The Sky Muster Satellite is positively viewed not only as a tool to end the rural digital divide in Australia, but also to usher in the Internet of Things (IoT) technology that will allow farmers to connect modern devices to the Internet to improve their agricultural operations.
IoT technology also enables Aussie farmers to leverage the Internet in reducing waste, enhancing pest control, streamlining livestock management, increasing productivity, and many more.
While farmers are challenged by rising expenses and limited resources, new IoT technologies offer opportunities to reduce costs and maximise yields from available agricultural resources. Here are some insightful information on how the Sky Muster can bring IoT in rural Australia:
Greenhouse Climate Control
The climatic parameters inside a greenhouse including temperature, humidity, light intensity, and soil moisture can now be monitored accurately using various sensors which are linked to electrical systems that can trigger alerts as well as automate control processes for air and water regulation. The system can also be configured to look for early signs of crop pestilence or infection. The data that are collected through the network of sensors are stored online using cloud computing and IoT technology providing the owner with real time information.
Precise Agriculture
Global Positioning System (GPS) Internet tracking system is very important in precision agriculture that aids in planting accurate rows of crops, applying nutrients, and other agricultural inputs in order to grow more crops in a wide range of soil environments. It enables farmers to effectively manage land, water, seed, fertilizer, and labour. This system can significantly minimise wastes, increase crop yields, and control environmental concerns. A recent Google commissioned research reports that the widespread use of GPS-based precision irrigation can effectively save around  $8 to $22 billion worth of water worldwide.

Food Safety and Delivery
Through the Sky Muster satellite Internet service, the entire Australian food supply chain from the farm to the market can become even more connected. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) can be used to tag food products and items for tracking and tracing, which can help boost the level of security, transparency, and consumer loyalty. Through RFID and other location-based sensors, delivery of goods and perishables such as vegetables can be easily monitored online during transportation and storage to enforce process compliance and reduce the cost of food safety management.

Livestock Management
With the growing public pressure to reduce prices and raise their livestock in a more humane manner, Aussie farmers are now turning to the IoT technology for solutions. Through IoT, they are able to embed Internet connected sensors on their livestock without causing them discomfort. Using these sensors, farmers can monitor the overall health of the animals and quickly provide treatment. GPS technology is also used to help track the animal’s location to better account for their livestock.

The NBN’s Sky Muster satellite brings better satellite Internet connectivity to regional Australia. To get onboard Sky Muster, call Activ8me today 13 22 88 or visit the Sky Muster Satellite Plans page from Activ8me.
image courtesy of sbs.com.au