Tom & Georgie Ward

Swinging Bridge Wines

Tom and Georgie Ward have 06 hectares of vineyard on cool, dry slopes at 900m. Their new Agtech – soil moisture probes, water tank monitors and a weather station – delivers precise, accessible data to help produce premium grapes and wines.

Challenges

Public weather data failed to reflect local conditions.
No capacity to remotely check pumps or water tanks to confirm successful irrigation.
Lack of accurate real-time weather data to inform disease management.

Actions

Tom decided to explore Agtech encouraged by consultant Liz Riley.
He identified goals and pain points through a workshop run by the Farms of the Future.
He formed a strong relationship with a supplier who talked him through his options.

Solution

Tom & Georgie invested in Wi-Fi connected sensors that sync with computer and phone apps. These include:

01.

Soil moisture probes to measure moisture levels to 1m depth at 10cm increments.

02.

Weather station for real-time hyperlocal monitoring of temperature, humidity, wind speed and Delta T.

03.

Water tank monitors to show levels and usage.

hours saved per vintage

20%

reduction in water use

$2.5k

saved in chemicals per vintage

Benefits

Soil moisture probes and tank level monitors show real-time proof of irrigation.
Weather station data ensures safe spraying and optimal disease management.
Mobile apps allow fast, informed decision-making on and off the farm.
Online data provides peace of mind when travelling or on holidays.