By Gerelyn Terzo, Global AgInvesting Media
Ranchbot, which is behind remote water monitoring solutions that solve real problems for ranchers, has launched a new trough monitor that will work anywhere on the planet. Trough Direct, as it’s called, is a standalone trough monitor harnessing Globalstar satellite data to support near real-time water level monitoring and consumption data through the MyRanchbot app. Launched in response to customer demand, Trough Direct operates independently from other Ranchbot monitors and sensors but with a similar mission to save ranchers time and money while protecting their cattle lifestyle.
With dual headquarters in San Antonio, Texas and Australia, Ranchbot solutions are used by thousands of ranchers across both countries. Among them, Brett Barber of Barber Ranch in Channing, Texas, which is recognized for producing purebred Hereford cattle, was an early adopter of Trough Direct. He said that the investment has already paid off, adding: “Proper watering is essential to raising a quality herd. Trough Direct gives me confidence my cattle have access to the water they need and the MyRanchbot app alerts me immediately if they don’t.”
Founded in 2016 in Australia, where the company is known as Farmbot, Ranchbot is led by Andrew Coppin, who relocated from Australia to Texas to oversee the agtech’s U.S. expansion. Coppin recently explained to GAI News how Ranchers spend hours per day driving big trucks around their land to check on water levels and livestock. Ninety-five percent of the time, neither one requires checking, but they are doing it for the 5 percent of the time that it does, emitting carbon into the atmosphere while also placing wear and tear on their vehicles.
The remote locations of many ranchlands, often lacking any cell service, make communication difficult. Satellite technology, capable of monitoring water resources anywhere, offers a solution. Ranchbot’s products makes it so ranchers no longer need to spend time driving around in blistering temperatures to check on water that doesn’t need checking, instead relying on technology to pinpoint in real time when and where there is a problem.
Trough Direct boasts features like accurate water level data, precise measurements, direct satellite connectivity without the need for cell service, and customizable event-driven alerts for issues such as water overflow and critical water levels via SMS and email via a MyRanchbot subscription.
Coppin said, “We developed Trough Direct based on the feedback of our customers to meet the very specific need of ranchers who water cattle by troughs, or drinkers. By enabling direct satellite connectivity with a trough-mounted monitor, we are able to provide near real-time water level monitoring and consumption level data ensuring your cattle are meeting their optimal water requirements no matter the stage of production.”
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