Rural connectivity: ‘Opened up a whole new world to us’
An Australian renewable energy company has trialled rural internet via satellite, transforming cattle farming for Chris and Kim Whale, and introducing them to the joys of binge watching TV.
Farmers Chris and Kim Whale have suddenly found a new world of remote control and connectivity after finally being hooked on to the internet.
“Oh, and we have just binge watched Peaky Blinders,” Mrs Whale said.
The couple’s 1800 acre cattle property at Gollan, near Wellington, has just been linked to the internet via satellite as part of a trial by Squadron Energy.
“The satellite links to a dish on a pylon on the hill that beams to a bore 2km away,” said Mr Whale.
“I get a warning on my phone when the tanks are empty and I know to turn the pumps on because the cattle are thirsty and I have a leak.”
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The internet connection has also allowed them to put in cameras to track wild dogs in real time and security cameras on their property while they are away.
“It has opened up a whole new world to us,” Mrs Whale said. “There are apps we can use now (that) allow us to weigh cattle in the paddock so that we know when they are ready for processing.”
It will also allow Mrs Whale to run her accountancy business remotely from home rather than having to travel on dirt roads to other farms.
“There is also a safety aspect of having a mobile phone connection because people are often getting flat tires on the dirt road and need to call for help,” Mrs Whale said.
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Squadron Energy have connected the Whales by satellite ahead of a major wind farm project that will put more than 100 wind turbines through the neighbouring hills.
The Whales will have 10 turbines on their farm.
“It has effectively drought proofed the farm,” Mr Whales said. “I wish we had had them earlier before the last drought.”
Originally published as Rural connectivity: ‘Opened up a whole new world to us’
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