Matthew Ipsen is Driving Innovation in Farming with Jane’s Weather at Ipsen Pastoral Company

For Matthew Ipsen, a farmer, CFA (Country Fire Authority) member, and 2013 Nuffield Scholar, combining innovation with practical tools is essential. Operating Ipsen Pastoral Company in Wareek, Victoria, Matthew has not only embraced modern agricultural technologies but also contributed valuable feedback to shape a few of them. As a Jane’s Weather PRO founding member, Matthew is helping to refine weather solutions that benefit farmers.

Here’s how Matthew uses Jane’s Weather to enhance decision-making in farming.

The Challenge is Reliable Weather Data for Critical Decisions

Emergency Services Support
As a CFA member, Matthew relies on the Spot Weather Forecast provided by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) for fire danger predictions. However, he sees potential in Jane’s Weather’s AI Forecast model and hyper-local forecasts to provide even more actionable data for emergency services in the future.

Spray Forecast Accuracy
On the farm, Matthew needs precise weather data for spray applications, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and providing robust records when required.

Streamlined Integrations
Matthew uses AgriWebb for livestock and farm management. He’s eager to explore integrations between Jane’s Weather and AgriWebb’s spray logger to simplify operations and enhance his record-keeping in the future.

Weather Station Compatibility
With DAVIS weather stations, Matthew suggested Jane’s Weather investigate potential workarounds to enable easier integration. Jane's Weather and DAVIS are exploring easier ways for our users to integrate.

The Solution is Jane’s Weather PRO

Matthew say's Jane’s Weather PRO is a powerful tool keeping his farming operations weather ready. By leveraging hyper-local forecast data and actionable insights, he’s optimising decision-making and enhancing productivity.

Key Features Matthew Relies On

1. Spray Forecasts
   Matthew values the spray forecast tool for its precision, which helps him;
   • Identify optimal weather conditions for chemical applications at a glance in his Jane's Weather 'Threat Toolbox'.
   • Log spray events accurately for legal and compliance purposes with the observation data in his 'NOW' section of Jane's Weather.
2. Hyper-Local Forecasts
   Jane’s Weather provides highly accurate data tailored to Matthew’s property, allowing him to confidently plan farm operations.
3. Fire Danger Index (Future Feature)
   Matthew is advocating for a Fire Danger Index within Jane’s Weather, recognising its potential to better support CFA operations by providing actionable fire risk data for Victoria’s variable conditions.
4. Collaborative Feedback and Integration
   Matthew’s insights have guided Jane’s Weather’s exploration of integrations with AgriWebb, DAVIS and other farm management platforms with a focus on improving workflows for, particularly for spray logging and operational efficiency.
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The Results are Empowered Farmers

Since adopting Jane’s Weather PRO, Matthew has experienced;

1. Improved Operational Precision
   Hyper-local spray forecasts ensure compliance and reduce wasted resources, saving time and money.
2. Better Safety and Risk Management
   With access to reliable weather data, Matthew is better equipped to make critical decisions on his farm.
3. Enhanced Collaboration
   By actively engaging with Jane’s Weather, Matthew is influencing the development of tools that benefit not just his farm but the wider agricultural and emergency services communities.

“Jane’s Weather is a vital tool for farming with huge potential to cross over to emergency services. Its precision and agnostic approach to integrations and partnerships is inspiring.”

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