AI-driven tool optimises water management and energy efficiency for farmers
The AgMonitor platform, an innovative AI-powered decision-support tool simplifies complex processes like irrigation scheduling and water reporting.
With backing from the California Energy Commission (CEC), this technology improves sustainability and lowers costs for growers, especially in California’s disadvantaged agricultural communities.
Precision farming with real impact
From 2019 to 2023, farms participating in the AgMonitor project achieved a remarkable improvement in irrigation precision—from 70% to over 90%. By leveraging advanced data analysis, the platform not only reduces water, fertiliser, and energy consumption but also generates significant cost savings. For example, Olam Farming Inc., a major grower in the San Joaquin Valley, saved $100,000 in one summer by irrigating during off-peak hours.
“AgMonitor’s solutions align agricultural and energy sector goals,” said Jonah Steinbuck, Director of Energy Research and Development at the CEC. “By optimizing resource use, this tool delivers measurable benefits like lower costs and reduced environmental impact.”
Innovative approaches to groundwater management
The platform also supports compliance with California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) by offering low-cost methods to measure and report water usage. Terranova Ranch, a pioneer in groundwater recharge, documented banking over 18,000 acre-feet of water using AgMonitor’s redundant data systems. “Data is great, but getting actionable answers is what matters most,” noted Don Cameron, President of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
