision to develop the USyd dairy complex to that of a world renowned operation attaining high levels of prestige and promoting a culture of developing best practice for the industry to follow. On farm achievements to date since starting with the University of Sydney has been with an increase in animal and farm productivity in a short amount of time.

Tasmanian Dairy Business of the Year

Utilising pasture, their lowest cost feed, is a key focus on the Mulder’s farm. Paddocks are grazed when they reach the 2.5-3 leaf stage and are managed to achieve a consistent residual of 1500 kgDM/ha. Rotation length in spring is generally 19-20 days, extending out to 80 days in winter. In the Award year, Ronnie took weekly measurements of the pasture cover for each paddock using a C-Dax bike reader, with the information recorded in “pasture.io” to produce a feed wedge and provide average pasture cover with growth rates for the farm.

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)

Tasmanian Dairy Business Award Winners

Utilising pasture is a key focus on the Mulder’s farm. Paddocks are grazed when they reach the 2.5-3 leaf stage and are managed to achieve a consistent residual of 1500 kg DM/ha. In the award year, Ronnie took weekly measurements of the pasture cover for each paddock using a C-Dax bike reader, with the information recorded in “pasture.io” to produce a feed wedge and provide average pasture cover with growth rates for the farm.

Tassie Dairy News

The Yolla/Wynyard discussion group met in December at Robin Hill Dairy, Flowerdale. The property is owned and managed by the Roberts family, milking at peak 480 cows at a stocking rate of 4 cows/ha. A big focus on the farm is pasture measurement and monitoring.

Online pasture web application launched

Pasture.io is a new online web application that compiles and crunches farm pasture data and ruminant nutrition... its mission is to revolutionise pasture management by providing farmers with a platform that enables them to take greater control of their operation.

Pasture efficiency key to boosting margins, says Tasmanian dairy farmer Oliver Roberts

North West Tasmanian dairy farmer Oliver Roberts, with a background in Agriculture and an MBA in agricultural innovation, believes optimising pasture management is key to improving margins amid tight milk prices. By leveraging technology, Oliver aims to help farmers enhance pasture efficiency, particularly in regions like Tasmania, where ryegrass growth can give a competitive edge in controlling feed costs. Through his work with Pasture.io, Oliver has explored how better pasture management can support farmers in navigating both dry seasons and low milk prices.

Entrepreneurship and Incubator hubs to support Tasmanian start-ups

App shows if grass greener on other side

A Flowerdale farmer, frustrated with the limitations of traditional spreadsheet methods for pasture management, developed Pasture.io, an innovative online application that helps farmers make real-time decisions by integrating nutrition with pasture data. The app allows detailed input from individual paddocks, enabling better ration formulation and more consistent pasture quality across farms. Farmers using Pasture.io have reported smaller fluctuations in milk production and more consistent pasture cover, contributing to better livestock growth. The article highlights the positive feedback and practical benefits of using Pasture.io in modern farming.

AUDIO: Farmers Bruce and Oliver Roberts at their rotary dairy

Oliver and Bruce Roberts shared how they managed their Flowerdale farm during water challenges, which ultimately shaped the foundation for Pasture.io. Faced with reduced rainfall, they strategically reduced stock levels and milk production targets to maximise water use efficiency. This early decision ensured the farm could continue operating while maintaining critical environmental flows in the Flowerdale River. These practical insights into sustainable farming led to the creation of Pasture.io, which now helps farmers globally optimise irrigation and pasture management through smart decision-making tools.