From Uncertainty to
Certainty in the Farm
How a notable and well-established NY farm prevents crop loss caused by pests
C.N. Smith Farm, MA
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For over 90 years, C.N. Smith Farm has been a pillar of the East Bridgewater community. As a fourth-generation family farm, its 90 acres of fruits and vegetables are a testament to hard work, tradition, and resilience. However, one of their greatest challenges has been managing pests effectively while minimizing costs and protecting the environment.
The Challenge
For decades, the farm struggled to find reliable pest management solutions. The absence of local experts to promptly identify and monitor target insects meant they had to rely on reactive strategies. Without actionable data, their pest control efforts often involved broad-spectrum pesticides, which were costly, unsustainable, and sometimes ineffective. These challenges resulted in significant crop losses and made it difficult to implement a proactive approach to pest management.The Solution
Everything changed when C.N. Smith Farm partnered with Barn Owl Technologies. By adopting Barn Owl’s modular remote insect monitoring tool, the farm gained access to real-time pest data and weekly activity updates. The system’s early detection capabilities provided the precision needed to revolutionize their pest control practices.“We’ve been searching for a solution like this for over 20 years,” said the farm owner. “Barn Owl Technologies gave us the expertise and data we’ve always needed but never had access to. Their tools have revolutionized how we protect our crops.”
With Barn Owl Technologies, C.N. Smith Farm is now leading the way in sustainable pest management, reducing crop losses and enhancing productivity. Their partnership showcases how advanced technology can preserve traditional farming legacies while paving the way for a more efficient and environmentally friendly future.
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Honey Pot Hill Orchards, MA
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Honeypot Hill Orchards, a beloved family-run farm in Stow, Massachusetts, has been delighting visitors with fresh-picked apples, picturesque hayrides, and their iconic hedge maze since 1926. Spanning over 180 acres, the farm is known for its premium produce and immersive farm experiences, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. But as pest management challenges grew, Honeypot Hill Orchards needed a cutting-edge solution to ensure their fruit remained as high-quality as their legacy demanded.
The Challenge
Managing pests in an orchard of this scale isn’t just about protecting crops—it’s about upholding a century-long reputation. Traditional pest management methods often involved broad-spectrum pesticide applications, which were expensive, time-consuming, and risked affecting the delicate balance of beneficial insects crucial to orchard health. With tourism driving much of their business, the farm sought a solution to keep their fruit flawless while embracing sustainable farming practices that resonate with eco-conscious customers.The Solution
Honeypot Hill Orchards partnered with Barn Owl Technologies to implement their modular remote insect monitoring tool. With its ability to provide real-time pest data and early detection alerts, the farm gained precise insights into insect activity across their orchard. This allowed them to act quickly, applying treatments only where and when necessary.The Results
Higher-Quality Fruit: Early pest detection reduced damage to fruit, ensuring apples met the high standards their customers expect.
Targeted, Sustainable Treatments: By monitoring pest patterns, the farm minimized pesticide use, saving costs and protecting pollinators essential for apple production.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Barn Owl’s weekly reports streamlined decision-making, allowing the team to focus on delivering unforgettable visitor experiences.
“Barn Owl Technologies has been a game-changer for us,” said the Honeypot Hill team. “Their pest monitoring tools allow us to focus on growing the highest-quality fruit while embracing sustainability, which is at the heart of our farm’s philosophy.”
Preserving a Legacy, Enhancing Experiences
With Barn Owl Technologies’ support, Honeypot Hill Orchards continues to thrive, offering visitors the sweetest apples, fresh cider donuts, and cherished memories. From their pick-your-own orchards to their hedge maze adventures, the farm is not only protecting its crops but also ensuring its cherished traditions endure for generations.Plan Your Visit
Experience the magic of Honeypot Hill Orchards for yourself! Whether you’re picking apples, conquering the hedge maze, or enjoying a hayride, the farm’s commitment to quality and sustainability shines in every moment. Visit honeypothill.com to plan your visit today. -
Prominent NY state Farm
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For organic farms, pest management presents unique difficulties. Organic pesticides are often less effective, more expensive, and highly perishable compared to their synthetic counterparts, making timing and precision essential. Traditional crop scouting methods required significant time and effort, yet daily scouting was nearly impossible due to the multitude of other tasks, such as irrigation, planting, and harvesting.
One farmer explained how scouting involved reaching out to neighboring farms for insights or analyzing climate and historical data to predict pest activity. Despite their efforts, infestations could still escalate quickly, with thousands of pests causing severe crop damage. Without an efficient tool for pest scouting, they relied on reactive, time-intensive methods that often led to increased costs and reduced crop quality.
The Solution
The introduction of Barn Owl Technologies’ automated pest monitoring tool transformed pest management for the farm. With real-time pest detection and precise identification, the system delivered actionable data that helped farmers anticipate and address pest threats early.
The Results
Advanced Early Detection: The tool identified pests, like Japanese beetles, a full week before they were visible to the naked eye. This gave the farm critical lead time to plan and execute targeted treatments.
Reduced Costs: Early warnings allowed the farm to reduce pesticide applications by 2-3 treatments per season, saving up to $900 per pest type.
Sustainable Practices: Minimizing treatments not only cut costs but also protected beneficial organisms, aligning with the farm’s commitment to sustainability.
Improved Efficiency: Farmers now spend less time on manual scouting and more on core operations, such as planting and harvesting.
One farmer shared their enthusiasm: “Barn Owl Technologies has given us a tool that changes the game for organic farming. We no longer need to rely on traditional methods or neighboring advice. The system ensures timely, precise pest management that protects both our crops and the environment.”
With the help of Barn Owl Technologies, this organic farm continues to innovate while preserving its commitment to sustainability. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the farm has achieved a new level of efficiency, cost savings, and environmental stewardship. This partnership is setting the standard for what’s possible in organic agriculture.