Better answers to weather related questions

Farmers can make better farming decisions based on accurate weather information

As farmers one of the variables that has the biggest impact on productions, but that farmers have the least control over, is the weather.  But as technology improves and becomes more affordable, and our understanding of the science of weather increases, farmers may be better able to adapt their farm plan based on weather.

Two separate breakout sessions on weather were held at the 2015 Farms.com Precision Agriculture Conference in London, Ontario in February. 

The first presentation was delivered by Ian Nicols of Weather Innovations Consulting.  The company has  roots at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus.  Weather Innovations Consulting conducts weather-based modelling for different commodity groups and companies in Canada, with the goal of bringing farmers the best information possible.

Image of an on-farm weather station (Courtesy Weather Innovations Consulting)

With new and more affordable equipment, Nicols says that better forecasting is available.  Better fungicide timing is one of the key strengths of the Weather Innovations Consulting offering, but the modelling now includes data on diseases and insects, as well as soil moisture management and harvest timing.  The information can also be helpful when dealing with insurance.  

One of the innovative techniques being used is Citizen Weather Reporting.  Nicols says there are over 800 citizen scientists, a number of them farmers, with rain gauges that report rainfall in micro areas on a regular basis.  With computer technology all of that information can be quickly tabulated and  used to help forecasters and farmers make better decisions about spraying, harvest, etc. 

More information on Weather Innovations Consulting: http://www.weatherinnovations.com/index.cfm. 

Image of a modern rain gauge (Courtesy Weather Innovations Consulting)