AN Australian-first agriculture app has given Tasmanian farmers a much-needed confidence boost before winter.
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Known as the Pasture Predictor, the app estimates how much food will grow for farm animals over the next 90 days, based on current data from the Bureau of Meteorology.
The data is viewable based on farm location and will benefit farmers in seven regions around the state, including areas in the North-West, the Midlands and the Derwent Valley.
The CSIRO, University of Tasmania and the state government came together with data company Sense-T to create the app over the course of the past two years.
CSIRO research scientist Dave Henry said the app would allow farmers to approach winter with greater knowledge than ever before.
"This gives a sense of confidence in what the future holds. And what this translates to is profit and productivity," he said.
Developer Richard Rawnsley said the app was designed with the guidance of the Tasmanian agricultural industry.
"Through the Beef and Dairy Project we worked closely with dairy farmers and industry groups such as the TFGA and DairyTas to design and develop practical solutions."
The Moat assistant farm manager Felicity Mason believes the app will become a part of a farmer's daily routine in the near future.
"This stops you from having to rely on your gut instincts alone," she said.
"I imagine that farmers will probably check the app as much as the check the Bureau of Meteorology for weather updates."