NEW TECH FOODS

Agritech start-up Aimer Farming has officially launched Aimer Vision, a pioneering AI-driven toolset designed to transform pasture management for dairy farmers. The introduction of this technology comes as Aimer continues to expand its presence in the dairy sector, having already established a user base of over 170 farms across New Zealand and Australia.

Aimer Vision employs advanced machine vision techniques to provide farmers with accurate assessments of pasture cover, achieving approximately 90% accuracy through a rapid five-second scan using a standard smartphone. This innovation aims to streamline the traditionally labour-intensive process of pasture measurement, which often requires hours of manual labour.

Jeremy Bryant, founder and chief technology officer of Aimer Farming, noted that traditional methods of measuring pasture are not only time-consuming but also inconsistent. “Aimer Vision delivers instant, AI-powered insights using a smartphone, allowing farmers to optimise grazing, reduce waste and improve profitability,” he said.

According to industry estimates, the effective use of Aimer Vision could enhance farm profits by up to $400 per hectare, potentially adding between $60,000 and $80,000 in annual revenue for an average-sized dairy farm.

The tool was initially available to a select group of farms during a beta phase funded by an Agmardt Agribusiness Innovation Grant. After analysing 15,000 video scans from various grazing seasons, Aimer is now poised for a broader launch that could impact New Zealand's $20 billion dairy sector. The company is also gathering data in Ireland to facilitate future European market entry.

Aimer Vision's user-friendly application aims to address ongoing labour shortages in the agricultural sector by making pasture measurement accessible to all farmers. This capability is crucial as the dairy industry faces increasing challenges related to labour availability and rising operational costs.

The application also provides predictive insights, allowing farmers to forecast pasture growth up to 21 days in advance. This feature enhances planning and resource allocation, ultimately contributing to increased farm productivity. By creating a ‘digital twin’ of each paddock, Aimer Vision learns growth rate patterns and offers tailored recommendations, from feed supplement levels to grazing plans.

Phil Townend, chief commercial officer at Aimer Farming, highlighted the broader implications of Aimer Vision. “The potential impact extends well beyond the farm gate,” he commented. “Aimer is building the world's largest pasture productivity database, which could assist global food corporations in measuring sustainability from farm to product.”