Farmers vs. Weather: Outsmarting the Weather for Better Yields
Farming Through the Seasons | FruitCast
At FruitCast, we love to challenge farming stereotypes, but there’s one that will always hold true ... farmers are always talking about the weather. This love-hate relationship with the elements has been a constant throughout history. But why is weather, such a critical topic for farmers? Because it directly impacts every aspect of their work, from crop growth to harvest timing. For farmers, the weather isn’t just small talk; it’s a key factor in their success.
Weather plays a crucial role in forecasting berry yields. We integrate data from the world’s leading weather systems with our yield forecasts to help farmers identify the optimal harvest days. Unlike public weather services, which provide general area information, we provide specific temperature conditions for each farm's microclimates, giving us a more precise understanding. By correlating FruitCast’s data with historical and current weather patterns, we significantly enhance the accuracy of our yield forecasts.
Outsmarting the Weather for Better Yields
Outsmarting the weather is no small task, but with the right tools, farmers can gain a decisive edge. FruitCast’s technology goes beyond basic weather reports by offering hyper-localised data tailored to each farm’s unique conditions. Whether it’s tracking temperature fluctuations, rainfall, or humidity, we provide farmers with real-time insights into how these variables influence berry development. This enables growers to make proactive decisions that optimise yield potential, even in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.
"Strawberries are highly sensitive to temperature, good irrigation and light, and these factors directly affect everything from growth, size and sweetness. By integrating precise, localised weather data with our berry count technology, we give farmers the ability to anticipate how weather will impact their crop in real time. This allows them to make informed decisions on the best time to harvest, ultimately optimising both yield and quality."
Dr Raymond Martin our CTO at FruitCast
The Perfect Storm
Farmers have the ability to adjust and manage their crop conditions to support strawberry growth throughout the season. Monitoring weather and temperature changes is essential for protecting crops and ensuring optimal nutritional development.
Achieving the right balance of elements; temperature, sunlight and irrigation plays a crucial role in a successful crop. Too much or too little of any one factor can hinder growth or affect the quality of the fruit. By carefully managing these conditions, farmers can create the ideal environment for strawberries to thrive, leading to higher yields and better quality fruit.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Strawberries
Strawberries generally thrive in moderate temperatures, with an ideal daytime range of 15 to 27°C and slightly more forgiving nighttime temperatures, ideally above 4°C. Temperatures exceeding 27°C can lead to excessive heat stress, damaging the berries and reducing their quality. To mitigate this, many farmers turn to polytunnel or glasshouse systems, which help regulate temperature, shield crops from harsh winds and frost, and create a controlled environment. While these structures provide precise temperature management, they may lead to irregular light dissipation. However, they remain a valuable tool for maintaining ideal growing conditions and optimising strawberry yields.
In addition to temperature regulation, strawberries require 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight or artificial light for optimal growth. In UK irrigation-based systems, consistent moisture and moderate humidity are critical for optimal strawberry growth, particularly during the fruiting period. Precision irrigation methods, such as drip systems, help maintain the ideal moisture balance, ensuring plants receive adequate hydration without waterlogging. Over-watering is a common risk and should be avoided, as it can create conditions conducive to fungal diseases and mildew, which are prevalent in the UK’s typically humid climate. By closely monitoring soil moisture levels and adjusting irrigation accordingly, growers can promote healthy strawberry development while minimizing disease risks.
Maintaining these conditions promotes strong growth, healthy plants, and high-quality strawberries.
Note: the above ideal temperatures and times are specific to each biology and will fluctuate depending on the environment and conditions.
FruitCast provides its customers with real-time insights into these critical factors, alerting you to any significant weather or environmental changes that could impact your crop, ensuring you are always prepared and protected, farmers can make informed decisions that help optimise yield and ensure the highest quality strawberries, no matter what the weather brings.
Join the FruitCast Community Today
Becoming part of the FruitCast community means joining a group of forward-thinking farmers who are redefining success in agriculture. The future of farming is data-driven, and FruitCast is here to help you harness the power of your data. With spots filling up quickly for 2025, now is the time to secure your place and start realising the potential of technology-driven agriculture.
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