The three components of the System are:

1. Geografical data
2. Alpha-numeric information 
3. Monitoring and analysis

• The first component is the geographical data of the farm and/or other areas. This dataset consists of GPS (Global Positioning System) surveyed boundaries of the management areas of the farm.  This includes field boundaries, soil potential zones, and farm infrastructure.  These data layers must be surveyed accurately as every decision that the farmer, input supplier, financial and/or insurer make, is determined by the area (hectares) of a specific farm and/or field.  If this information is incorrect every input thereafter will be wrong.

• The second component of the System is alpha-numeric information, commonly known as the "pocket book".  This information is divided into two categories: namely Static information and Dynamic information.  Static info is information such as fieldnames, hectares per field, soil types, etc.  In other words information that does not often vary.  Dynamic info is the heartbeat of the System.  All the activities that are taking place on the entities of the farm must be logged accurately and timeously.  Examples include the amount of fertiliser used per field, crop costs, cultivation costs, etc.  If you do not have this information, you cannot determine the profitability of your field.  Along with the geographic data this component forms the backbone of the System.  All the questions that are asked by the financier and/or insurer can be answered through use of this element.

• The third component is the monitoring and analysis module. Here the customer undertakes various analyses.  This information aids the farmer in determining what crops to plant where according to climate and soil potential.  By comparing yield monitor data with the input records and soil potential information, the client can calculate the profit/loss for every field/management zone on the farm.  The results can be displayed in a variety of formats including colour maps, reports or via satellite imagery.  This assists the farmer in making better-informed decisions for the following season.  Amongst others, AgriMage will supply farmers, who opt for this service, with a series of satellite images of their fields - aiding farmers in monitoring plant reaction.  It also indicates crop discolouration pointing to potential disease or shortage.

The Farm-IT Solution has 3 key areas of focus:

• The Farmer
• The Co-op and Input Supplier
• The Financial Institution

The Farmer's Solution

"MyPlaas" is the farm management System for tomorrow's farmer!  Every farmer should "measure to know".

What does "MyPlaas" offer the farmer?  Below are some key benefits and advantages of the System:

1. The System offers a one-stop solution allowing the farmer the ability to manage and record all farming activities. 
2. "MyPlaas" is both a desktop and internet driven farm management System.  On the desktop module, the farmer can record or log all the activities taking place on the farm.  Such activities include buying of input supplies, logging inputs per field, grain contracts, rainfall, yield forecasting, etc.  With the internet, the farmer can connect to his management System anytime, anywhere, provided an internet connection is available.  This enables the farmer to provide the financier with accurate information of field history for negotiation purposes.
3. A secure login to the System secures the information of the client and only he can view and/or change his information.
4. With the updating of the data to the main database, the farmer is guaranteed that a backup of his information will always be in place.
5. The System has the ability to link to other Systems such as the Co-op financial System.  This allows the user/farmer to connect directly to his account information.  He can then download his account statements, grain delivery statements and grain in stock.  The System also offers the farmer the ability to apply for certain services offered by the co-op.  Only co-ops where Farm-IT Solutions is involved supply these services.
6. The System links the geographic data such as field boundaries (GPS data) to the recordkeeping module of the System with the capability to export the information to other programs such as a financial System.
7. The System makes it possible to import yield monitoring information and other data such as satellite images.
8. Farmers also have the advantage of being able to calculate yield estimates via the System.
9. One of Farm-IT's main focus areas is ensuring that the System is as user-friendly as possible, allowing novice users to operate the System with ease.
10. Farm-IT provides the farmer the benefit of solid support and assistance when required.

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The Co-op and Input Supplier Solution

Farm-IT is able to supply the Co-Op/Input Supplier with a management System specifically tailored to meet its specific needs and requirements.  The System, while providing numerous benefits to both the Co-op and input suppliers, is asthetically designed to compliment the corporate identity of the client.

Co-ops using the System have the benefit of on-going support and assistance from Farm-IT.  This includes geographical data updates and new System development requirements.

 Benefits of the Farm-IT Co-op solution include:

1. The System provides accurate information relating to mechanical and crop cost estimations.
2. The System provides accurate information regarding both grain and livestock markets and pricing.
3. The Co-op’s on-line System is able to benefit farmers by providing information relating to seasonal scenario planning; insurance for farmers supplied by the Co-op; soil analysis; production cost comparisons and agricultural service.
4. Farmers also have the advantage of being able to calculate yield estimates via the System.
5. The System is able to provide contract information between suppliers, farmers and the relevant Co-op.
6. The System provides a platform for the formulation of credit profiles for use by Co-op staff.

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The Solution for Financial Institutions

Financial Institutions benefit from Farm-IT, by obtaining a System that is designed to meet the demands and requirements of the specific organisation.  The financier/insurer has a secure login to the System ensuring information confidentiality.

On the financier/insurer level the System provides the user with the following information:

1.      Macro level

• Information profile per region. Information is available as per a defined region which can be used to calculate risk profiles.
• Information such as total cultivated area in a district; climate information (rainfall, frost, etc.); soil information; grazing capacity and vegetation information is available.

 2.      Farm level

          With the approval of the client, the financier/insurer has the capability to access
          its client's information.  This aids in:

• Determining benchmarking between farm information and the region profile.
• Making payments on certain milestones by the client (project management).
• The ability to conduct a risk analysis of the profile of a client in relation to the regional profile.

 3.      Other

• The System can be used as a marketing tool, plotting current customers against regional profiles.
• The System is able to provide the client with the ability to apply for products such as insurance per field, no claim bonuses, etc.
• The System offers the benefit of facilitating e-commerce.

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