Using drones to improve pasture quality assessment on a dairy farm.

This project is investigating whether drones equipped with multi-spectral cameras can offer a faster and more efficient way to measure pasture quality and quantity, thereby improving grazing management. The core idea is to leverage advancements in drone technology to rapidly collect data that's traditionally gathered manually, like using plate meters and sward sticks. The main goals are to evaluate if these Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can effectively predict pasture metrics and if the data they collect can supplement or even replace current manual methods. Ultimately, the aim is to provide farmers with reliable information to inform grazing decisions, prevent overgrazing, and boost overall efficiency.

The project will also contribute to the Sustainable Land Management outcomes including:

• Resilient and productive farms
• Reduce, reuse and recycle inputs, nutrients and waste
• Reduce on farm emissions and maximise carbon sequestration
• Protect and enhance the farm ecosystem