Why do you need a plate meter?
The best solution to improving the profitability of your farm is to produce more of what you can grow best AT HOME – i.e. grass.
- Your grass on your farm is your cheapest and most versatile feed.
- Effective management can increase your grass yield by 15-30%.
By regularly measuring grass with a plate meter, animals can enter the field at the right time and - more importantly - release them, according to AHDB's advice. This ensures that you can avoid both overgrazing and undergrazing, both of which can result in lower yields.
Plate meters originated in low-cost New Zealand dairy farming and are now well established in Britain. They provide an accurate weekly indication of the available grass in KgDM/Ha (kilograms of dry matter per hectare) for all grazing platforms, in which order grazing should take place and which grass should be retained.
The F200, F300 and F400 Digital models come with FREE P-Plus registration software + the all-important Grazing Wedge. Historical data can also be viewed to determine how each paddock is performing and can be improved.
With low prices for milk, beef and lamb, it is important to maximize your own agricultural resources. Plate meters help you grow grass as a crop such as corn/wheat/barley etc.
Improve grazing efficiency – Budget feed costs – Increase profitability
Plate meters measure the average grass height and density and show the yield in KgDM/Ha.
- Sword Rating– Plate meters are the most accurate way to determine the best time to enter and remove cows from the pasture
- Sward Budgeting - Planning the availability of grazing in advance and making optimal use of the grazed grass during the entire grazing season.
What are the advantages?
Accurate measurements with a plate meter enable the farmer to:-
To grow grass efficiently, you must harvest it and feed it efficiently
Advisors report that efficiency has improved by 15-30% and pasture management, feed cost budgeting and fertilizer placement have improved significantly. Pasture grass is the cheapest form of feed and the key to improving the profitability of any livestock operation.
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We export to all EU countries - including Ireland, France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Scandinavia, etc.
Export to other countries is also welcomeShipping costs to all countries are per listing.
Above the Platemeter app
The Platemeter app gives you quick and easy access to everything you need to know about the grass growing on your farm.
The Platemeter app is designed to be used withG1000Platemeter and can be easily connected to your Platemeter every time you use it.
Instead of calculating and entering formulas yourself, simply select the formulas that apply to your business and the app will break down your walking data into measurements that are easy to read and understand. Plus, you can view, edit and share your data instantly.
With a few taps on the screen you can adjust the feeding wedge according to feed demand, which is useful in the spring when pasture growth varies significantly from week to week and demand is constantly changing depending on the number of herds.
If you manage multiple farms, the composition of the grazing may vary, but with the Platemeter app you can create multiple farms, each with its own unique characteristics and formulas.
Download the free app today at:
App features:
- Use on bothApple and Android devices
- Freeno ongoing fees or licenses
- Connects quicklyand easily with your Platemeter on Apple and Android devices
- Catches and hidesindividually in paddock measures
- Gives easilyand quick-to-use average coverage measurements per paddock
- Share information quicklyfeeding wedge and grazing reports, straight from the paddock
- Change variables easilyfor region-specific measurements and improved accuracy throughout the season
- Access to historical datatoo easy grazing compared to previous months/years
- Use manuallywith any grass meter or 'eye meter'.
Frequently asked questions about the app:
How much does the app cost?
It's completely FREE, with no ongoing fees or licensing fees.
Can I use the new plate meter without the app?
Yes, the Platemeter works out of the box and provides dry matter data to the paddock.
Why use the app?
- It's free and easy to use
- With the app it is no longer necessary to write down information
- Automatic reporting for every farm walk, including the feed wedge and paddock rank report
- You can choose from a range of DairyNZ recommended regional specific dry matter correction factors that will contribute significantly to the accuracy of your measurements
Can I use the app with my old plate meter?
Yes – you need to enter data for paddock coverage or dry matter manually in the app and you can share the feed wedge and paddock ranking reports and view history.
Can I use the app with another brand of plate meters?
Yes – you need to enter data for paddock coverage or dry matter manually in the app and you can share the feed wedge and paddock ranking reports and view history.
Or you can upgrade your old plate meter to a G1000 by purchasing onenew counter.
