Notice Board ...
Weather
So much is said about “the weather” by both experts and lay people, all sure that they have an opinion worthy of interest. Ultimately of course the weather will be the weather, seemingly at times, focused just on your very own property.
Can you do anything? Yes, of course you can and to very good effect.
Follow the broad picture through the media.
Use the internet services (many free) to “get local “and look out for warnings.
Engage with various weather providers and purchase specific data applicable to your site /operation. Some of these providers offer very cost effective “live service” which has the potential to reduce losses.
Operate and record data from your own on-site weather station. Again digital technology has stepped in and even quite sophisticated mini stations are very well priced.
At the very least monitor and record temperature, humidity, rainfall on a twice daily basis.
On-site data interfaced with your nearest “official” weather station will soon provide useful information that can be managed to good advantage.
IPM Services operates over a very large area and consequently has to pay very special attention to all aspects of weather reporting and recording. Talk to Alistair about ways in which you can “work with the weather”.
Digital cameras
What a valuable tool this is proving to be for so many growers. If you are in doubt about plant condition, how easy is it to take a few shots and email to IPMServices for advice. Depending on time and research there may be a cost. However quicker intervention can make huge savings.
Use it for monitoring and recording many situations within your operation; both on the Macro and Micro scene. With a well organised computer folder/filing system it will soon become apparent how useful the camera can be. Once again initial outlay can be minimal for a model that will perform all the tasks you can dream up.
Housekeeping
The groaning is almost audible from here!! Perhaps just a few bullet points.
- Have a plan and have everyone share in it on a regular basis.
- It does save costs even if at first they seem a bit evasive. Stay with it.
- There is a feel good factor. Believe it.
- Dispose of dead or dying plant material as soon as possible.
- Dispose of chemical containers. Refer www.agrecovery.co.nz for advice.
- Stagnant water; eliminate all potential sources.
- Maintain an effective weed eradication program. Keep clear access around unavoidable open water areas.
- Tidy is safer. Safe work sites keep accident rates down and we all know what that can mean.
HELP THE TEAM TO KEEP IT CLEAN
If you have something useful you would like to share on the “notice board” contact us and we can stick it up.