By Blake Wiggs

In today’s Ag economy, farmers are constantly looking for ways to optimize operations and reduce costs. One of the most effective strategies is remote irrigation management. Valley_® Irrigation is leading the charge, offering innovative solutions that improve efficiency and save money.

A grower I spoke with provided a clear perspective: when his hired hands are tied up driving to check each pivot, they can't focus on other critical farm operations. For example, he had to hire custom applicators to run spray rigs because his team was occupied with irrigation. This ended up costing him around $500 per hour to operate the spray rigs. Given that cost, investing in AgSense's remote management technology was an easy decision. Not only does it save time, but it also allows workers to focus on higher-value tasks, like running equipment. When compared to hiring a custom applicator, the math is clear—driving to pivots becomes an unnecessary expense.

The Value of Remote Irrigation Management:

Remote irrigation management offers automation features that enhance efficiency and cut costs:

• Reducing Labor Costs: Managing irrigation manually takes time and manpower. Automation minimizes manual checks, saving both time and money.
• Field Data Collection: Automated data collection on soil moisture and weather conditions supports smarter irrigation, fertilization and chemigation decisions—improving yields and reducing input costs.
• Increased Efficiency: Manage irrigation remotely, addressing issues instantly and making data-driven decisions to enhance productivity.
• Equipment Monitoring: Machine Diagnostics from Valley provides real-time data on key pivot components. Instant alerts help address issues like alignment problems, low tire pressure, drivetrain wear and water pressure variations before they escalate.

Tired of unnecessary trips to check pivots? Talk to your local Valley dealer about AgSense 365—a powerful tool that enhances farm management with:

• Instant Alerts: Receive real-time notifications to prevent costly issues.
• Remote Speed Control: Adjust pivot speed from anywhere.
• Bulk Commands: Shut down all pivots at once when rain arrives.
• Overlap Protection: Minimize crashes and downtime.
• Customizable Views: Monitor operations in map or list format.
• End Tower Pressure Monitoring: Access real-time and historical pressure data.
• Cable Theft Detection: 24/7 monitoring and instant alerts safeguard your investment.
• Reporting: Monitor field data and generate custom irrigation reports

Real-World Impact

Farmers who integrate connected technology experience lower costs, improved efficiency, and increased productivity.

One farmer I spoke with, a father of four, uses AgSense to monitor pivots and soil moisture probes. While traveling for his kids’ basketball tournaments, he simply checks his phone to confirm pivot status and shuts them down remotely if it rains—without missing a moment with his family. It’s a level of convenience and control that previous generations could only imagine.

With remote irrigation technology, you can manage your farm from the palm of your hand. The real question isn’t whether you can afford to connect your pivots—it’s whether you can afford not to. As agriculture evolves, AgSense 365 remains an essential tool for staying ahead.