Virgin Media O2 used RSPAWIR funding to build a private 5G Network at Overbury Farm near Tewkesbury to provide high grade data connectivity.
The private network covered a large part of the farm and served the following use cases.
- Pest detection – Using camera traps and edge AI to identify the species and volume of both invasive and beneficial insects. The cameras were deployed within the grain store and outdoors in different field environments.
- Animal Health – Water level sensors were installed in water troughs around the farm and its associated stud to ensure there was always sufficient water available to keep the thoroughbred racehorses hydrated.
- Irrigation – Soil Moisture sensors were installed to service part of the farm’s beetroot crop to demonstrate the water saving and crop yield benefits of precision irrigation.
- Water Quality – Sensors like those deployed along the river Clun and Lugg were deployed on the Carrant Brook to measure the degree of Nitrate run off from the farm’s activities.
- Liquid Fertiliser – Sensors were attached to the farms fertilizer tanks to monitor the liquid levels and detect leaks.
- Telematics – The 5G capability allowed a tractor which was included as part of a separate telematics trial with Tallis Amos to upload its data wirelessly saving time and energy.
The network also served legacy weather monitoring equipment.