How does your garden grow? Check out the Grassometer

A new device which enables farmers to easily measure the height and density of their grass using a smartphone app is set to be launched next month by Co Mayo-based company Monford Ag Systems.

Designed in California, the Grassometer is suitable for all geographical terrains in Ireland and offers a simple, scientific way for a farmer to analyse their paddock.

Attached to a welly, the device takes ultrasound readings as a farmer walks around a field. This information can then be analysed using a smartphone app and computer software.

Cross-references
This information will tell the farmer if it is time to move the cows in or if the grass is ready for silage, as well as enabling cross-references with stored historical data.

Company chief executive and film producer Steven Lock came up with the concept for the Grassometer while making the documentary A Year on the Land .

"Making A Year on the Land , we followed 24 farmers for 12 months and an issue which sprang up constantly was them being told they should measure their grass but struggling to do so," he said.

“Most farmers don’t measure their grass because they tend to know how much there is. The Grassometer enables them to properly analyse their measurements and then compare with other farmers.

“Somebody might be happy with their paddock but then realise they’ve got a lot less grass than the farmer down the road, and from there they can go about making improvements.”

The Grassometer was designed by Jerry Manock, the man who designed the first Apple Mac computer. "Jerry has been fantastic," Mr Lock added. "He is a very experienced designer, he's very functional, and has been a pleasure to work with.

"When making A Year on the Land it was striking how many farmers have sheds full of broken, plastic equipment. It was important the Grassometer was properly designed, which is where Jerry came in."

The device has received funding from Enterprise Ireland, as well as Glanbia foods and private investors from New Zealand.

Huge savings
It will retail at €1,600 plus VAT but it is expected to help farmers make significant savings.

"Teagasc [the Agricultural and Food Development Authority] says proper grass management is worth €120 per cow. If you have 100 cows and you're managing your grass properly, the savings are huge."