From Uncertainty to
Certainty in the Farm
How a notable and well-established NY farm prevents crop loss caused by pests
Beginning in 2007, a distinguished organic farm was established in a notable location and has since experimented with over 100 organic crops! Comprising of fresh faces and innovators, we liaised closely with three key figures at the farm.
Two of these key figures emphasize how crop scouting is vital to avoid crop loss. Especially for organic farms, determining the right moment to apply pesticides is crucial as organic solutions are more perishable, less effective, and costlier than their synthetic counterparts. Early detection is essential for farming operations, but daily scouting isn't feasible given the multitude of tasks such as irrigation, planting, mowing, and spraying. For instance, one individual noted spending two days each week on spraying, with the remaining time devoted to planting, evaluation, harvesting, and weed control. Regrettably, there hasn't been an efficient scouting tool available until now.
One farmer shared their personal method for crop scouting and decision-making regarding pest control. They would reach out to colleagues in nearby regions or converse with neighboring farmers to gauge pest activity. Additionally, they might assess climatic patterns and contrast them with historical data to predict the emergence of pests like Japanese beetles. Following this, a weekly or bi-weekly scouting plan is formulated. On some occasions, they've discovered significant infestations, with pests numbering in the thousands, causing notable damage to crops.
Now, farmers don’t have to rely on traditional methods or seek information from neighboring farms. The new automatic scouting tool delivers instant results and boasts a high sensitivity for pest detection. For instance, this device identified Japanese beetles a full week before they could be observed with the naked eye, giving farmers advanced notice. This timely intel allows for more strategic application of treatments, potentially reducing the number by 2 or 3 applications. At present, each treatment for these pests can cost around $300. Beyond the financial savings, there's a shared sentiment among farmers about adopting a more sustainable approach, reducing treatments to protect beneficial organisms.