Using Technology as Part of Regenerative Agriculture

When we think of regenerative agriculture, we usually focus on the earth-focused elements: using companion species, composting, etc. But something we learned from living off-grid is the value that technology can have. Even though I’ve been skeptical of “smart homes” and other similar technology, there are benefits for high-power-usage items that are not necessarily connected to other sensitive items.

Automations

Something we relied on when off-grid and have carried over into being back on-grid is automations. Using Wi-Fi switches that can be programmed has saved us an enormous amount of energy. In Upstate NY, we use heat tape and heaters to keep our water lines from freezing, but sometimes we have periods where the temperature goes above freezing. Using a combination of Wi-Fi switches with weather data, we can automate the heat tape. It also makes repairs easier; if you can turn on and off an electric fence with your phone, you don’t have to travel back and forth to control the fence. Wi-Fi lightbulbs can also help with automating lights to reduce power consumption as well without having to rewire outlets. There are a number of affordable options on Amazon.

Communication

Wi-Fi has also been useful in itself. Many farms are not in the best of signal zones, and that can be dangerous if there is an accident. Wi-Fi can help with that, but it can only go so far. That’s where mesh networks come in. A client and friend of ours helped us set up a mesh network, and we’ve carried that on. Mesh takes the signal and repeats it, so the signal stays strong even after being bounced through several nodes. If you just use an extender, it does not always maintain the strength, and you won’t get as good of results. There are affordable mesh nodes available on Amazon that work extremely well, and they make all the difference.

Monitors

Monitors can make a huge impact as well. We have a weather station that allows us to put additional sensors to monitor outdoor temps, barn temps, arena temps, and more. This weather station is connected to the Wi-Fi switches for more accurate automations, all through a free extra app. However, there are other monitors we are looking into for other elements. Compost temperature monitoring is important to make sure the compost is healthy as well. Something we’re working on is putting in monitors to watch for water leaks and other problems. These can help catch leaks or waterers accidentally left on much more quickly and sometimes can allow you to turn off the water from your phone. This is especially helpful with pasture waterers and simply to catch problems before you find a pond where it doesn’t belong. We’re still researching the best options for the money, but once we have tested them, we’ll be updating this blog post.

Energy Efficiency

Another element is simply changing out different items for more energy-efficient items. A classic example is changing traditional lights to LED, but there are other options. Believe it or not, gas and propane appliances can be more energy efficient than their electrical cousins and use less fossil fuel to directly produce heat than it takes to make the electricity to produce the heat. This sounds counter-intuitive, but it has been documented in several cases, especially water heaters and dryers (both use a lot of power). Insulation is also huge to keep temperatures regulated without energy input. There are cheap and easy options, like silicone weather stripping that sticks around door frames or window frames, and there are more expensive options. For the heat of summer, there are also small solar-powered appliances that make a big difference, such as solar-powered attic fans to vent heat out of storage buildings or barns. These can reduce the need for larger fans lower down that draw a lot more power.

Conclusion

There are many practical items and changes that can quickly pay for themselves in energy savings as well as time and worry. They can also reduce power usage, which is vital when you’re off-grid and beneficial anyway when you’re on-grid. Regenerative agriculture is all about minimizing negative impact and maximizing positive, so if these tools help with that, why not go for it?

-Emily Wright

Curious about regenerative agriculture? Contact us to book an educational event! We may offer consulting services in the future, but in the meantime, we’re just happy to help others better themselves and their farms.